Setting up a report printer is necessary if you want to print reports, purchase orders, and other documents that don’t fall into the label or receipt printer category.
Before launching Artisan, refer to your printer manufacturer’s website to locate and install the printer driver according to your printer (HP, Epson, Brother, etc.).
Device Configuration
To get started, we’ll need to configure the printer. In Artisan, head to the “Device Configuration” area by clicking on “Tools” in the Toolbar, then “Program Options (Preferences)” at the bottom of the list.
This will open a menu showcasing advanced settings for other areas in Artisan. Click on “Device Configuration” at the bottom.
Notice the Stations section directly below “Device Configuration.” We’re configuring these devices for our station #1, but if you have more than one station, you can toggle between their settings here.
Next, click on “Printers.”
Setting Up a Report Printer
This opens a list of up to six printers you can use with Artisan. Note: “Printer 1” is designated for printing reports. It is strongly recommended that you leave “Printer 1” as your report printer.
Choose a description for this printer. A name like “Report Printer” might suffice.
If you want to preview documents on your computer and export or print them from a pop-up screen, instead of them automatically being sent to your printer, set “Print to File?” to “Yes.” Otherwise, leave this field set to “No.”
If you set this to “Yes,” you may choose where the files go to. We recommend leaving this set to the “Artisan\Print to File” folder.
Notice the section “Windows 10 Printer Name.” Artisan will automatically detect which operating system you are on, and this name will change accordingly (e.g., “Mac OS 11 Printer Name” if you’re using a Mac computer).
You may leave this printer set to default (detected from your computer) or choose a printer from the list.
Though it’s easier to leave your printer set to default, there might be times when you’ll want to change this. For instance, some versions of Windows try to manage your default printer for you and end up choosing the wrong printer. To ensure you’re connected to the right printer, head into your printer settings on your computer.
For Windows users: Search for “control panel” in your Windows search bar, then click on “view devices and printers.” If there isn’t a checkmark over your selected printer, that means Windows is choosing your default printer based on which printer you print the most from. Choose which printer you want to select, click on “set as default printer,” and hit “yes” when asked “do you want to override this setting?“
Next, select “Printer Type.” This section lets you confirm what type of printer you are using (thermal, label, sheet, etc.). More than likely, you’re using a sheet printer – a standard office printer.
You may optionally ask Artisan to pause between copies or print them back to back.
When you’re finished, press “Save.”