Gutenprint for Mac

Used Gutenprint for Mac?

Gutenprint Analysis

AI Assisted Content · June 11, 2026

Not written by CNET Staff.

Gutenprint is a free printer driver software designed specifically for Mac users, offering extensive compatibility with a wide range of printers. This software enhances printing capabilities by providing high-quality output and a variety of configuration options, making it suitable for both home and professional use. Its interface allows users to easily select different printer settings and manage print jobs effectively.

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Trial version

Additionally, Gutenprint supports numerous printer models, including those from manufacturers like Epson, Canon, and HP. The software includes advanced features such as color management, media type selection, and resolution adjustments. Users can benefit from the ability to fine-tune their printing preferences, ensuring optimal results for various printing tasks, from documents to high-resolution images.

Gutenprint for Mac

Used Gutenprint for Mac?

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Full Specifications

GENERAL

Release: September 11, 2019

Latest update: June 11, 2026

Version: 5.3.3

OPERATING SYSTEMS

Platform: Mac

Operating System: Mac OS X

Additional Requirements

macOS Mojave
macOS High Sierra
macOS Sierra
OS X El Capitan
OS X Yosemite
OS X Mavericks
OS X Mountain Lion
OS X Lion
OS X Snow Leopard

POPULARITY

Total Downloads: 15,096

Downloads Last Week: 4

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Last Updated

User Reviews

4.6/5

94 User Votes

Saved me from buying a new laser printer
beforsbergJuly 10, 2012
Pros
Apple LaserWriter 360... I'll bet not too many people still have one of these! This one has been my main printer since around 1997. At that time, it cost more than $1400. If it were not for Guntenprint this printer would have met it's maker a long time ago when Apple tried to make it impossible to use it. Fortunately, I can connect to my MB Pro through a USB port and Guntenprint recognizes it printer.
Cons
Some of the printer's functions have gone by the wayside. I can't use the manual feed any more. This printer has always been slow but it's even slower now that I'm using a USB connection instead of Ethernet.
Summary
One day I hope to upgrade this printer with a new wireless model. Until then, I'm so happy to have a printer driver that works!
Connects Snow Leopard to classic HP LaserJets
danslationMarch 2, 2012
Pros
allows LaserJet 4M Plus to function fully from Snow Leopard fills gap in HP printer drivers for classic LaserJets
Cons
hard to track where Gutenprint gets installed on my Mac needs better documentation on how to set up IP printing
Summary
I bought a refurbished HP LaserJet 4M Plus from PrinterTechs.com in 2004. This bulky, solidly built printer works slowly but very reliably, producing sharp black text and excellent black-and-white halftones. For several years I connected it successfully to my iMac desktop computer running Leopard (Mac OS 10.5) with HP's printer driver. When I recently upgraded to Snow Leopard (Mac OS 10.6), I was shocked to find that my iMac no longer talked to my LaserJet: Neither Apple nor HP provides a Snow Leopard printer driver for the 4M Plus. I then downloaded Gutenprint 5.2.7 and studied the documentation that came with it. From that I learned that, since my LaserJet connects to my iMac via an Ethernet cable, I would need to set it up for IP Printing. But I wasn't sure which IP address to specify in System Preferences>Print & Fax. I tried entering my Ethernet router's IP address, but that did not work. Calling PrinterTechs.com customer support, I found out that I had to run a self-test on my LaserJet to get its IP address, and enter that into my new printer definition in System Preferences. For "queue name" I selected "HP Jetdirect," and for "Print Using" I selected "HP LaserJet 4/4M Postscript 600 dpi," which evidently came from the Gutenprint driver. This enabled me to activate my printer's optional lower tray and envelope printing features. Now my LaserJet prints smoothly from Snow Leopard, with full functionality.
printer drivers for when your manufacturer falls short
hglasimpsonSeptember 22, 2011
Pros
does a great job of making printers work and free (e.g. HP Photosmart P1100: made it work for OS 10.5 and up, which HP doesn't offer drivers (and we take for granted, but I can two sided, landscape, or differ quality)).
Cons
none (and not a con, just note: has customize, which I just checked the gutenprint 5 install and uninstall, didn't use gimp or apple)
Summary
not bottom line, but another example: HP LaserJet 1012: Mac drivers always spit out blank page at the end with "Unsupported Personality: PCL"; gutenprint drivers didn't help (but don't be discouraged, they have updates all the time)
Your printer's silent partner.
lwitterNovember 19, 2010
Pros
Easy to install, just follow the directions in the documentation folder. The driver for my Canon iP 4500 works tirelessly and so quietly its easy to forget that its there. Bottom line - it works!
Cons
No bad report card for this application.
Summary
A really good source for up-to-date printer drivers.
Uninstalls Epson printers Bug
William RobinsonNovember 20, 2008
Pros
Cons
Summary
This review was originally posted on VersionTracker.com.<br />I've been using Gutenprint as the driver for my Epson 1160 ever since moving to OSX years ago. So I was happy to see the 5.2.2 update had gone golden. But once I installed it I was unhappy to find that it removed the contents of /usr/local/bin which is where the CUPS elements reside. I could no longer print to the 1160, until I downgraded back to Gp 5.0.2. I then tried upgrading to 5.22 again, keeping the /usr/local/bin window open; and sure enough the install process removed the elements again. This time I had first backed them up, and I was able to install them manually. It was the Gutenprint Utility for Epson Inkjet Printers (which I used to print nozzel checks) that alerted me to the location of the missing files; other wise I wouldn't have had a clue where to look for them. I'm pretty sure these file are not supposed to be removed, or that they should have been replaced with something newer.
FU
Ancient_Boii_TribeJanuary 4, 2008
Pros
Cons
Summary
This review was originally posted on VersionTracker.com.<br />The last version I installed then the Apple security update. Then I could not print and had to do a clean reinstall of my system. I think cups clashed with the security update too.
Excellent!!
djjjkMay 10, 2007
Pros
Cons
Summary
This review was originally posted on VersionTracker.com.<br />I had a problem printing a pile of pdf's on my trusty old (14 years) HP LaserJet 4/4M - kept getting a "stacking error 1022" for a good few of them - couldn't figure out why some printed and some didn't. I tried everything (only thing that worked was converting to a jpeg), did a quick google and found a few folk who recommended this Gimp-Print/GutenPrint - tried it without too much hope and whatdoyouknow - it worked a treat, not sure but seems to work a lot faster than before. I'm very impressed!!
Nicky Evans
nicky evansAugust 26, 2006
Pros
Cons
Summary
This review was originally posted on VersionTracker.com.<br />Absolutely Fantastic!!!!! I Can now print using Epson C46 with mac os x 10.3.9.....
very very SLOW
VersionTrackerUserOpinionAugust 3, 2006
Pros
Cons
Summary
This review was originally posted on VersionTracker.com.<br />It's extremely slow to spool and print on OS 10.4.7, much slower than gimp 4.2.5
epson C46 driver
BrendanpfoxJune 4, 2006
Pros
Cons
Summary
This review was originally posted on VersionTracker.com.<br />Couldn't find a driver anywhere until I found gimp-print 5! After ages looking, it worked. The instructions were simple to follow also. My old C42 of 5 years gave up the ghost so I decided to share the C46 with my G3 as well as the PC. These old epsons are superb AND ink, with a resetter chip.. costs nothing! Anyway, 2 slight problems, 1) you canÃ‚Â´t use the utilities.. to clean or assess ink levels etc I can do thisa with my PC anyway, so thatÃ‚Â´s fine. 2) ItÃ‚Â´s maybe also a bit slower BUT hey..... better than absolutely noting that the manufactures or apple provide eh?? Thank you gimp-print

Developer’s Description

By Robert Krawitz

Organize your printer for work.