How to Add a Printer in Mac OS

Adding Printers to Apple Computers such as iMacs and Macbooks

Prerequisites: Know How to use an Apple Computer 

Difficulty Level: Member • Nerd • Platypus

Estimated Time: 10 Minutes

Expected Outcome: Be able to Print from your Apple Computer

Tools Required: Apple Computer 

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Some network printers may require you to install a configuration profile so that the printer can be discovered on your network using AirPrint. If you are provided a profile to install, download or copy the printer profile to your Mac and then install it.

  1. On your Mac, double-click the profile to open it.

  2. When you see a message asking if you want to install the profile, click Continue.

  3. When a message appears asking you to confirm that you want to install the profile, click Install.

    The profile is installed in the Profiles pane of System Preferences. You can then add the printer to your printer list.

  4. To add your printer to the printer list, choose Apple menu  > System Preferences, then click Printers & Scanners .

  5. Click the Add button , then click the Default button .

    The Add Printer dialog showing the default options for selecting a printer and adding a name, location, and the User pop-up menu for choosing the printer type.
  6. Select the printer (listed as an AirPrint Profile) in the Printers list, then click Add.

    If your printer doesn’t appear in the list, make sure you have the latest profile for the printer installed and that there is a network path for your computer to the printer. Check with your network administrator for the latest profile.