Problem: ArcGIS Pro or ArcMap will not print to a network printer.


The steps below allow the user to bypass their network printer driver and determine if the failure to print is due to settings in the network printer driver, an unsupported network protocol being used, or an installation problem with the software.


These are some possible causes for the failure to print:

  • Settings in the network printer driver may require adjustment.
  • The printer may need to be switched to a standard TCP/IP port instead of a WSD or XSP/ISP for example.
  • Installation problem with the software.

Solution or Workaround

To check for the first two causes above, do the following.  This allows the client to bypass the network printer driver, and determine if those settings are the source of the failure to print problem:
Windows 10

  1. Go to Start > Control Panel > Devices and Printers, and click the icon to Add a printer.
  2. In the Add a device dialog, click The printer that I want isn't listed.
  3. In the Add Printer dialog, Select Add a local printer or network printer with manual settings, and click Next.
  4. Select Create a new port.
  5. In the Type of port drop-down select Standard TCP/IP Port and click Next.
  6. Type the IP address of the printer.
  7. Uncheck Query the printer and automatically select the driver to use. It is necessary to select a suitable driver from the available options. A suitable driver for the printer can be researched on the printer manufacturer's website. In general a PostScript (PS) driver is used for printing maps, particularly maps that include imagery. Files will be larger, and send more data to the printer, resulting in higher quality output.
  8. Finish the process of installing the "local" printer, start ArcMap and send a print to the "new" default printer.

If the above works, first verify that a "Standard TCP/IP Port" is being used in for the regular printer setting.  If that is the case, then communicate with IT staff to adjust settings for the network printer driver.  This can be verified by comparing the settings for the driver with the settings on a computer from which the user can print.

For the third cause above, check if other applications, Microsoft Word for example, can print to the same printer.  If other applications can print to the network printer, verify the printer settings for ArcMap/ArcGIS Pro.  If settings are correct, do a complete uninstall of the software and reinstall.

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