HOW TO

Create a test printer and set it to be the default printer for Windows

Last Published: February 9, 2024

Summary

Instructions provided describe how to create a high-resolution test printer, and set it as the default.

This procedure is used to test various output problems encountered with ArcGIS Desktop applications. For more information about the interaction of the default printer with ArcMap's export, see the link in the Related Information section.

Procedure

Windows 7

  1. Click Start, and click Devices and Printers.
  2. Click Add a printer.
  3. In the Add printer dialog, click Add a local printer.
  4. Under Choose a printer port, select Use an existing port, and use the first available port (LPT1). Click Next.
  5. Under Install the printer driver, select a large-format, high-resolution printer. Click Next.
  6. Type a name for the printer and click Next.
  7. Under Printer Sharing, select Do not share this printer. Click Next.
  8. Select Set as default printer, and click Finish.

Windows 10

  1. Right-click the Windows (Start) icon, and click Settings.
  2. In the Windows Settings dialog, click Devices.
  3. In the Bluetooth & other devices dialog, click Printers & scanners.
  4. In the Printers & scanners dialog, uncheck the Let Windows manage my default printer box, then click Add a printer or scanner.
  5. Scroll down the list of printers, and click The printer that I want isn't listed.
  6. In the Add Printer dialog, select Add a local printer or network printer with manual settings, and click Next.
  7. Under Choose a printer port, select Use an existing port: LPT1 (Printer Port), and click Next.
  8. Under Install the printer driver, select a large-format, high-resolution printer. Click Next.
  9. Under Which version of the driver do you want to use?, choose Use the driver that is currently installed (recommended), and click Next.
  10. Type a name for the printer and click Next.
  11. Under Printer Sharing, select Do not share this printer, and click Next.
  12. Select Set as default printer, and click Finish.

Article ID:000008077

Software:
  • ArcMap

Get help from ArcGIS experts

Contact technical support

Download the Esri Support App

Go to download options

Related Information

Discover more on this topic