PaperCut Client

Questions

• What is the PaperCut Client?
• What is PCClient?
• What is PaperCut MF Client?
• Do I need PaperCut Client installed on my computer to print?
• Why does a window pop up asking for my username and password every time I print?
• Why are my print jobs not showing up at the printer?
• How does PaperCut know who sent a print job?
• What does the PaperCut icon in my menu bar or taskbar do?
• Can I save my password so PaperCut doesn't ask me every time I print?
• What is the difference between PaperCut Client and PaperCut Print Deploy?

Environment

This article covers what the PaperCut Client is and how it works. It applies to all Bowdoin College faculty, staff, and students printing from a Mac or Windows computer — whether Bowdoin-issued or personally owned.

• macOS: Sequoia (15.x) or Tahoe (26.x)
• Windows: Windows 11
• Applies to: Bowdoin-issued computers (PCClient is pre-installed) and personal computers (PCClient must be installed manually)

Resolution

What PaperCut Client Does

PaperCut Client — also called PCClient (macOS) or PaperCut MF Client (Windows) — is a small background application that serves two essential functions:

1. It identifies who sent a print job.
   When you print, your operating system doesn't automatically tell the print server who you are. PCClient fills that gap — it intercepts each print job and attaches your Bowdoin identity to it. This is what allows your document to appear in your personal print queue at the release station, rather than being lost or inaccessible.
2. It lets you charge printing to a department account.
   For faculty, staff, and student employees who print on behalf of a department, PCClient presents a project code selection window when you print. This allows the job to be billed to the correct cost center rather than your personal allocation. See Charging a department code when printing in PaperCut for details.

How to Tell If PCClient Is Running

PCClient must be running at the time you print. If it is not running, your print jobs will be sent to the printer but will not be linked to your account — meaning they will not appear at the release station or on the PaperCut web portal.

Look for the PaperCut icon:

• macOS: A small black or white "P" icon in the menu bar at the top of your screen, near the clock
• Windows: A small icon in the system tray (bottom-right corner of the screen, near the clock — you may need to click the up arrow ˄ to expand hidden icons)

The Login Popup

The first time you print during a session — or after your saved credentials expire — PCClient will display a small popup window asking for your Bowdoin username and password. This is expected behaviour.

• Enter your Bowdoin username (not your full email address) and password
• Use the Remember drop-down to choose how long PCClient should remember your credentials — options range from the current session up to two weeks. Choose a longer period if you print frequently.
• Click OK to submit your print job

PaperCut Client vs. PaperCut Print Deploy

These are two separate applications that work together but do different things:

For more on Print Deploy, see PaperCut Print Deploy — what it is and how it works.

Additional Help

If you need further assistance, you have several options:

• Bowdoin Bot: Chat with Bowdoin Bot directly from any KB page for instant answers.
• Phone: Call the Bowdoin College Service Desk at (207) 725-3030.
• In person: Visit the Tech Hub in Smith Union during business hours.
• Submit a ticket: Request assistance through the Service Catalog.

Additional Resources

• How to install PaperCut software on a Bowdoin computer — Install PCClient via Self Service (macOS) or Company Portal (Windows)
• Start the PaperCut Print Window on Windows or Mac — Manually launch PCClient if it has stopped running
• PaperCut Client Troubleshooting — Fix issues with PCClient not running or showing errors
• Resetting your saved password in the PaperCut Client app — Clear saved credentials after a password change
• PaperCut Print Deploy — what it is and how it works — The companion application for installing campus printers
• Charging a department code when printing in PaperCut — Assign print jobs to a department cost center
• PaperCut: About the PaperCut Client