How to Install Mac Printer Drivers

Techwalla may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Learn more about our affiliate and product review process here.

How to Install Mac Printer Drivers. Mac OS X supports many different types of printers, but you might have an additional printer you want to install. To do this, you will need to install software called a "driver." Install a driver like you would with any other software you use on your Mac.

Advertisement

Install Mac Driver and Printer

Video of the Day

Step 1

Acquire the Mac printer driver either by downloading it or getting it on CD. Most printers come with the drivers needed to run the printer. You can also check the printer manufacturer's website to get the correct drivers.

Advertisement

Video of the Day

Step 2

Be sure that your printer is connected to your Mac and turned on. Reboot your computer if you connected the printer after your last reboot.

Step 3

Double click on the .dmg or installer file for the driver. If you got the software on CD instead of downloading it, load the CD into your Mac and then double click on the .dmg file. This is called "unpacking" the software.

Advertisement

Step 4

"Mount" the printer driver by copying the files to your hard drive. To do this, just drag and drop the files into the folder where you want to save your software. The Mac will then copy the files to the location you specified.

Step 5

Follow any further instructions the installation software gives you to complete the installation process.

Advertisement

Step 6

"Eject" the .dmg or installer file. To do this, drag the file from your desktop into the trash can.

Step 7

Open the Print Center on your Mac and then click the "ALT" key and "Add" at the same time. You should see a list of printers that includes the one you are installing. Choose this printer and click the "Add" button in the dialog box.

Advertisement

Step 8

Reboot your computer if you do not see the printer on the list. Be sure that the printer is turned on and connected to your Mac first.

Step 9

Your printer might already be on the printer list before you install the manufacturer software. If this is the case, remove it from the printer list before you install the software. Then add the printer back to the list.

Advertisement

Advertisement