Please Note: This article is written for users of the following Microsoft Word versions: 97, 2000, 2002, and 2003. If you are using a later version (Word 2007 or later), this tip may not work for you. For a version of this tip written specifically for later versions of Word, click here: Working with Multiple Printers.
Written by Allen Wyatt (last updated November 1, 2021)
This tip applies to Word 97, 2000, 2002, and 2003
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.
Note:
WordTips is your source for cost-effective Microsoft Word training. (Microsoft Word is the most popular word processing software in the world.) This tip (1155) applies to Microsoft Word 97, 2000, 2002, and 2003. You can find a version of this tip for the ribbon interface of Word (Word 2007 and later) here: Working with Multiple Printers.
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