What is Auto Print?
Auto Print (previously Print Assist) allows you to print your labels without having to download the .PDF file first. If you install Click & Drop Desktop and connect your printers, your labels will print automatically every time you click to generate a label through Click & Drop.
If you import your orders via spreadsheet, and wish for them to print automatically - please see the following guide: How to import orders with Click & Drop Desktop.
If you have previously used Royal Mail Print Assist, there is a guide for migrating to the improved Auto Print service later in this guide.
To Enable Auto Print
Auto Print icon is displayed at the top of every page within Click & Drop. To configure Auto Print, click the 'Auto print' icon as circled in the image below.
Please note that Click & Drop Desktop is only for Windows or macOS operating systems. You may require permissions to install the software on your computer or device.
A separate pop up window will open. Check the 'Enable Auto Print' box.
Once you have checked the box, you will receive more information with the links to install the required software.
If you already use and are logged into Click & Drop Desktop (version 2.1 or later) on your workstation, click "Test Auto Print connections" to complete the configuration. If Auto Print connection is established successfully, you can skip forward to the How to set up your printers section of the help guide.
If not, click the link to download Click & Drop Desktop for your operating system.
If the link is not visible, you can follow one of the below download links:
Click and Drop Desktop client for Windows
Click and Drop Desktop client for Mac
Please note that Click & Drop Desktop will not work properly on unsupported operated systems versions like Windows XP, 7 or 8.1. We strongly recommend upgrading your system.
Run downloaded installation package. The installation wizard will appear. Please read and accept the licensing agreement, and follow the on-screen instructions to finish installation.
Once the installation process is finished, run Click & Drop Desktop client and log in using your Click & Drop login credentials (the same you use to log in to the Website application).
Auto print should now show as connected to your Click & Drop account.
How to set up your printers
You can open the Auto Print configuration window at any time by clicking the printer icon from the top of any page within Click & Drop.
Using the drop-down boxes, you will need to associate each printer type to the printers you have connected to your computer or device. You can do so by selecting the correct printer from the list.
The document types in order from left to right are: label, despatch note, CN22 customs form, CN23 customs form.
- CN22 documents are generated for international destinations for orders worth less than £270. CN22 documents can be printed in 6x4 or A4 formats.
- CN23 documents are generated for international destinations for orders worth £270 or greater. CN23 documents can currently only be printed in A4 format.
If the printer you are looking for does not appear in the list, please ensure the printer is switched on and properly connected to the machine you are using and have Click & Drop Desktop installed.
To disable Auto Print click the icon again and un-check the 'Enable auto print' box again at any time.
Printing history & Connected printers
In order to see printing history, open "Auto Print" tab in your Click & Drop Desktop application. You can also review all printers available on the workstation the client is installed.
Migrating from Print Assist to Auto Print
If you are already a Click & Drop Desktop user and have been using Print Assist to print your labels, we encourage you to migrate to Auto Print. Some of the advantages are:
- A single app to import orders and automatically print them
- View your printout history easily without needing to review complex logs
- View which label/document type/format is assigned to which printer
- Performance improvements
To migrate from Print Assist to Auto Print, simply follow the steps to connect to Auto Print above. Your workstation and printer configurations will be migrated. Please ensure you have Click & Drop desktop installed on each workstation before commencing the migration.
I am having difficulty with my Auto Print connection
If your Auto Print connection is not correctly working, please try the following:
- In order for the Auto Print icon showing without warnings, your printers must be switched on and correctly connected to your computer or device
- Certain antivirus software and popup blockers can affect the installation process. If you are unable to view the installation pop up windows, you may need to temporarily disable this software until the installation is complete
- Some printers may incorrectly display that a document is still in 'printing' status in the print queue, even when then document has been printed successfully. You may need to remove the job from the queue in order to continue printing labels
- If you need to whitelist URLs or IP addresses in order for apps to work correctly within your network, firewall, or security settings, you can find them here. IP addresses and URLs for security settings