How to Connect and Save Documents as PDF Before Printing on Mac

To print documents from your Mac, you first need to set up your printer for use with the device. If you haven't set up your printer yet, you'll need to decide on the connection method before printing. If your printer supports AirPrint, you can print wirelessly without installing any software. However, not all connection scenarios are handled the same way, so you should check whether to connect via cable or AirPrint based on the printer and Mac's conditions. If you don't have a printer, you can opt to save your documents as PDFs instead.

Key Conditions to Check Before Printing

The first step in printing is to ensure that your printer is set up to work with your Mac. The setup method varies depending on the type of connection. You need to distinguish between connecting the printer via cable and printing wirelessly using AirPrint. Refer to the provided manual when setting up with the printer, as it will guide you on how to set up either a cable or wireless connection.

• If the printer connects to the Mac via cable, check the cable connection method.
• If the printer supports AirPrint and can connect wirelessly, verify the AirPrint connection.
• If you're unsure which method to use, refer to the manual that came with the printer.
• If you don't know which port to use on your Mac, check Apple's support document 'Identifying Ports on Your Mac.'

Connecting Your Printer to Mac via Cable

If you have a printer that connects to your Mac, use a cable to establish the connection. The cable must be suitable for the connection conditions between the printer and the Mac. You may need an adapter when connecting the cable to your Mac's port. Whether an adapter is necessary depends on the type of cable and the port on your Mac, so check these conditions before proceeding.

Generally, printers connect to USB-A, USB-C, Thunderbolt, or Ethernet ports depending on the printer, cable, and Mac's port. This list does not imply that all Macs use only one type of port; rather, it means that the connection target varies based on the combination of printer, cable, and Mac's port. If you're unsure which port to use or what ports are available on your Mac, refer to Apple's support document 'Identifying Ports on Your Mac.' After confirming the port and cable conditions, proceed to connect the printer and Mac.

Connecting Wirelessly with AirPrint

If your printer supports AirPrint, you can connect it to your Mac either via cable or wirelessly. The wireless connection using AirPrint involves setting up the AirPrint printer on the same network as your Mac. Therefore, if you choose a wireless connection, first confirm that your printer supports AirPrint and then set it up on the same network as your Mac. For specific setup instructions, refer to the manual that came with the printer.

Since Macs support AirPrint, you can print wirelessly with compatible printers without needing to install additional software. The prerequisite is that the printer must be compatible and support AirPrint. If you're unsure about AirPrint support, check the manual that came with your printer. Once confirmed, ensure that the AirPrint printer is set up on the same network as your Mac.

Options to Check When Printing

After setting up the printer for use with your Mac, you can proceed to print your document. When printing, you can adjust the paper size and orientation. If the printer supports color, you can choose between color or black and white printing, and you can also select whether to print double-sided. Therefore, after completing the connection setup, check the print options for the appropriate paper size, orientation, color mode, and double-sided printing.

Saving as PDF When You Don't Have a Printer

In apps that support printing, you can save documents as PDFs without needing separate PDF software. Open the print dialog by pressing Command + P, click the PDF button at the bottom left, then name your file and save it. If you open the popup menu next to PDF, select 'Save as PDF.' Choose based on whether you intend to print on paper or send the file electronically.

1. Open the document and press Command + P to open the print dialog.
2. If printing on paper, select the printer, number of copies, and pages to print, then click Print.
3. If saving as a file, use the PDF button or select 'Save as PDF' from the PDF menu.
4. Name the PDF file and then save it.

• Before printing, confirm that the printer is set up for use with your Mac.
• If you chose a cable connection, connect the printer to your Mac with a cable and check if an adapter is needed for your Mac's port.
• Depending on the cable and Mac's port conditions, you can use USB-A, USB-C, Thunderbolt, or Ethernet ports; if unsure, refer to 'Identifying Ports on Your Mac.'
• If you chose a wireless connection, confirm that the printer supports AirPrint and set it up on the same network as your Mac.
• If you don't have a printer or don't need a physical output, choose to save the document as a PDF.
• In the print options, check the paper size and orientation, color or black and white, and whether to print double-sided.

Printing Documents on Mac - Apple Support (KR)