Is there an easier way to view and manage print queues of multiple printers?

Yes, it's an issue that Apple should address. I understand that they want to improve the system, but they need to be careful not to limit these kinds of functionalities because it frustrates users. For now, thanks to ChatGPT, I have solved it by creating a script in the terminal. It is very easy to do and for now, it solves the problem for me.

Here is the complete script:

# Name of the destination printer

destination_printer="DefaultPrinter"

# Get the IDs of all pending jobs and store them in a variable

jobs=$(lpstat -o | awk '{print $1}')

# Move each job to the destination printer

for job in $jobs; do

sudo lpmove "$job" "$destination_printer"

done

Save and Run the Script

1. Save the script in a file, for example, move_all_jobs.sh.
2. Make the script executable:

chmod +x move_all_jobs.sh

1. Run the script:

./move_all_jobs.sh

Explanation of the Script

• destination_printer="DefaultPrinter": Defines the destination printer.
• jobs=$(lpstat -o | awk '{print $1}'): Lists the pending jobs and extracts only the job IDs.
• For loop: Iterates over each job ID and uses sudo lpmove to move it to the default printer.

This script will automatically and efficiently move all pending print jobs to the specified printer.

Currently there is Print Center:

Manage printers and print jobs - Apple Support

It does not describe drag and drop between print queues as a feature. In the Terminal, one has the lpmove(8) command that allows one to move a job number of a print queue to a different printer (by name).

I cannot test Print Center as I only have a single printer here.

As these are fellow user supported communities, and Apple product teams do not participate here, the only means for them to know about a desired print queue drag and drop feature would be to submit direct feedback to the macOS product team.

"Is there a new way to move documents from one printer to another? "

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No, you have to halt the process and send to the other printer.

We have five printers/scanners attached to our Macs. I differentiate each by a different name which also includes the location. For example: my wife's printer is named "Gala - Sewing Room". Gala is a variety of apple fruit. Our network backup mac's printer is named "Bailey - Upstairs Lab". Bailey is also an apple variety. Knowing where to print is a no brainer.

alsoaiharris wrote:

Apple--if you are listening--Add this capacity back!!!

Apple engineers are not here. We're all end users like yourself. Tell Apple what missing features you'd like restored or new features added to the system via Feedback - macOS - Apple.  

ku4hx, sometimes people are working a bit faster than usual and after sending many print jobs from various locations (web, local files, etc.) and then you finally have a chance to walk to your printer to gather the prints, you realize the mistake of selecting the correct printer and instead of redoing the whole process, we had the FANTASTIC ability to just drag and drop onto the other printers and voila.

Adding the drag and drop feature to the new Print Center is a no brainer and should be VERY simple to do by Apple.

I have the same issue in my business. I have multiple printers set up for different forms, etc. My employees would be able to drag queues from one printer to the other. This is especially critical if they print to a printer with expensive preprinted forms in it. It will not let me keep just one printer in the dock, it puts all into one printer icon. Then you have to go from there to the System settings to pick a different printer to set as the default. You cannot do it from the printer icon. This is a horrible change and loss of efficiency. It clearly doesn't support the business platform.

This is a considerable step backwards. I have 2 printers at home, and many in my office, and many in each of the hospitals where I practice. It is not unusual for me to send a document to a hospital printer while at home etc. Previously, I could drag the job from one print queue to the next without having to re-print.

Apple--if you are listening--Add this capacity back!!!

What an enormous error now that we cannot drag docs between printers !!! It is a shame.. Probably the programming person who cancelled this feature needs to learn many of the present world's basics... I hope this will be resolved, Thank you

I agree. That is a MAJOR frustration and a fubar backwards step. I agree, APPLE, please reinstate that very simple feature.

I have submitted the bug fix to return drag and drop feature to MacOS and integrate into the new Print Center. Thank for the guidance.

Thank you, I have submitted my feedback!