2 Simple Ways to Print a Document From Your Computer

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A step-by-step guide to printing a document from your Windows or Mac computer

Written by Rain Kengly

Last Updated: December 5, 2024 Fact Checked

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Using Windows

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Using Mac

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Q&A

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Tips

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Warnings

Do you have important documents or school assignments to print? You can easily print a file if you have a computer and a working printer. Be sure your printer is updated and connected to your computer. If it's wireless, make sure it's on the same Wi-Fi network. You'll be able to print a variety of files, such as PDF, Word documents, Excel spreadsheets, and more. This wikiHow will show you how to print a document using your Windows or Mac computer.

Printing Documents on Windows or Mac

Make sure your printer is updated, connected, and turned on. It must be added to your computer's devices.
On Windows, open the document. Press "Ctrl" + "P" to open the print menu. Adjust the settings, and then click "Print".
On Mac, open the document. Press "CMD" + "P" to open the print menu. Adjust the settings, and then click "Print".

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Using Windows

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1
Make sure that your printer is connected and turned on. If your printer connects over Wi-Fi, this will mean making sure that you're on the same Internet network as your printer; otherwise, you'll need to plug your printer's USB cable into your computer.
- Check your printer's manual to confirm how to set it up if you haven't already done so.
- Be sure to update your printer drivers.
- Don't have a printer? Find out where wikiHow readers go to print documents for free at our "Where can I print something near me for free (don't own a printer)" forum!
2
Open the document you want to print. This could be a PDF, Word document, Excel spreadsheet, or even photos.
- Use the File Explorer to find the file if needed.
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3
On your keyboard, press Ctrl+P. This is the keyboard shortcut to open the print menu.
- You can also manually open the print menu by clicking the printer icon.
- In some apps, you'll need to click File and then Print.
- The print menu may look different depending on the application used to open your file.
4
Select your printer. Click the "Printer" drop-down box, then click your printer's name.
- If you don't see your printer, you'll need to add it.
5
Select a number of copies. In the "Copies" box, type in the number of copies of the document that you'd like to print.
- This is different than the number of pages.
6
Edit other print settings. The menu for each document type will vary, but you'll have the following options for most documents:
- Orientation: Determine whether your document is oriented vertically or horizontally.
- Color: Decide between printing in black and white or including color printing. You must have colored ink in your printer to print in color.
- Number of sides - Choose single-sided printing to print one sheet of paper per page, or choose double-sided printing to use both sides of a piece of paper.
It's either at the bottom of the window or at the top of the window. Your document will begin printing.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Using Mac

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1
Make sure that your printer is connected and turned on. If your printer connects over Wi-Fi, this will mean making sure that you're on the same Internet network as your printer; otherwise, you'll need to plug your printer's USB cable into your computer.
- Be sure to update your printer drivers.
2
Open the document you want to print. This could be a PDF, Word document, Pages document, or even pictures.
- Use the Finder to find the file if needed.
3
On your keyboard, press ⌘ Command+P. This is the keyboard shortcut to open the print menu.^{[1]
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- You can also click File at the top toolbar and then Print.
- The print menu may look different depending on the application used to open your file.
Click the "Printer" drop-down box, then click your printer's name in the drop-down menu.
Choose the number in the "Copies" field.
6
Edit other print settings. Click Show Details to expand the "Pages" settings.
- Pages: Select pages to print. If you leave "All" selected, your entire document will print.
- Paper size: Use this option to scale your printer's margins up or down for different paper sizes.
- Orientation: Determine whether your document is oriented vertically or horizontally.
- Number of sides: Choose single-sided printing to print one sheet of paper per page, or choose double-sided printing to use both sides of a piece of paper.
It's in the bottom-right corner of the window. Your document will begin printing.

Community Q&A

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Question

Can I print on an Asus laptop?

Community Answer

Yes. You can print on almost all laptops. If you have a good printer and a newer model laptop, you should be able to print wirelessly.

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How do I print if there is no file icon to click on?

Community Answer

You can use "control + p" to print the document.

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Question

Can I print from an iPad?

Community Answer

Yes. If you are using Word or Pages on iPad, you can go to file, and then print. If you wish to print a picture, you can click on share, and then select the print option.

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Tips

If you're uncertain about your printer settings or your document's appearance, try printing the first page only to get an idea of what the document will look like once printed.

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It's also possible to print from your iPhone if you have the right app or an AirPrint-supported printer, or from your Android with CloudPrint.

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Always keep spare cartridges of ink or toner with your personal printer. If a printer is low on ink or toner, the document will not print correctly.

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Tips from our Readers

The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.

It’s frustrating to run into printing issues with your own computer. If you’re struggling to print correctly, just toss the document on a thumb drive and hit up your local library. They’ll print the document out for you.
If you ever have to print something on the road, ask whoever is at the hotel desk. They’ll either print the document for you or direct you to a conference room where you can print the document.

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