University Computer Help Desk

Setting the default printer in Mac OS X

If you have more than one printer installed in Mac OS X, you can set one as your default printer.

When you print in Mac OS X, your computer will automatically send the print job to the default printer. To set the default printer in Mac OS X, do the following:
  1. Click Apple Icon > System Preferences....
  2. Click Print & Fax.
  3. Do one of the following:
    • In Mac OS X 10.3 and 10.4, click the drop-down menu labeled Selected Printer in Print Dialog and select the desired printer.
    • In Mac OS X 10.5, click the drop-down menu labeled Default Printer and select the desired printer.
  4. Close the Print & Fax window.
The printer you selected is now set as the default printer.