How to Automatically Print PDFs Added to a Folder on Mac
Question details
The user wants to configure their Mac to automatically send PDF files to a printer whenever they are dropped into a designated folder.
- Product
- macOS Automator
- Device & OS
- macOS
- Scenario
- Setting up a background workflow to monitor a specific folder and trigger unattended printing for newly added PDF documents.
- Observed behavior
- By attaching an Automator Folder Action to a target folder, filtering for PDF files, and applying a print action, macOS will automatically print the files without requiring manual user input.
Ensure your Mac is connected to a properly configured printer that is turned on, loaded with paper, and has enough ink. It is highly recommended to test the workflow with a sample PDF before relying on it for bulk document printing.
Set Up an Automator Folder Action for Auto-Printing
Use the built-in macOS Automator app to create a Folder Action that watches a specific directory and automatically sends incoming PDFs to your default or selected printer.
Automator is a native macOS utility that allows you to create custom workflows to automate repetitive tasks. By using a 'Folder Action', the script will only trigger when a new file is placed inside the monitored folder.
To ensure unattended printing, make sure the workflow does not contain any actions that prompt for user input.
Open the Automator app from your Applications folder or via Spotlight search. Click 'New Document' and select 'Folder Action' as the document type.
At the top of the workflow window, click the dropdown menu next to 'Folder Action receives files and folders added to' and select 'Other...' to choose the folder you want to monitor.
In the left sidebar, search for the 'Filter Finder Items' action. Drag it into your workflow area on the right. Set the filter condition to find files where 'Kind' is 'PDF'.
Search for the 'Print Finder Items' action in the sidebar and drag it below the filter action. In the action box, select your designated printer from the 'Print to' dropdown menu.
Go to File > Save and give your Folder Action a recognizable name (e.g., 'Auto Print PDFs'). Drop a sample PDF file into the monitored folder to verify that it automatically sends the file to your printer.
Manage and Batch Print PDFs with WPS Office
While macOS Automator handles background folder printing, WPS Office offers a comprehensive PDF toolkit for Mac. Easily view, edit, batch print, and convert PDF documents with advanced layout options and high fidelity.
- 1. Download and Install WPS Office: Get WPS Office for Mac and complete the installation process.
- 2. Open Your PDF Document: Launch WPS Office and open your PDF file using the built-in PDF tool.
- 3. Access Advanced Print Settings: Click the 'Print' icon in the top toolbar or press Command+P to open the comprehensive print dialog.
- 4. Configure and Print: Adjust your settings such as page range, multiple pages per sheet, or batch printing options, then click 'Print' to send the document to your printer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my Automator folder action prompting me before printing?
This usually occurs if the 'Show this action when the workflow runs' option is checked in the 'Print Finder Items' action settings, or if the workflow was created as a standard Application rather than a Folder Action.
Can I set up this Automator workflow to print Word or Excel documents?
Yes, you can change the 'Filter Finder Items' action to look for Word or Excel documents. However, printing these formats automatically will temporarily launch your default office application (like WPS Office or Microsoft Word) in the background to process the print command.
How do I disable or delete the Folder Action later?
Right-click the folder you attached the action to, hover over 'Services' (or 'Folder Actions Setup'), and select 'Folder Actions Setup'. From there, you can uncheck your script to disable it or use the minus (-) button to remove it entirely.
