hp-concentra-wrapper-portlet

HP Printers - Installing a Mac Print Driver Using Apple Software Update

This document is for HP printers that have drivers available through Apple Software Update and Mac computers.

Before installing the software, turn on the printer and make sure it is connected to the computer you want to print or scan from, either with a USB cable or through your local Wi-Fi or wired network.

Visit 123.hp.com to download the latest HP software for your printer.

note:
On iOS and macOS, most HP printers work with Apple AirPrint to provide full-quality printing without the need to download or install drivers. For additional functionality, please download the HP Smart app from the App Store for iPhone and iPad or the Mac App Store.

Installing the driver in macOS or OS X 10.7 and later

To install the HP driver through Apple Software Update, create a new print queue on the Mac.

note:
Where is the download button? Your HP drivers automatically download and install through Apple Software Update, but if you want to manually download drivers, go to HP Printer Drivers for macOS and OS X Mavericks and later (in English) or HP Printer Drivers for OS X Mountain Lion and OS X Lion (in English) on the Apple support site.

Click the Apple menu, then click System Preferences.
Depending on your operating system version, click Print & Fax, Print & Scan, or Printers & Scanners.
Check if the name of your printer displays in the Printers list. Do one of the following steps, depending on if the printer is listed or not.
- If your printer is listed, remove and re-add the printer to confirm communication and to make sure the correct driver is used. Click the name of your printer, then click the minus sign to delete the printer. Once the printer is removed, click the plus sign , click Add Printer or Scanner, click the name of your printer, then continue to the next step.
- If your printer is not listed, click the plus sign, click Add Printer or Scanner, click the name of your printer, then continue to the next step.
- If your printer is not listed in the Add Printer or Scanner window, make sure the printer is connected to the Mac with a USB cable, or that it is on the same wired or wireless network as your Mac. See the Frequently asked questions in this document to resolve connection issues, try to add the printer again, then continue to the next step.
Click the Use or Print Using menu, then select the name of your printer.

note:
Selecting a Generic driver option from the Use menu can result in limited printer functionality.
Click Add to add the printer to the list.
- If you are prompted to install software, click Download and Install to complete the installation.
- If ‘Software is currently unavailable’ displays, click Cancel, then go to Printer and scanner software for macOS Sierra, El Capitan, Yosemite, and Mavericks (in English). If your printer is supported, go to HP Printer Drivers for macOS and OS X Mavericks and later (in English) or HP Printer Drivers for OS X Mountain Lion and OS X Lion (in English) to try manually installing the drivers.
Close the System Preferences window.
Try to print, scan, or fax, depending on your printer functionality.

If you can print, scan, or fax, you installed the driver and can now use your printer.
If you cannot print, scan, or fax, see the Frequently asked questions on scanning issues and methods, driver support information, and to troubleshoot printer connection issues.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Review these frequently asked questions about installing and using HP print and scan drivers installed through Apple Software Update on a Mac running OS X 10.7 and later or macOS.

What if my printer is not connected, found, or listed during the installation?

For Apple Software Update to install the correct driver and to add the printer to your list of devices on the Mac, the printer must connect to the Mac with a USB cable or through a wired or wireless network.

Use this guide to check the status of your printer connection type, then read steps to connect it to the computer or network if it is not connected.

Wireless network connection: On the printer, open the Wireless network or Settings menu to make sure the wireless signal is turned on. If the network name displays on the printer, make sure it is the same network the Mac connects to. Make sure the light next to the Wireless icon is on and steady (connected to a network). If the light is blinking, it is broadcasting a signal but not connected. Try moving the printer closer to the router.
Wired network connection: Make sure the cable is connected to the printer Ethernet port and to an available port on the router. The green link light should be steady, and the orange activity light should blink.
USB connection: Make sure the cable is securely connected to the printer and to a working USB port on the computer. Try a different port or cable if the connection continues to fail.

Setting up a wireless (Wi-Fi) connection

Connect your wireless-capable printer to your network so that Apple Software update can identify the correct driver and software to install.

Use the Wireless Setup Wizard method if your printer has a touch or text navigation control panel. For printers with basic control panels (no screen, just buttons) use Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) if you have a supported printer and router, or change a USB connection to wireless in the HP software.

Use the Wireless Setup Wizard on the printer

Most printers with a touch or text navigation control panel have a Wireless Setup Wizard available through the wireless button

or in the Setup, Network, or Wireless menus. Use the guided tool to select your network and enter the password to connect the printer to your network.

If your printer does not have one of these control panel types, try one of the other methods in this document to connect.

Gather the following items:
- Network name (SSID)
- Network security password (WEP key or WPA passphrase)
- A computer that is connected to your wireless network
- Your wireless-capable printer: Place it close to the computer during the installation
Make sure the printer, router, and computer are on.
Make sure the computer and printer are connected to the same wireless network.
Disconnect any USB or Ethernet cables from the printer.
On the printer control panel, touch the Setup, Network, or Wireless menu.
Touch Wireless Setup Wizard, and then follow the on-screen instructions to connect the printer.

Use Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS)

If your printer has a basic control panel (no touchscreen or text navigation), or the Wireless Setup Wizard method did not work, use WPS to connect the printer.

note:
Both your printer and wireless router must support the WPS push button connection type. Consult your printer and wireless router manuals to confirm if they support it. If WPS is not supported, try one of the other methods in this document to connect.

On the printer control panel, press and hold the Wireless button .
Release the button when the wireless light starts blinking.
Within two minutes, press and release the WPS button on your wireless router.
Wait up to two minutes while the printer and router establish a network connection.

Change a USB connection to wireless in the printer software

If your printer has a basic control panel (no touchscreen or text navigation) or the WPS connection method did not work, temporarily connect the printer to the Mac with a USB cable, then change the connection type to wireless in the HP Utility software.

Select your printer type to set up the wireless connection.

Inkjet printers (Deskjet, Officejet, Photosmart)

Use the wireless setup feature in the HP Utility software to set up an inkjet printer with a basic control panel on your Wi-Fi network.

Connect a USB cable to the USB port on the rear of the printer and to the computer.
When the Software Update window displays, follow the on-screen instructions to install the driver.
Click the Apple menu, then click System Preferences.
Depending on your operating system version, click Print & Fax, Print & Scan, or Printers & Scanners.
Click the name of your printer, then click Options & Supplies.
Click Utility, then click Open Printer Utility.
Click Continue, then follow the on-screen instructions to complete the printer setup.
Click Wireless Setup.
Make sure your network is listed on the Confirm Wireless Settings screen, then click Continue to complete the wireless configuration.
Disconnect the USB cable from the printer and the computer.
In the Printers & Scanners, Print & Scan, or Print & Fax window, click the name of your printer, then click the minus sign , then delete the USB installed printer.
Click the plus sign , then click Add Printer or Scanner.
Click the name of your printer with Bonjour as the kind, click the Use or Print Using box, then select the name of your printer in the pop-up menu.
Click Add to add the printer to the list.
Try to print, scan, or fax, depending on your printer functionality.

LaserJet printers

Use the wireless setup tools in the HP Utility software to set up a LaserJet printer with a basic control panel on your Wi-Fi network.

Connect a USB cable to the USB port on the rear of the printer , then to the computer.
When the Software Update window displays, follow the on-screen instructions to install the driver.
Click the Apple menu, then click System Preferences.
Depending on your operating system version, click Print & Fax, Print & Scan, or Printers & Scanners.
Click the name of your printer, then click Options & Supplies.
Click Utility, then click Open Printer Utility.
Click HTML Config to open the advanced printer settings window.
Click the Networking tab, then click Wireless in the left pane.
Right-click or press the Control key and click 802.11b/g/n Wireless, then select Enabled from the pop-up menu.
Double-click your network name to add it to the Current Network Name field, enter the network pass-phrase, then click Apply.
Add your network name to the Current Network Name (SSID) field

Enter your network pass-phrase
Disconnect the USB cable from the printer and the computer.
In the Printers & Scanners, Print & Scan, or Print & Fax window, click the name of your printer, then click the minus sign , then delete the USB installed printer.
Click the plus sign , then click Add Printer or Scanner.
Click the name of your printer with Bonjour as the kind, click the Use or Print Using box, then select the name of your printer in the pop-up menu.
Click Add to add the printer to the list.
Try to print, scan, or fax, depending on your printer functionality.

Connecting with a USB cable

Connect the printer to the computer with a USB cable, then allow the software update process to automatically run.

Make sure that your computer is turned on and connected to the Internet.
Turn on the printer.
Connect a USB cable to the USB port on the rear of the printer and to the computer.
When the Software Update window displays, follow the on-screen instructions to install the driver, then use the steps in this document to add the printer to the printers list.

Connecting with a wired (Ethernet) network cable

Connect the printer and the computer to your network router with a standard Ethernet cable.

Step 1: Prepare for the connection

Before installing the driver, make sure you have a functioning network router and an Ethernet cable.

Make sure you have a network router with available Ethernet ports.
Make sure your computer is connected to the router if it is not already connected.
Obtain an Ethernet cable. Do not use a standard telephone cable.
Ethernet cable: Connector is wide and has eight wires

Telephone cable (do not use): Connector is narrow and has between two and six wires

Step 2: Connect the printer to the network

Use the Ethernet cable to connect the printer to your router or network hub.

Turn on the printer.
Remove any plug or protective cover from the Ethernet port on the rear of the printer.
Connect the Ethernet cable to the printer and an available port on the router.

How do I scan with this driver?

Depending on your printer and the installed driver, the scan button on the printer control panel might not function. This does not mean your printer is unable to scan. Instead, use one of the following methods to scan from the computer.

Use the HP Easy Scan app (macOS and OS X 10.9 and later)

Scan and edit documents and photos with HP Easy Scan, a free scanning app available from the App Store or in supported driver packages on the HP website.

Download and install the HP Easy Scan app (in English) from the App Store.

If the app does not automatically open, search the Mac for scan, then click HP Easy Scan in the list of results.
Place the document or photo printed side down on the scanner glass, then close the scanner lid.

If your printer has an automatic document feeder (ADF), you can use it to scan multiple page documents at one time. Do not load photos in the ADF to prevent damage to the photos and the printer.
In HP Easy Scan, select your printer name from the Scanner drop down menu.
Select your scan type from the Presets menu.

To change any basic settings to the preset you selected, click Edit Settings.
Click Scan.
Click Scan Next Item to add additional pages, or click Done.
Click the thumbnail version of the scanned item in the left panel. The item displays in the right preview pane.
Click Edit to adjust colors, straighten the scan, or crop the size.
To save your scans to a folder on the Mac, click Send in the bottom right corner of the window, then click Folder.
In the window that displays, click the Where menu to browse to the folder you want to save the file to, then click Save.

Use Apple Image Capture

Apple Image Capture comes with macOS and OS X and provides a quick and simple way to scan a document or photo.

note:
Image Capture does not support scanning to email, scanning as editable text, or starting scans from the printer control panel.

Place the document or photo printed side down on the scanner glass, then close the scanner lid.

If your printer has an automatic document feeder (ADF), you can use it to scan multiple page documents at one time. Do not load photos in the ADF to prevent damage to the photos and the printer.
Open Finder , click Go in the top menu bar, click Applications, then double-click Image Capture.
Click your printer name in the Devices or Shared list.

note:
If a Software for this device is not installed message displays after you select your printer, click Install, then follow the instructions to complete the installation.
Click Show Details at the bottom of the screen.

A preview of the scan displays, then change any of the following settings:
- Scan Mode: Select the scanning bed or automatic document feeder, depending on where you loaded the original on the printer.
- Kind: Set scan as color, black and white, or optimized for text only documents.
- Resolution: Higher resolution produces better quality images by using more dots (pixels) per inch. Higher resolution increases the file size of the scan. Use a higher resolution for scans with graphics or items that require the best detail. If you are scanning black and white text, higher resolution is not necessary.
- Size: Use a standard paper size, or select the Use Custom Size option.
- Scan to: Select the folder you want scans to save to.
- Name: Type a name for the saved scan file.
- Format: Select the file type for the scan.
  
  note:
  Select the PDF or TIFF format, then select the box next to Combine into single document to save multiple page documents or multiple images into a single file. This feature is only available with these formats.
- Image Correction: Click the pop up menu, then select Manual to display color change options such as brightness and saturation.
Click Scan.

The scan saves in the selected Scan to folder.

Why can't I scan after installing the driver?

If you successfully added the new printer queue and you still cannot scan, check for updates, confirm that a scan driver is available for your printer, then try manually installing the driver.

note:
Depending on your printer and the installed driver, the scan button on the printer control panel might not function. This does not mean your printer is unable to scan. Try one of the methods in this document to start and complete scans from the computer.

If you recently upgraded your Mac to a newer operating system version, run Apple Software Update to ensure your computer has the most current updates installed, then try to scan again.

For a complete list of HP printers that have drivers available through Apple Software Update, go to Printer and scanner software for macOS Sierra, El Capitan, Yosemite, and Mavericks (in English).

If your printer has a scan driver, go to HP Printer Drivers for macOS and OS X Mavericks and later (in English) or HP Printer Drivers for OS X Mountain Lion and OS X Lion (in English) to download the driver from the Apple website, then try to scan.

What if the installation failed or the printer software is unavailable?

If a message such as 'Software currently unavailable for this device' displays, the download failed, or you cannot print, try these recommendations and procedures to troubleshoot the issue.

Make sure your printer has a driver available: For a complete list of HP printers with drivers available through Apple Software Update, go to Printer and scanner software for macOS Sierra, El Capitan, Yosemite, and Mavericks (in English).

If your printer is supported but the driver failed to install, you can manually download the driver from Apple. Go to HP Printer Drivers for macOS and OS X Mavericks and later (in English) or HP Printer Drivers for OS X Mountain Lion and OS X Lion (in English) to download the driver from the Apple website.
Make sure the Mac has latest updates installed: Run Apple Software Update to ensure your computer has the most current updates installed, then try adding the new printer queue again.
Make sure the Mac has a connection to the Internet: Without an Internet connection, Apple Software Update cannot locate the latest print driver.
Drivers for your printer might not release immediately after a new operating system version releases to the public: The amount of time for a driver to release can vary. Try the steps in this document again periodically to check if the driver released.
Try using AirPrint: AirPrint might be an option if you are connected over a network. Remove then re-add the printer to the Mac, then select AirPrint, if available, from the Use or Print Using menu in the Add window.

How do I change print quality and color settings with this driver?

Adjust color, quality and paper settings before printing a document or photo. Available settings and menu names vary depending on the app and the printer model.

Open the photo or document, click File, then click Print.
Select your printer, then select an option from the Presets menu that applies to your print job or paper type.
Click Show Details to view more print settings options.
Select Paper Type/Quality or Media & Quality from the unnamed menu at the center of the window, then change any quality and color settings, including print resolution dots per inch (dpi).
- Quality or Print Quality: Select Draft (lowest dpi typically used for plain text documents), Normal (default quality setting), Best (better dpi than normal), or Maximum dpi (highest dpi setting available - only available for some printers when photo paper is selected).
  
  Higher dpi means more clear and detailed photos or sharper text in a document, but can slow down print speeds. See your printer specifications for print speeds (measured in pages-per-minute) for each of these quality settings.
- Color Options (if available): Click the triangle to display the Color menu, then select ColorSmart/sRGB (for color prints) or Grayscale (for options to print in with multiple shades of gray or with black ink only).
- Photo Fix (if available): In the Color Options section, select On from this menu to automatically focus and sharpen photos.
Select Layout from the unnamed menu at the center of the window, then click the Border menu for options to add or remove a border.
Click Print.

Installing the driver in Mac OS X 10.6

Install the Mac Snow Leopard print driver and software using Apple Software Update.

Step 1: Confirm the printer is supported

Before installing the driver, make sure that your printer has a driver available for Mac OS X 10.6. Some newer HP printers are no longer supported in this operating system.

Go to Printer and scanner software available for download for Mac OS X Snow Leopard v10.6.8 (in English).

If your printer is supported, continue to the next step to connect your printer.
If your printer is not supported, you have the option to install a third party Gutenprint driver that provides basic print functionality. Go to Gimp-Print to download the driver. Gutenprint drivers are not supported by HP or Apple.

Step 2: Connect the printer to your computer or network

For Apple Software Update to install the correct driver, the printer must be connected to your Mac or to a wired or wireless network, and you need an active Internet connection.

Read one of the following sections that matches your connection type. If you are prompted to install the driver during the connection process, make sure to continue to the next step to add the printer to the Mac printers list.

USB cable connection to your computer

Connect the printer to the computer with a USB cable, then allow the software update process to automatically run.

Make sure that your computer is turned on and connected to the Internet.
Turn on the printer.
Connect a USB cable to the USB port on the rear of the printer and to the computer.
When the Software Update window displays, follow the on-screen instructions to install the driver, then continue to the next step to add the printer to the printers list.

Wireless (Wi-Fi) connection to your network

Connect your wireless-capable printer to your network so that Apple Software update can identify the correct driver and software to install.

Use the Wireless Setup Wizard method if your printer has a touch or text navigation control panel. For printers with basic control panels (no screen, just buttons) use Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) if you have a supported printer and router, or change a USB connection to wireless in the HP software.

Use the Wireless Setup Wizard on the printer

Most printers with a touch or text navigation control panel have a Wireless Setup Wizard available through the wireless button

or in the Setup, Network, or Wireless menus. Use the guided tool to select your network and enter the password to connect the printer to your network.

If your printer does not have one of these control panel types, try one of the other methods in this document to connect.

Gather the following items:
- Network name (SSID)
- Network security password (WEP key or WPA passphrase)
- A computer that is connected to your wireless network
- Your wireless-capable printer: Place it close to the computer during the installation
Make sure the printer, router, and computer are on.
Make sure the computer and printer are connected to the same wireless network.
Disconnect any USB or Ethernet cables from the printer.
On the printer control panel, touch the Setup, Network, or Wireless menu.
Touch Wireless Setup Wizard, and then follow the on-screen instructions to connect the printer.

Use Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS)

If your printer has a basic control panel (no touchscreen or text navigation), or the Wireless Setup Wizard method did not work, use WPS to connect the printer.

note:
Both your printer and wireless router must support the WPS push button connection type. Consult your printer and wireless router manuals to confirm if they support it. If WPS is not supported, try one of the other methods in this document to connect.

On the printer control panel, press and hold the Wireless button .
Release the button when the wireless light starts blinking.
Within two minutes, press and release the WPS button on your wireless router.
Wait up to two minutes while the printer and router establish a network connection.

Change a USB connection to wireless in the printer software

If your printer has a basic control panel (no touchscreen or text navigation) or the WPS connection method did not work, temporarily connect the printer to the Mac with a USB cable, then change the connection type to wireless in the HP Utility software.

Select your printer type to set up the wireless connection.

Inkjet printers (Deskjet, Officejet, Photosmart)

Use the wireless setup feature in the HP Utility software to set up an inkjet printer with a basic control panel on your Wi-Fi network.

Connect a USB cable to the USB port on the rear of the printer and to the computer.
When the Software Update window displays, follow the on-screen instructions to install the driver.
Click the Apple menu, then click System Preferences.
Click Print & Fax.
Click the name of your printer, then click Options & Supplies.
Click Utility, then click Open Printer Utility.
Click Continue, then follow the on-screen instructions to complete the printer setup.
Click Wireless Setup.
Make sure your network is listed on the Confirm Wireless Settings screen, then click Continue to complete the wireless configuration.

note:
If you have an Apple AirPort Extreme, Express, or Time Capsule base station and the wireless assistant could not configure the printer, the Mac might be connected to the 5 GHz network band. HP printers only work on the 2.4 GHz band. Go to the Apple Support website to learn how to change the band in the base station settings.
Disconnect the USB cable from the printer and the computer.
In the Print & Fax window, click the name of your printer, click the minus sign , then delete the USB installed printer.
Click the plus sign , then click Add Printer.
Click the name of your printer with Bonjour as the kind, click the Print Using box, then select the name of your printer in the pop-up menu.
Click Add to add the printer to the list.
Try to print, scan, or fax, depending on your printer functionality.

LaserJet printers

Use the wireless setup tools in the HP Utility software to set up a LaserJet printer with a basic control panel on your Wi-Fi network.

Connect a USB cable to the USB port on the rear of the printer , then to the computer.
When the Software Update window displays, follow the on-screen instructions to install the driver.
Click the Apple menu, then click System Preferences.
Click Print & Fax.
Click the name of your printer, then click Options & Supplies.
Click Utility, then click Open Printer Utility.
Click HTML Config to open the advanced printer settings window.
Click the Networking tab, then click Wireless in the left pane.
Right-click or press the Control key and click 802.11b/g/n Wireless, then select Enabled from the pop-up menu.
Double-click your network name to add it to the Current Network Name field, enter the network pass-phrase, then click Apply.
Add your network name to the Current Network Name (SSID) field

Enter your network pass-phrase
Disconnect the USB cable from the printer and the computer.
In the Print & Fax window, click the name of your printer, then click the minus sign , then delete the USB installed printer.
Click the plus sign , then click Add Printer.
Click the name of your printer with Bonjour as the kind, click the Print Using box, then select the name of your printer in the pop-up menu.
Click Add to add the printer to the list.
Try to print, scan, or fax, depending on your printer functionality.

Wired (Ethernet) connection to your network

Connect the printer and the computer to your router with a standard Ethernet cable.

Step 1: Prepare for the connection

Before installing the driver, make sure you have a functioning network router and an Ethernet cable.

Make sure you have a network router with available Ethernet ports.
Make sure your computer is connected to the router if it is not already connected.
Obtain an Ethernet cable. Do not use a standard telephone cable.
Ethernet cable: Connector is wide and has eight wires

Telephone cable (do not use): Connector is narrow and has between two and six wires

Step 2: Connect the printer to the network

Use the Ethernet cable to connect the printer to your router or network hub.

Turn on the printer.
Remove any plug or protective cover from the Ethernet port on the rear of the printer.
Connect the Ethernet cable to the printer and an available port on the router.

Step 3: Add the printer to the Printers list

Create a new print queue in System Preferences on the Mac.

Click the Apple menu, then click System Preferences.
Click Print & Fax.
Check if the name of your printer displays in the Printers list. Do one of the following steps, depending on if the printer is listed or not.
- If your printer is listed, remove and re-add the printer to confirm communication and that the correct driver is used. Click the name of your printer, click the minus sign , then delete the printer. Once the printer is removed, click the plus sign , click the name of your printer, then continue with the remaining steps.
- If your printer is not listed, click the plus sign , click the name of your printer, then continue with the remaining steps.
- If your printer is not listed in the Add Printer window, confirm that the printer is connected to the Mac with a USB cable, or that it is on the same wired or wireless network as your Mac. See the Frequently asked questions in this document to try resolving connection issues, then try to add the printer again.
Click the Print Using box, then select the name of your printer in the pop-up menu.
Click Add to add the printer to the list.
- If you are prompted to install the printer software from Apple, click Download and Install to complete the installation.
- If a ‘Software is currently unavailable’ message displays, click Cancel, then go to HP Printer Drivers for Mac OS X v10.6 Snow Leopard (in English) to try manually installing the software from Apple.
Try to print or scan, depending on your printer functionality.
- If you can print or scan, you installed the driver and can now use your printer.
- If you cannot print or scan, see the Frequently asked questions on alternate scanning methods, driver support information, and to troubleshoot connection issues.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Review these frequently asked questions about installing and using OS X 10.6 print and scan drivers.

What if my printer is not connected, found, or listed during the installation?

For Apple Software Update to install the correct driver and to add the printer to your list of devices on the Mac, the printer must connect to the Mac with a USB cable or through a wired or wireless network.

Use this guide to check the status of your printer connection type.

Wireless network connection: On the printer, open the Wireless network or Settings menu to make sure the wireless signal is turned on. If the network name displays on the printer, make sure it is the same network the Mac connects to. Make sure the light next to the Wireless icon is on and steady (connected to a network). If the light is blinking, it is broadcasting a signal but not connected. Try moving the printer closer to the router.
Wired network connection: Make sure the cable is connected to the printer Ethernet port and to an available port on the router. The green link light should be steady, and the orange activity light should blink.
USB connection: Make sure the cable is securely connected to the printer and to a working USB port on the computer. Try a different port or cable if the connection continues to fail.

How do I scan with the built-in driver?

Depending on your printer and the installed driver, the scan button on the printer control panel might not function. This does not mean your printer is unable to scan. Instead, use Apple Image Capture or the scan feature in Print & Fax to scan from the computer.

Scan from Image Capture

Scan from the Mac using the Image Capture application that comes with Snow Leopard.

Place the item that you want to scan on the scanner glass, or load it into the Automatic Document Feeder (ADF) if your printer has one.
In the Applications folder or from the Dock, click Image Capture.
Select your printer from the list. If your printer connects to a network, select it from the Shared list. The details of the scan display.
If a 'Software for this device is not installed' message displays after you select your printer, click Install, and then follow the instructions to complete the installation.
Click Show Details to view scan settings and options.

note:
Make sure that you select either the Flatbed mode or the Document Feeder mode, depending on your printer and how you plan to scan.
Change any settings as necessary, and then click Scan.

Scan from the Print & Fax window

Scan from the Mac using the Image Capture application that comes with Snow Leopard.

Place the item that you want to scan on the scanner glass, or load it into the Automatic Document Feeder (ADF) if your printer has one.
Click the Apple menu (), and then click System Preferences.
Click Print & Fax, and then click your printer in the left pane.
Click the Scan tab, and then click Open Scanner.
If a 'Software for this device is not installed' message displays after you select your printer, click Install, and then follow the instructions to complete the installation.
Click Show Details to view scan settings and options.

note:
Make sure that you select either the Flatbed mode or the Document Feeder mode, depending on your printer and how you plan to scan.
Change any settings as necessary, and then click Scan.

If the Scan or Print icons do not display in the Printer Browser window toolbar, remove and then add the current HP printer.

What if a 'Software currently unavailable for this device' message displays?

If a message displays that the printer software is not available, try these recommendations and procedures to troubleshoot the issue.

Make sure the Mac has a connection to the Internet: Without an Internet connection, Apple Software Update cannot locate and install the latest print driver.
Make sure your printer has a driver available: For a complete list of HP printers with drivers available through Apple Software Update, go to Printer and scanner software available for download for Mac OS X Snow Leopard v10.6.8 (in English).

If your printer is supported but the driver failed to install, you can manually download the driver from Apple. Go to HP Printer Drivers for Mac OS X v10.6 Snow Leopard (in English) to download the driver.