---
type: concept
title: Virtual Network Printer Installation (macOS)
tags: [macos, printing, configuration]
related: [virtual-printer, cups, ghostscript, internet-printing-protocol-https]
created: 2026-06-30
updated: 2026-06-30
sources: ["output/rz_uni_greifswald_de_dienste_allgemein_druck_management_system_macos_client.md"]
---

# Virtual Network Printer Installation (macOS)

The installation of the virtual network printer on macOS allows users to send print jobs to a central queue regardless of their physical location on campus.

## Technical Requirements
- **Software Dependencies**: Both `cups` (Common Unix Printing System) and `ghostscript` must be installed on the system.
- **Protocol**: The connection is established using the [[internet-printing-protocol-https]].

## Configuration Process
The configuration is performed through the CUPS web administration interface:

1. **Enable Web Interface**: By default, the CUPS web UI is disabled on macOS. It is activated via the terminal command:
   `cupsctl WebInterface=yes`
2. **Access Interface**: The administrator page is accessed at `http://localhost:631`.
3. **Printer Definition**:
   - **URL**: `https://pms.uni-greifswald.de:631/printers/virtual-ricoh`
   - **Driver**: The **Generic PostScript Printer** driver must be selected to ensure compatibility with the print server.

This process implements the [[virtual-printer]] concept by decoupling the local print command from a specific physical device.