Details MacOS setup for thermal label printers like Zebra, Dymo, Citizen, Rollo, and basic steps for standard desktop inkjet or laser printers.
Before you start printing documents in ShipStation, you must ensure the printers are configured correctly for the documents you wish to print (labels, packing slips, etc).
Printer Setup for Windows instead?
If you need to set up printers for Windows, please see our Set Up Printers in Windows article.
The setup process for printers on your Mac includes four general steps:
Connect the printer via USB to the Mac you want to use as your printer workstation.
Download the appropriate printer driver (not required for all printer models).
Add the printer to your Printers & Scanners System Preferences.
Configure the printer preferences in CUPS.
The exact steps to configure your printer will vary depending on the printer's make and model. This article provides setup instructions for the most common thermal label printer brands - Zebra, DYMO, Citizen, and Rollo - as well as the basic steps for a standard desktop printer like an inkjet or laser printer.
Click the tab for the type of printer you wish to configure.
Zebra
Once you've connected your Zebra label printer to your Mac, you can add it right away to your Printers & Scanners System Preferences. You'll configure the printer defaults in CUPS.
In most cases, Zebra printers do not require installing a driver when connected to a Mac.
Add to Printers & Scanners System Preferences
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Open System Preferences on your Mac and choose Printers & Scanners.
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Click the + sign under the list of printers.
Choose Add Printer, if prompted.
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Select your Zebra printer from the list of printers in the Add pop-up screen.
Click the Use drop-down menu and choose Select Software.
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Type Zebra into the Filter bar of the Printer Software pop-up and select the correct printer option (EPL1, EPL2, or ZPL) from the list.
Most Zebra printers will use either the Zebra EPL1 or EPL2 driver. EPL2 is the most common and used for ZP series printers and older GK series printers. Some newer models, like the GX series and refurbished GK series, as well as those ending in the letter Z, also support the Zebra ZPL driver.
Check your printer model's documentation on the Zebra Support site if you are unsure which to use. If you select the wrong driver, you can change the selection in CUPS, which is explained in the Set Default Options section below.
Click OK then click Add.
This short GIF shows the process:
Your Zebra is now added to your Printers & Scanners system preferences. You can now set the printer's default options in CUPS.
Set the Zebra Default Options in CUPS
CUPS is the term used for the printer utility on a Mac that you access through a browser like Chrome or Firefox. In CUPS, you will set your media size and type so labels print in the correct size and with the best quality.
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Open your internet browser (Chrome, Safari, Firefox, etc).
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Copy and paste (or type) the following text into the URL field and press Enter:
http://localhost:631/printers
If you see a list of your printers, you have successfully accessed CUPS and can move to Step 3.
If you receive a web interface error, that means your Mac is not yet configured to allow access to CUPS. You'll first need to enable CUPS in the Terminal utility app before proceeding to Step 3. See the Enable CUPS section below for instructions.
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Click the name of the Zebra printer you wish to edit.
This example uses the Zebra LP2844.
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Click the Administration drop-down menu and choose Set Default Options.
You should now be in General Options.
If you see an Authentication Required pop-up, enter your MacOS admin username and password.
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Set the following options:
Media Size: 4.00x6.00
Resolution: This should match the requirements of the specific Zebra printer. Most will be 203dpi, but some Zebra printers use 300dpi. Check your printer documentation for details.
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Click Printer Settings and adjust the following settings:
Darkness: 25
Print Rate: 2 inches/sec.
You can adjust these settings as needed to create the best quality label. The general rule is the slower the print rate, the better the print quality. Test which combination of settings suits your workflow and produces the label print quality.
Click Set Default Options.
Your printer defaults are now configured and you can start printing!
Print a test label from CUPS to ensure everything is working smoothly. Click on the Printers tab in the CUPS screen. Go to the Maintenance drop-down menu and choose Print Test Page.
DYMO
Once you've connected your DYMO LabelWriter to your Mac, you can add it right away to your Printers & Scanners System Preferences. However, you may need to install the DYMO LabelWriter 4XL driver since it is not preinstalled in the MacOS.
Download and Install the DYMO Driver
Once the installer is complete, eject the disk image and put the downloaded installer in the trash.
Add to Printers & Scanners System Preferences
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Open System Preferences on your Mac and choose Printers & Scanners.
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Click the + sign under the list of printers.
Click Add Printer, if prompted.
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Select your DYMO LabelWriter from the list of printers in the Add pop-up screen.
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Make sure the DYMO LabelWriter 4XL is the driver selected in the Use drop-down.
If it is not, click the Use drop-down menu and choose Select Software. You can then select the correct DYMO driver from the list.
Click Add.
This short GIF demonstrates the process:
Your DYMO is now added to your Printers & Scanners System Preferences. You can now set its default options in CUPS.
Set the DYMO Default Options in CUPS
CUPS is the term used for the printer utility on a Mac that you access through a browser like Chrome or Firefox. In CUPS, you will set your media size and type so labels print in the correct size and with the best quality.
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Open your internet browser (Chrome, Safari, Firefox, etc).
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Copy and paste (or type) the following text into the URL field and press Enter:
http://localhost:631/printers
If you see a list of your printers, you have successfully accessed CUPS and can move to Step 3.
If you receive a web interface error, that means your Mac is not yet configured to allow access to CUPS. You'll first need to enable CUPS in the Terminal utility app before proceeding to Step 3. See the Enable CUPS section below for instructions.
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Click the name of the DYMO LabelWriter you wish to edit.
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Click the Administration drop-down menu and choose Set Default Options.
You should now be in the General settings screen.
If you see an Authentication Required pop-up, enter your MacOS admin username and password.
Set the Media Size drop-down to the 4 in x 6 in option.
Set Print Quality to Barcodes and Graphics.
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Click Set Default Options.
Your printer defaults are now configured and you can start printing!
Print a test label from CUPS to ensure everything is working smoothly. Click on the Printers tab in the CUPS screen. Go to the Maintenance drop-down menu and choose Print Test Page.
Citizen
The Citizen CL-E303 and CL-S700 are both commonly used label printers with ShipStation. The CL-E303 is a more compact printer, great for tight spaces. The CL-S700 is a larger industrial unit, great for high volume shippers.
A significant feature of the CL-S700 is the peeler or dispenser. This feature expedites the labeling process for large-scale operations when printing large batches of labels. When you print labels, instead of printing in one long continuous sheet, they print one at a time and as each prints, the peeler separates the label from its adhesive-protection backing.
Download and Install the Citizen Driver
Before connecting your Citizen printer to your Mac printer workstation, download the Citizen CUPS driver (the driver is the same for both printer models). Once you have installed the driver, you can then connect the printer, add it to your System Preferences, and configure the settings.
Download the driver from the Citizen Support Page onto your printer workstation.
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Open the zip file and then open the driver disk image, ctzcls-cups-1.1.0-0.dmg.
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Open the installer (ctzcls-cups-1.1.0-0.pkg) and follow the on-screen instructions.
Once installed, choose Move to Trash to place the installer into the trash.
Plug the printer into a USB port on your printer workstation.
Add to the Printers & Scanners System Preferences
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Open System Preferences and choose Printers & Scanners.
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Click on the + icon under the printer list.
Choose Add Printer, if prompted.
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Select the Citizen printer (CL-E303 or CL-S700) from the printer list.
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Select the CITIZEN Barcode Printer driver under the Use drop-down menu, if not already selected.
Note
If this option is not visible, choose Select Software from the Use menu. Then select the CITIZEN Barcode Printer option from the list.
Click Add.
Your Citizen printer is now added to your Printers & Scanners system preferences. You can now set its default options in CUPS.
Set the Default Options in CUPS
The options you set in CUPS will differ depending on which model you are using.
CL-E303
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Open your internet browser (i.e., Chrome, Safari, Firefox, etc).
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Copy and paste (or type) the following text into the URL field and press Enter:
http://localhost:631/printers
If you see a list of your printers, you have successfully accessed CUPS and can move to Step 3.
If you receive a web interface error, that means your Mac is not yet configured to allow access to CUPS. You'll first need to enable CUPS in the Terminal utility app before proceeding to Step 3. See the Enable CUPS section below for instructions.
Select the CITIZEN CL-E303 printer from the list of printers.
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Click the Administration drop-down and choose Set Default Options .
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Set the default options in the General tab as follows:
Media Size: Width 4, Height 6. Units Inches
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Resolution: 300 dpi
Do not select 203 dpi. The labels will print too small.
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Select the Printer Settings tab.
Set Print Speed to the maximum: 6 inches/sec. Leave everything else as the default selection.
Click Set Default Options.
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Click the Maintenance drop-down and and select Print Test Page to create a test label.
Notice
Two labels will advance before your test label prints. This is to calibrate the printer to ensure the label roll is installed properly.
CL-S700
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Open your internet browser (i.e., Chrome, Safari, Firefox, etc).
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Copy/Paste or type the following text into the URL field and press Enter:
http://localhost:631/printers
If you see a list of your printers, you have successfully accessed CUPS and can move to Step 3.
If you receive a web interface error, that means your Mac is not yet configured to allow access to CUPS. You'll first need to enable CUPS in the Terminal utility app before proceeding to Step 3. See Enable CUPS for details.
Select the CITIZEN CL-S700 printer from the list of printers.
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Click the Administration drop-down and choose Set Default Options .
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Set the default options in the General tab as follows:
Media Size
Width 4, Height 6. Units Inches
Resolution
203 dpi
Media Sensor
See Through (Web sensing)
Print Method
Direct Thermal
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Select the Printer Settings tab.
Set the default options as follows:
Print Darkness
Printer Default
Print Speed
6 inches / sec
Vertical Position
Printer Default
Function Select
Cutter (Job End Only)
If not selected, the job will not auto feed a batch because of the “Peel-off” setting.
Paper Position
Printer Default
Upside Down Printer
Normal
Page Order
Front to Back
Click Set Default Options and enter in the MacOS Admin credentials to save the configuration.
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Click the Maintenance drop-down and select Print Test Page to create a test label.
Two labels will advance before your test label prints. This happens as the printer calibrates to ensure the label roll is installed properly. Lift blank labels for the peel default setting ‘Peel Wait’.
Tip
Set the printer setting to Tear, otherwise the label top will tear off:
MENU > After Print > Enter Function > SEL Function > TearSee Chapter 2, Printer Operations in the Citizen Printer User's Guide to learn how to navigate the Menu buttons.
Rollo
Before connecting your Rollo printer to your Mac printer workstation, you'll need to download the most recent Rollo driver. Once you have installed the driver, you can then connect the printer, add it to your System Preferences, and configure its settings.
Rollo Printers Not Supported With ShipStation Connect
Currently, Rollo printers do not work consistently when printing via ShipStation Connect.
You can continue to print with a Rollo printer by using the PDF or View in Browser print methods. The label layout, printer preferences, and other document options will still apply regardless of which print method you choose.
Download and Install the Rollo Driver
Once you have completed the installation, connect the Rollo printer to your Mac via USB and move on to the next section.
If this is your first use of the Rollo printer, be sure to follow the setup instructions for first use on the Rollo Support site.
Add to Printers & Scanners System Preferences
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Open System Preferences on your Mac and choose Printers & Scanners.
Click the + sign under the list of printers and choose Add Printer or Scanner.
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Select Printer ThermalPrinter from the list of printers in the Add pop-up screen.
You can then edit the Name of the printer in the Name field. This is the name that will display in the System Preferences and during your printer selection processes.
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Click the Use drop-down menu and choose Select Software.
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Select Rollo Printer from the list and click OK.
Your Rollo is now added to your System Preferences and is available to print.
Print a Rollo Test Label
We recommend printing a test label to ensure your Rollo printer is functioning as expected. Rollo includes a test label PDF in their installer disk image for just this purpose.
Set the Rollo Default Options in CUPS
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Open your internet browser (Chrome, Safari, Firefox, etc).
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Copy and paste (or type) the following text into the URL field and press Enter:
http://localhost:631/printers
If you see a list of your printers, you have successfully accessed CUPS and can move to Step 3.
If you receive a web interface error, that means your Mac is not yet configured to allow access to CUPS. You'll first need to enable CUPS in the Terminal utility app before proceeding to Step 3. See the Enable CUPS section below for details.
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Click the name of your Rollo printer in the list of printers.
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Click the Administration drop-down menu and choose Set Default Options.
You should now be in the General settings screen.
If you see an Authentication Required pop-up, enter your MacOS admin username and password.
Set the Media Size drop-down menu to 100mm x 150mm.
Click Set Default Options.
Your printer defaults are now configured and you can start printing from your Rollo.
Standard
Whether a standard desktop printer is "plug and play" with your Mac will depend on the make and model of the printer, if the printer requires a driver, and if that driver is pre-installed on your Mac or not. The setup procedure below will indicate at what point you may need to install a driver for your device.
Add to Printers & Scanners System Preferences
Connect your printer to your Mac via USB, then do the following:
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Open System Preferences on your Mac and choose Printers & Scanners.
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Click the + sign under the list of printers.
Click Add Printer, if prompted.
Select your printer from the list of printers in the Add pop-up screen.
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Check the Use drop-down menu to see if your Mac has auto selected the correct driver.
Note
If the name of the driver does not match the model of your printer, you may need to install a printer driver before proceeding. Check the documentation for your make and model of printer on the manufacturer's website, then download and install the correct driver for your printer.
Once installed, your Mac should then auto select the correct driver in the Add pop-up screen.
Click Add.
Your standard printer is now ready to use. In most cases, the default settings do not need to be adjusted on standard printers to accommodate printing in ShipStation. If you want to check and adjust the printer defaults for your standard printers, you should do so through the Mac CUPS option.
Your next step is to ensure your ShipStation label format is set correctly. Review the ShipStation Print Settings article for details.
Set Up a Multi Tray Printer
If your standard desktop printer contains multiple trays, you can add another instance of your printer to your printer workstation System Preferences and use CUPS to assign a specific tray to each instance. In this way you can use different types of paper for different documents and set ShipStation to automatically print selected documents with the paper used in each tray.
For example, in Tray 1 you might use Avery half-sheet labels to print 2 labels per page and in Tray 2 use standard letter or A4-sized paper to print your packing slips. Or you may have ShipStation integrated labels in Tray 1 to print the label and packing slip for a shipment on a single sheet, and a different color of standard paper in Tray 2 to print pick lists.
Whatever your scenario, you'll need to take the following actions:
Add another instance of your printer to your System Preferences.
Assign a tray to each instance using CUPS.
Name each instance of the printer (optional).
Add a New Printer Instance
Next, you'll access CUPS and assign trays to each instance of the printer.
Assign Tray in CUPS
To assign a tray in CUPS:
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Open your internet browser (Chrome, Safari, Firefox, etc).
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Copy and paste (or type) the following text into the URL field and press Enter:
http://localhost:631/printers
If you see a list of your printers, you have successfully accessed CUPS and can move to Step 3.
If you receive a web interface error, that means your Mac is not yet configured to allow access to CUPS. You'll first need to enable CUPS in the Terminal utility app before proceeding to Step 3. See the Enable CUPS section below for details.
Click the name of the printer you wish to assign a tray to.
Click the Administration drop-down menu and choose Set Default Options.
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Click the Media Source drop-down menu and select which tray you wish to assign to this instance of your printer.
Click Set Default Options.
Repeat steps 1-4 for any additional instances of the printer and assign the appropriate tray.
Each instance of the printer will appear in ShipStation (and other apps you print from) as a unique printer.
Modify Printer Names
You may want to customize the names of the printers so it is more obvious to your warehouse staff which printer is which.
To modify your printer names, stay in CUPS and do the following:
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Click Printers in the top toolbar.
This should return you to your list of printers.
Select the printer you'd like to rename.
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Click the Administration drop-down menu and choose Modify Printer.
The following screen displays your connections to your local and network printer. Do not make any changes here.
Click Continue.
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Enter your custom name into the Description field. You can also enter a location for the printer in the Location field.
Click Continue, then click Modify Printer on the next screen without making any additional changes.
Repeat the above steps for any printer you wish to rename. The description is how the printer name will display in your Printers & Scanners System Preferences as well as in your ShipStation print screens.
If CUPS is not yet enabled on your Mac, you'll receive a web interface error when you attempt to access it. Follow these steps to enable CUPS, then return to the Set Default Options instructions to complete your printer setup.
To enable CUPS on your Mac:
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Open the Terminal applications on your Mac.
Terminal is located in
Applications > Utilities, or you can use your Mac's Spotlight Search.
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Copy and paste the following command into the Terminal window after the $ prompt:
cupsctl WebInterface=yes
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Press Return on your keyboard.
As long as the next line that appears in your Terminal is another blank prompt, you are good to go! Quit Terminal and return to your browser.
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Reload the browser with the http://localhost:631/printers address in the URL.
In most cases, your MacOS will automatically select the correct driver for the printer you have connected to your workstation. When this is not the case, you'll need to select the driver manually. You can do this both in the MacOS System Preferences and in CUPS.
MacOS displays the printer driver selection in the Printers & Scanners System Preferences.
Open the Printers & Scanners System Preferences.
Click the + (add) button.
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Select your printer from the list.
Be sure to check the Kind column to ensure you are selecting the printer connected via USB.
Click the Use drop-down menu and choose Select Software.
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Select your model printer from the list and click OK.
If your model printer is not in the list, you must first install the driver.
Click Add to complete.
Here is a short demo of the process:
Go to the CUPS Printers dashboard.
Click your printer in the Printers list.
Choose Modify Printer from the Administration drop-down menu.
Click Continue in the following two screens.
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Select the driver that matches your model printer from the Model list.
The currently selected driver will be at the top of the list.
Click Modify Printer.
Here is a short demo of the process for a Zebra printer:
Review the following notes to ensure optimum printer configuration:
The options available in CUPS will depend on the printer model and driver installed. In addition to paper size, some printers have settings for graphics, darkness, offset, and speed. To address print quality issues, adjust these settings in CUPS using a trial and error method to find which settings produce the best results for your specific setup.