How to use Apple Automator to send PDF files to a laser printer

As explained in the article "Proofing on high-end laser copiers", your laser printer must support hot folders to print PDFs created by the ProofMaster PDF driver.

If your laser printer does not support hot folders, there is an alternative solution for Mac users using Apple Automator and Folder Actions.

Setting up the laser printer

On your Mac, setup the laser printer in the Print & Fax section of System Preferences:

  • Apple Menu -> System Preferences
  • Print & Fax
  • Click the "+" sign at the bottom of the Printers list
  • Select your laser printer

Creating a Folder Action

  • On your Mac, lauch Automator (in /Applications/Automator)
  • When Automator launches, choose the "Folder Action" template for your new workflow:
     
  • Select the folder where ProofMaster stores the PDF files in "Folder Action receives files and folders added to"
  • Add the "Print Finder Items" actions to your workflow (by dragging and dropping)
  • Select your laser printer in the "Print to" drop down list:
  • If you don't want to keep the PDF files in the folder after they were printed, you can add the "Move Finder Items to Trash" action to your workflow:
     
  • And if you want the Trash to be emptied immediatly after that, you can add the following AppleScript by adding the "Run AppleScript" action to your workflow:
     
  • Save your workflow (File -> Save):

You have now successfully configured the Folder Action that will automatically print all files that are created in that folder.

Configuring the laser printer using the CUPS web interface

Most probably, your laser printer has multiple paper trays and other configurable options. The Automator Action uses your printer's default settings. These defaults can be set in the CUPS web interface on your Mac.

  • Open your browser and go to http://127.0.0.1:631
  • Go to the "Administration" tab, and click the "Manage Printers" button in the "Printers" section:
  • Click the name of the printer for which you want to set the defaults:
  • Now use the drop down lists to select "Maintenance" and "Set Default Options":
  • Set your defaults, and click the "Set Default Options" button: 
  • When prompted, enter a computer Administrator's username and password:

The PDFs will now be printed using the defaults you have defined in the CUPS web interface.