Question
Answer and Explanation
Setting the default printer directly within Report Builder is typically not a feature available in the report designer itself. Report Builder usually relies on the operating system's (OS) default printer settings. Therefore, to "set" a default printer for reports generated through Report Builder, you need to change the default printer within the OS.
Here's how to manage the default printer for reports generated by Report Builder:
1. Understanding the Limitation:
- Report Builder, similar to many applications, does not have built-in settings to define which printer is used by default. Instead, it uses whatever printer is configured as the default in the user's OS.
2. Setting the Default Printer on Windows:
- Method 1: Using Settings:
- Go to Windows Settings (Win + I).
- Click on "Devices", then choose "Printers & scanners".
- Select the desired printer from the list.
- Click the "Manage" button.
- Click the "Set as default" button.
- Method 2: Using Control Panel:
- Open the Control Panel.
- Go to "Hardware and Sound", then select "Devices and Printers".
- Right-click the printer you want to set as default.
- Click "Set as default printer".
3. Setting the Default Printer on macOS:
- Click the Apple menu in the upper-left corner.
- Select "System Preferences", then go to "Printers & Scanners".
- Choose the printer you want to set as default from the printer list on the left.
- Click the dropdown next to "Default printer:" and select the printer.
4. Considerations for Shared Environments:
- If multiple users access the same reports on different devices, each user will need to configure their default printer settings on their respective OS.
- If the reports are printed through a server, the default printer must be set on the server's OS.
5. Why not Report Builder Settings?
- Report Builder is a tool for designing reports, not for controlling system-wide settings. The printing process leverages the OS capabilities to manage printing jobs.
In summary, the 'default printer' for Report Builder is the printer set as default in your operating system. To print reports to a specific printer, set that printer as the default printer within your Windows or macOS settings before running your report.