Printing, Apple, Add a Network Printer on macOS

Use this guide when setting up a new Mac, connecting to a different printer, or reinstalling a printer that is no longer available.

 HOW-TO GUIDE 

How to Add a Network Printer on macOS

This guide provides step-by-step instructions for adding and configuring a printer on a Mac. It will help users connect to available network or departmental printers so they can print documents from their macOS device.


Reading time: 5 minutes

Audience: Faculty and Staff

Instructions

1. Open System Settings.

Open Apple System Settings

2. Click Printers & Scanners in the left sidebar.

Click Printers & Scanners in System Settings sidebar

3. Click Add Printer, Scanner, or Fax…

Click Add Printer, Scanner, or Fax... in Printer & Scanner settings

4. Click Advanced.

Click Advanced in Printer settings

  • If Advanced does not appear in your toolbar:
    • Right-click the Default icon in the toolbar.
    • Choose Customize Toolbar... from the menu that appears.
    • Drag the Advanced (gear icon) to the toolbar.

5. In the Type section, select LPD/LPR Host or Printer.

Select LPD/LPR Host or Printer

6. Set the URL as lpd://vetprint.vetmed.illinois.edu/PrinterName (the printer's name should be displayed on the printer).

Enter the printers URL

7. Rename the printer to something memorable in the Name section and add the Location of the printer.

Friendly printer name and location

8. Select Generic PostScript Printer in the Use dropdown.

Select Generic PostScript Printer in the Use dropdown menu

9. Click Add.

Click Add

10. Enable Duplex Printing Unit, then click OK.

Enable Duplex Printing

11. The printer has now been added to your computer.

The printer has now been added

Additional Information

Troubleshooting

Mac Cannot Connect to the Printer

Possible Causes:
  • Incorrect printer address.
  • Network connectivity issues.
Troubleshooting Steps:
  1. Verify you are connected to the appropriate university network.
  2. Confirm the printer's URL or hostname is correct.
  3. Remove the printer from your Mac and attempt to add it again.

Printer Shows as Offline

Possible Causes:
  • The printer is disconnected from the network.
  • The Mac has lost its connection to the printer.
  • The printer's IP address has changed.
Troubleshooting Steps:
  1. Confirm that the printer is powered on and connected to the network.
  2. Verify that your Mac is connected to the university network.
  3. Restart the printer and try printing again.

Need additional assistance?

Contact IT@VetMed: it@vetmed.illinois.edu



Keywords:
How To Guide printer install add setup vetprint printing apple Mac 
Doc ID:
165395
Owned by:
Michael P. in UI College of Veterinary Medicine
Created:
2026-11-10
Updated:
2026-11-10
Sites:
University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine