The Chromebook remains one of the cheapest devices when it comes to laptops. Although they are quite cheap portable equipment, they are not of poor quality, quite the opposite, because these devices take better advantage of Google services. Here we will guide you so that you can work with peace of mind with these devices. For example, we’ll show you how to print a document from your Chromebook. And of course, as always, very easily.
What is Google Cloud Print?
Instead of pairing to a printer via Bluetooth or USB cable, as most computers do, Chromebooks employ a different and innovative method known as: Google Cloud Print; that allows you to print from your Chromebook as long as you are connected to the Internet.
Once you have configured your printer to the computer, the information is transferred to a Google server, which depending on the type of printer you have, you can choose from several options to have your document printed.
How to print a document from your Chromebook?
If you got a state-of-the-art printer, it might be a cloud-ready printer. In other words, it connects directly to the Internet and does not require long configuration processes, as most older printers do. By doing this, the print job will be sent directly to your printer from the cloud, configured automatically.
To print document with Google Cloud Print
- On your Chromebook, find the document you want to print and keep it open. Click File, and then select Print. More quickly you can execute the shortcut, simultaneously pressing Ctrl + P.
- In the Google Cloud Print window that appears, click Change.
- A dialog box will pop up. Select a destination from a list of printers and options. Choose your printer from which you are going to work.
- Choose Print and Done!
Your Chromebook and not-so-modern printers
Pairing a printer with your Chromebook is a slightly more extensive process than the previous method, and also a bit different. Pay attention because we will explain how to configure your old printer with USB cable and wireless to print from a Chromebook:
Printing with your Chromebook via WiFi method
- Make sure to connect the printer and the chromebook to Wi-Fi, so they can work simultaneously.
- Click on the gear icon. This will open the Settings window.
- Click print in the expanded menu.
- Now choose the option of printers.
- Chrome OS should detect and choose your printer. Click the save button and it will be set as the default printer.
- When finished, click add.
Printing with a Chromebook via USB cable
If your printer is very old and does not support WiFi connections, you can configure it with a USB cable. However, this method may not work on older printers, because you can’t install software or drivers on a Chromebook.
- Plug the USB cable from your printer into the appropriate port on the Chromebook. Use the cable adapters that you require depending on the model of Chromebook.
- Once connected, click on the gear icon. To access the settings.
- Click print on the expanded menu.
- Click on printers.
- Chrome OS should detect and list your printer. Click the save button and it will be set as the default printer.
There are many advantages to using a lightweight laptop like a Chromebook. Obviously, they are somewhat different from Windows 10 laptops and MacBooks due to the fact that it is based on Google’s browser. However, they can easily perform simple tasks that allow you to do a lot of productive activities.
