What To Know
- Before you can print anything, you need to connect your printer to your Chromebook.
- Ensure your printer is turned on, connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your Chromebook, and the correct printer is selected in the print settings.
- This is possible using the Google Cloud Print service, which allows you to print from any device with a web browser….
Printing from your ASUS Chromebook can seem like a daunting task, especially if you’re new to the Chrome OS ecosystem. But fear not! This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process step-by-step, ensuring you can print documents, photos, and web pages with ease.
Understanding the Basics: Wireless Printing and Chrome OS
Chromebooks are known for their seamless integration with cloud services, and printing is no exception. The most common method for printing from a Chromebook involves a wireless connection. This means your printer needs to be connected to your home or office Wi-Fi network, just like your Chromebook.
Setting Up Your Printer: The First Step to Printing Success
Before you can print anything, you need to connect your printer to your Chromebook. Here’s how:
1. Ensure Your Printer is Connected: Make sure your printer is turned on and connected to your Wi-Fi network. Refer to your printer’s manual for instructions if needed.
2. Open the Chrome OS Print Settings: Click the time in the bottom right corner of your Chromebook screen, then select “Settings.”
3. Navigate to the “Devices” Section: Click on “Devices” in the left-hand menu.
4. Add Your Printer: Click on “Printers” and then “Add printer.”
5. Select Your Printer: Choose your printer from the list of available devices. If your printer isn‘t listed, you might need to manually add it by selecting “Add a printer using IP address or hostname.”
6. Complete the Setup: Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the printer setup process. This may involve entering a PIN code or accepting a connection request.
Printing from Your Chromebook: A Simple Process
Once your printer is connected, printing from your Chromebook is as easy as 1-2-3:
1. Open the Document or Web Page: Open the document, photo, or web page you want to print.
2. Choose the “Print” Option: Click the three vertical dots in the top-right corner of the window and select “Print.”
3. Select Your Printer: Choose your connected printer from the dropdown menu.
4. Adjust Print Settings (Optional): Customize your print settings, including the number of copies, paper size, and orientation, if desired.
5. Start Printing: Click “Print” to send your document to the printer.
Troubleshooting Common Printing Issues
Even with the best setup, printing problems can sometimes occur. Here are some common issues and their solutions:
- Printer Not Found: Ensure your printer is turned on, connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your Chromebook, and the correct printer is selected in the print settings.
- Printing Errors: Check for low ink or paper jams. Consult your printer’s manual for troubleshooting guides.
- Printouts Are Blank or Faint: Make sure the printer paper is loaded correctly and the ink cartridges are not empty.
- Slow Printing Speeds: Check your internet connection for stability. Consider restarting your printer and Chromebook for a fresh start.
Printing from Specific Apps: Google Docs, Drive, and More
Chromebooks are deeply integrated with Google services. Printing from Google Docs, Drive, and other Google apps is particularly straightforward:
1. Open the Document: Open the Google Doc, Drive file, or other Google app document you want to print.
2. Click the “File” Menu: Click “File” in the top-left corner of the document.
3. Select “Print”: Choose “Print” from the dropdown menu.
4. Choose Your Printer: Select your connected printer from the list.
5. Adjust Settings (Optional): Customize your print settings as needed.
6. Start Printing: Click “Print” to send the document to your printer.
Printing From Websites: A Quick and Easy Method
Printing web pages from your Chromebook is just as simple as printing from your favorite Google apps:
1. Open the Website: Navigate to the website you want to print.
2. Press Ctrl + P (Windows) or Cmd + P (Mac): This will open the print dialog box.
3. Choose Your Printer: Select your connected printer from the list.
4. Adjust Settings (Optional): Customize your print settings as needed.
5. Start Printing: Click “Print” to send the web page to your printer.
Printing From Your Phone: A Seamless Experience
You can even print from your smartphone directly to your Chromebook-connected printer! This is possible using the Google Cloud Print service, which allows you to print from any device with a web browser and internet access.
1. Enable Google Cloud Print: Make sure Google Cloud Print is enabled on your Chromebook. Go to “Settings,” then “Devices,” and ensure “Google Cloud Print” is checked.
2. Install the Google Cloud Print App: Download and install the Google Cloud Print app on your smartphone. This app allows you to select your Chromebook-connected printer and print documents, photos, and web pages from your phone.
3. Select Your Printer: Choose your Chromebook-connected printer from the list within the Google Cloud Print app.
4. Print Your Document: Select the document, photo, or web page you wish to print and follow the app’s instructions to send it to your printer.
Beyond the Basics: Advanced Printing Techniques
For more advanced printing needs, explore these features:
- Printing to PDF: Save documents as PDFs directly from your Chromebook. This is useful for preserving formatting and sharing files without needing to print physically.
- Printing Multiple Pages: Print multiple pages on a single sheet of paper for saving paper and ink.
- Printing with Duplex: Print on both sides of the paper to save paper and create professional-looking documents.
- Printing with Color or Black and White: Choose the appropriate color setting for your printing needs.
Print Like a Pro: Mastering Chromebook Printing
By following these steps and exploring the advanced features, you’ll be able to print from your ASUS Chromebook with confidence. Whether you’re printing documents, photos, or web pages, this guide provides all the information you need to make the most of your Chromebook’s printing capabilities.
Quick Answers to Your FAQs
Q: My printer isn‘t showing up in the list of available devices. What should I do?
A: Ensure your printer is turned on, connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your Chromebook, and that the correct printer model is selected in the print settings. You might need to manually add your printer by selecting “Add a printer using IP address or hostname.”
Q: Can I print from my Chromebook without Wi-Fi?
A: While most Chromebook printing relies on Wi-Fi, you can print directly to a printer connected via USB if your Chromebook supports USB printing.
Q: What are the benefits of using Google Cloud Print?
A: Google Cloud Print allows you to print from any device with a web browser and internet access, making it a versatile option for printing from your Chromebook, smartphone, or even other computers.
Q: Can I print to a shared printer on my network?
A: Yes, Chromebooks can print to shared printers on a network. Ensure the shared printer is accessible on your network and follow the steps outlined in this guide for adding a printer.
Q: What if my printer isn‘t compatible with Chrome OS?
A: If your printer isn’t directly compatible with Chrome OS, you can try using a third-party printing app or a cloud printing service like Google Cloud Print.
