How to Print From an iPad

This article explains several ways to print from an iPad using AirPrint, a third-party app, or a print server. Most new printers support AirPrint, but you have other options.

How to Print From an iPad Using AirPrint

You need an AirPrint-compatible printer and a Wi-Fi connection to print from any iPad using AirPrint. Here's how:

1. Open the app or web page you want to print and select the Share icon (a square with a vertical arrow).

2. Scroll to the bottom of the Sharing menu and select Print.

3. Choose your printer, which must be AirPrint-compatible for the iPad to recognize it.

   To print more than one copy of the page or image, select the + button next to 1 Copy.

4. Select Print.

How to Print From an iPad Using Third-Party Apps

Most manufacturers—including Canon, HP, and Brother—produce their own apps. These apps can usually be downloaded from the App Store for free.

Similarly, you can download a third-party app, such as  Print n Share. Other popular printing apps include PrintCentral Pro and PrinterShare. In most cases, these apps print to Wi-Fi-enabled printers and USB printers. However, they can also link with AirPrint printers. These apps aren't generally available for free. For example, the Print n Share app costs $6.99.

Here's how to use the Print n Share app. Other apps work similarly.

1. In the app, open a file by choosing one of the categories in the left column. Options include Files, Email, Web Pages, Contacts, and Images. Then, tap the printer icon in the top right corner of the screen.

2. Select an available printer from the list. Any printer using the same network as the iPad shows up here.

3. The first time you select a printer, tap Printer Setup at the top of the screen and link the app with the printer. This is only necessary one time.

4. On the print screen, select Printer Options to select the number of copies, paper size and other typical printing settings. Tap the Preview button to see a preview of the print document.

5. Choose Print on either the Preview or Print screen.

Print From an iPad With a Server or Network Printer

Another option that lets you print from an iPad is to set up a print server or network a shared printer on your Mac or PC. This way, you can send print jobs from your iPad to the server or network printer, which then sends the job out for printing.

You must download an app onto your Mac or PC to set up a print server. On a Mac, one of the best and most popular apps for this purpose is Printopia. This app prints from an iPad and saves iPad documents or files as PDFs on a Mac. However, as with third-party apps for your iPad, its full version isn't free. It costs $19.99.

Similar software available for PCs includes OPrint and Presto. Like Printopia, these apps come at a cost, so try AirPrint first if cost is an issue.