> ## Knowledge Base Index
> Fetch the complete knowledge base index at: https://helping.alive-pic.com/sitemap.xml
> Use this file to discover available pages before exploring further.
> Pure-Markdown content can be obtained by appending a '.md' suffix to the content URLs listed in the sitemap (without the trailing slash).

# Connecting ALIVE Magic Print to Your Photobooth

You've got ALIVE on your iPad and ALIVE Magic Print on your computer. Now let's connect them.

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## Before You Start

Make sure:

* ✅ Both devices are on the **same Wi-Fi network**
* ✅ ALIVE Magic Print is **running** on your computer
* ✅ Your printer is **connected and powered on**
* ✅ You've granted **local network permission** to ALIVE on your iPad

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## Connection Methods

### Method 1: Automatic Discovery (Easiest)

1. Open ALIVE on your iPad
2. Go to **Settings** → **Printing**
3. ALIVE scans the network and finds the print server
4. Tap the server to connect
5. Done!

### Method 2: QR Code (Most Reliable)

1. On your computer, ALIVE Magic Print displays a **QR code**
2. On your iPad, go to **Settings** → **Printing** → **Scan QR Code**
3. Scan the QR code on your computer screen
4. Connected!

### Method 3: Manual URL

1. On your computer, note the **server URL** shown in ALIVE Magic Print (e.g., `http://192.168.1.50:47653`)
2. On your iPad, go to **Settings** → **Printing** → **Enter URL Manually**
3. Type in the URL
4. Tap **Connect**

### Method 4: USB Tunnel (No Wi-Fi Needed)

If the venue has no Wi-Fi — or you just want a rock-solid wired connection — you can connect the iPad to the computer directly with a USB cable and run the print channel over USB. See [USB Tunnel — Printing Without Wi-Fi](/08-printing/19-usb-tunnel-no-wifi) for the full walkthrough.

[screenshot: All connection methods]

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## Verifying the Connection

Once connected, you should see:

* ✅ Printer name displayed in ALIVE's printing settings
* ✅ Paper size detected and shown
* ✅ **Send Test Print** option available

**Always send a test print.** It confirms the entire chain is working: iPad → Wi-Fi → Computer → Printer.

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## Staying Connected

The connection persists as long as:

* Both devices stay on the same network
* ALIVE Magic Print stays running on your computer
* Neither device loses its IP address

If the connection drops during an event, ALIVE will attempt to reconnect automatically. If it doesn't, try re-scanning the QR code.

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## Tips

* **Bring your own router** — Hotel and venue Wi-Fi can be unreliable. A personal router gives you a dedicated, stable network.
* **Use a wired connection for your computer** — If possible, connect your computer to the router via Ethernet. It's more stable than Wi-Fi for the print server.
* **Test at the venue** — Network conditions vary. Always test the full setup at the actual event location.

|| The #1 cause of printing issues at events is network problems. Invest in a good portable router and you'll save yourself countless headaches.