QBO on Mac suddenly cannot print checks or reports

Hello there, sawxray.

I appreciate all the steps you've done to resolve why you can't print checks and reports.

Before printing the checks, the system will route you to a PDF page to preview the forms and ensure the information is correct. From there, click the Print button.

As for printing reports, you can run some troubleshooting steps to isolate what causes the issue.

To start with, print reports on an incognito window. It is the best place to identify the main cause of the issue. You can use these keyboard keys to open one:

• For Google Chrome: Ctrl + Shift + N
• For Mozilla Firefox: Ctrl + Shift + P
• For Microsoft Edge: Ctrl + Shift + P
• For Safari: ⌘+ Shift + N

If you're able to print, you can continue it on a regular browser and clear the cache. Once the browsing history piled up, it can cause unexpected issues on the opened pages.

You can also switch to a different browser like Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Safari, or Microsoft Edge to isolate this further.

I've also added this link for more troubleshooting steps for printing issues: Troubleshoot printing problems in Safari.

You can also exhaust these resources when customizing reports and configuring how your checks align:

• Modify reports
• Align how your checks print

Keep me posted if there's anything else I can help you today. Just tag my name, and I'll get back to you.

Thank you for the rapid response.

I have tried in a private window. No go.

Your point about the PDF preview is irrelevant. I have described the process. I have followed the normal procedure, and I do get the preview, and it has a 'Print' button at bottom right. But when I hit that button, a NEW tab opens up with a PDF. No print queue. If I try the File menu in Safari, then 'Print,' I DO get the print queue, but it doesn't print out as laid out, just the entire Safari page.

It worked before, a few weeks ago. I don't know what has changed, but don't know how to find the issue.

Thank you.

This isn't the impression I want to leave you with, @sawxray. I’ll provide further troubleshooting steps to help fix this printing issues.

Since the issue still persists, I recommend updating your Adobe Reader. This is required for printing both Standard and Voucher checks. 

Here’s how:

1. Select + New.
2. Select Print checks and click Print setup.
3. Select No, continue setup.
4. Select the latest version of the Reader link. This takes you to Adobe’s page where you can download the latest version of Acrobat Reader.
5. After installing Acrobat, go back to QuickBooks. Then select the How? link to set Adobe Reader as your browser’s default PDF viewer.
6. Go back to QuickBooks and select View preview and print sample. Then select Print.
7. Follow the on-screen steps to finish printing your sample check.
8. Check the alignment of your sample against a blank check.

If the alignment looks good, then you’re ready to print on your regular checks. For more information about check alignment and adjusting the printer dialog box, see this article: Configure your print settings for printing checks in QuickBooks Online.

You’ve mentioned that you’re using MAC, you’ll want to read about troubleshooting printing problems in Safari.  However, if the issue still persists, it’d be best if you reach out to our Customer Care Team. This way, they can further assist you with fixing this issue. 

I'll be here to help if there's any additional questions about printing issues. Just leave a comment below. Keep safe.

Thank you.

Are we on the same page? Is Reader necessary for Mac? I just want to make sure we are not losing the forest for the trees.

Since I was able to print checks before, and have never had Reader installed, I suspect its the wrong path to go down. I am trying to reduce complexity and not to add more potential factors.

I have spent hours trying to troubleshoot, including that link you sent. It does not provide a solution. 

Can we please focus on what is going on already, and not add anything new? I don't think we have done any troubleshooting. We have just reviewed what is already not working, and I know it is not working. Can we please diagnose what is going on? Why will Safari call up the print queue, but QBO within Safari not do so? Why does the print option open up a new tab, with a PDF, instead of calling up the print queue? Not to be a broken record, but this worked previously, without a new tab and without using Adobe Reader. 

Thank you for your attention to this matter. 

I'd also feel the same when something isn't working, @sawxray.

I’m here to ensure you get routed to the right direction of support to sort this issue with printing checks or reports in QuickBooks Online for Mac. 

Since the issue persists after trying out the steps given by my colleague above, I suggest reaching out to our QuickBooks Online Support. They have the tools to find the root cause of your concern and find a fix.

Please take note that our support hours for QuickBooks Online Plus, Essentials, Simple Start starts from M-F 6 AM to 6 PM PT and Saturday 6 AM to 3 PM PT. For the Advanced version, we're available any time, any day.

I'll be around if you need further assistance with QuickBooks Online-related tasks. I'm very eager to help. Stay Safe!

I just spent the last two hours on the phone with Tech Support.  The person I spoke with had nothing to offer but to read through the Windows versions of all the tech white papers.  I did that before I called in.  After two hours, the solution was I'm gonna hang up and call in again, because they couldn't transfer me to a more knowledgeable tech, or to a supervisor.  I have now been paying $240 per month and I still can't use my QBO.  I have been a desktop Mac user for 20 years, but that program was discontinued.  I can't use my old files any longer.  I have to pay way too much for the new program, and After 2 months I still can't find anyone who can get my printer working so I can print a check.  One Check!!!

I'm going to read through this thread, in hopes I find some magic here.  If anyone else has found similar problems, please join me in posting something on the feed back tap.  This is terrible business practice.  I've complained before with no response.  Mac Desktop worked so well.  I don't understand why QBO is so unusable?  And has such unresponsive support?

Hi, Leander - Please share any ideas you have. QB has suddenly stopped allowing me to print checks because the printing is set for two-sided.  I would happily change this, but it is light gray, and nothing I have done so far, including disconnecting from the printer, rebooting my computer, tried various settings, etc. has shifted this.  Were you able to get anything worked out?

Hi, Leander - Please let me know if you were able to get this issue sorted.  QB has suddenly stopped allowing me to print checks on my Mac.  I keep getting an error message that I must turn off double-sided printing (in spite of it only being 1 page), but I can't.  The toggle on the print screen is light gray, so I can't change it directly.  I've tried every setting I can find in QB and my computer, I've disconnected and reconnected the printer, I've looked for updates, rebooted my computer...... Did something finally work for you?