Does MacBook Pro have to remain open and turn on to continue printing?

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Level 1

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Does MacBook Pro have to remain open and turn on to continue printing?

I am wondering if it is normal form my MacBook Pro (Nov 2024, M4 Max, 16", System 18.3.1) to stop a print and eject the paper midway through when I close the lid.Or is there a setting somewhere that will allow it to keep printing even when closed, perhaps preventing it from sleeping, or using some sort of "Power Sleep." I've looked but can't find a setting that sounds like it will do what I need.

I often print large format documents with several pages of large-format photos, and it is easy to forget and close my Mac during the 60 or more minutes it takes to print. Additionally, I have to leave my laptop open and on if I print at night before going to bed.

MacBook Pro (M4)

Posted on Mar 28, 2025 12:02 PM

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Answer 1

MartinR

Level 7

22,711 points

Mar 29, 2025 7:34 AM in response to JpMkr

The MacBookPro goes into sleep mode when you close the lid.

AFAIK the only way to keep it live with the lid closed is to connect an external monitor and then tweak the energy settings to prevent automatic sleeping. You must have an external monitor connected.

System Settings > Battery > Options > Prevent automatic sleeping on power adapter when the display is off > Enable.
System Settings > Lock Screen > Turn display off on power adapter when inactive > Never
System Settings > Lock Screen > Turn display off on battery when inactive > Never.

You may want to research an app called Amphetamine (available in the App Store). It claims to be able to keep your MBP live when the lid is closed, without using an external monitor.

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Does MacBook Pro have to remain open and turn on to continue printing?