Chromebooks have become a popular choice due to their simplicity, speed and cloud-based features. These lightweight laptops have changed the way we work and learn. They allow for effortless collaboration and seamless access to a world of information. But despite their many benefits, some users wonder how to manage a seemingly mundane task – printing.

Printing with a Chromebook doesn’t have to be a complicated affair. With the right settings and a few simple steps, you can print documents, photos, and other materials directly from your Chromebook to compatible printers. Whether you’re a student handing in assignments or a professional printing out important documents: This guide will show you several methods you can use to master printing from your Chromebook. Let’s get started.

Set Up the Printer With Your Chromebook

Nowadays, printers are either wireless or wired, depending on the configuration. Setting up a wireless printer is a little different than setting up a wired printer. First, let’s set up a wireless printer with the Chromebook.

Set Up a Wireless Printer With Chromebook Using WiFi

You need to set up your printer with your WiFi connection to connect it to a Chromebook. Just follow the steps provided by your printer’s manufacturer to set it up. Follow these simple steps to set up your wireless printer with a Chromebook.

1. Open the Launcher by clicking the round button on the bottom left.
2. Type “add printer” in the search box at the top of the launcher, and then select Add Printer from the list of best matches.                                                                             
3. If you have already added printers, they’ll appear in a list of saved printers. Just below that, you’ll see printers that you can save or set up.                                                                    
4. Choose Save or Set Up to add these printers to your saved list so they appear as an option when you want to print a photo or document.                                                          
5. If your printer doesn’t automatically appear, click the blue plus icon to the right of Add Printer. A pop-up window will appear where you can enter a name, the printer’s IP address, protocol (usually IPP), and queue (usually ipp/print).
6. The printer manufacturer’s website will tell you which protocol to use and how to find your printer’s IP address.

Set Up a Wired Printer With Chromebook Using a USB Cable

If your printer is older and doesn’t support Wi-Fi connections, you can set up your printer with a USB cable. However, this method may not work for older printers because you can’t install software or drivers on a Chromebook. Just follow these simple steps to set up your wireless printer with a Chromebook.

1. Connect your printer’s USB cable to the appropriate port on your Chromebook. Depending on your Chromebook model, you may need a USB-A to USB-C adapter. Also, make sure the printer is turned on and working normally.
2. Once plugged in, a notification will appear with further instructions on how to set up the printer with your Chromebook.

How to Print on a Chromebook

Once you have successfully set up the printer with your Chromebook, you can easily print what you want by following the steps below.

1. Open the page or photo you want to print and press the Ctrl + P keys at the same time. Alternatively, you can click on the three vertical dots in the upper right corner and select Print from the drop-down menu.
2. A pop-up window will display the print options. If you don’t see the printer you want next to the destination, select the down arrow and choose the printer you want.
3. Select More Settings to see additional options.                                                                                                                                                                                                                              
4. Scroll down to see all of the controls. Select Advanced Settings for even more options.
5. A new window will open where you can select input and output trays, your preferred print quality, and more. Select Apply to return to the print window.                            
6. When everything is set the way you want, click the Print button to start printing.                                                                                                                                                                      

You can even use the manufacturer’s Android app to print wirelessly from your Chromebook.

Print Anything From a Chromebook

Printing from a Chromebook requires a combination of familiarity with Chrome’s native printing features OS, exploration of third-party applications, and a willingness to adapt to new technologies. By following the methods described in this article, you can print documents, photos, and other materials effortlessly, get the most out of your Chromebook, and streamline your workflow to be more productive and enjoyable.

Leave your suggestions and questions about printing on a Chromebook in the comments below.

FAQs about How to Print From a Chromebook