The “Use Printer” Scripting Extension lets you switch between different printers on your Macintosh via AppleScript. It is based on technology from PrinterSwitch 1.3.4 by Brookline Software, and requires PrinterSwitch 1.3.4 for proper operation.
Instructions
First, copy the Use Printer file to the Scripting Additions folder, inside the Extensions folder.
Next, install PrinterSwitch 1.3.4 on your Macintosh. Follow the instructions in the PrinterSwitch documentation to set up PrinterSwitch and have it “learn” your printers.
Next, Open your Preferences folder and find the “PrinterSwitch Printers” folder. This folder contains files for each of the printers that PrinterSwitch has “learned”. The file names correspond to your printer names, but you may rename the files to anything you like.
Next, launch your favorite AppleScript Script editor and write a script to switch between printers.
The syntax is:
use printer "printername"
"PrinterName" is the filename of the PrinterSwitch Printer file you wish to use. For example, if you have a printer file named "LaserWriter" and another printer file named "FaxPrint",
use printer "LaserWriter"
[do some stuff]
use printer "FaxPrint"
[do some more stuff]
Important Note
Use Printer 1.3.4 will not automatically switch between network connections. We recommend you use another AppleScript Scripting Addition if you need to switch network connections before switching printers: "AppleTalk Access OSAX" by Michael Gorski.
This scripting addition is freeware, currently available from any INFO-MAC archive. For example,
Use Printer 1.3.4 is a free addition to PrinterSwitch 1.3.4
Registered owners of PrinterSwitch are encouraged to use the “Use Printer” Scripting Extension free of charge. If you are not a registered owner of PrinterSwitch, please visit the Brookline Software home page:
http://www.brooklinesw.com/
where you can find the latest version of PrinterSwitch, on-line registration information, and more!