Working With Multiple Printers Using VBA

Summary: Some Word users are fortunate enough to have access to multiple printers. This tip provides a quick way you can access those printers through a custom macro that bypasses the need to use the Print dialog box. (This tip works with Microsoft Word 97, Word 2000, Word 2002, Word 2003, and Word 2007.)

You already know that Windows supports multiple printers. Using Word with multiple printers can be a bother, however, since you must choose Print from the File menu, change the printer, and then print the document. There is a way that you can have one-click printing of your documents on a designated printer. To do this, simply create a macro that changes the printer and then prints the document. The following is a macro that will accomplish the task:

Sub GoodPrinter()
    ActivePrinter = "HP LaserJet"
    Application.PrintOut Range:=wdPrintAllDocument, _
      Item:=wdPrintDocumentContent, Copies:=1
End Sub

The one thing to note with this macro is the ActivePrinter line. Change the line so it reflects, exactly, the name of the printer you want to use for your output.

The trick is to create a macro for each of the printers you use. You can then modify your toolbar so that each printer has its own print button. When you then click on the button, the appropriate macro is run and you get output on the desired printer.

Tip #1155 applies to Microsoft Word versions: 97 | 2000 | 2002 | 2003 | 2007

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Working With Multiple Printers Using VBA