How to Generate Macintosh System Report – Guide
The Mac operating system offers a powerful diagnostic tool: the System Report. With one selection, users can generate a 4-10MB file containing comprehensive information about their computer’s hardware, software, error logs and warning messages. This file can be sent to X-Rite’s support department to help identify any configuration or software issues that may be causing problems with the company’s software or device connections.
First create a system report for your Mac
To access information about your Mac, select About this Mac from the Apple icon in the upper left corner. This screen provides an overview of your device, though it cannot be used to send emails or print documents - an extra step is required for those tasks.
Apple’s System Information Utility provides a detailed report on the hardware inside your computer. Accessed by clicking ‘System Report’ in the middle of the window, it includes information such as model identifier, installed memory and serial number.
Option 1: cut and paste in an email or chat
Copying text from the System Report is a great way to get only the information you need. To do so, simply click and drag to select the desired info in the main window, then select Copy from the Edit menu. This is a much more efficient option than relying on About this Mac for your data.
Copying and pasting text into the About This Mac window can help reduce the risk of errors, making it an ideal option for online chat support.
If support requests additional information not included in the overview, users can find the relevant topic on the left side of the report. For instance, to determine what type of memory is installed on a Mac, select “Memory” from the left-hand menu. While it’s not possible to copy the top panel of this window, users can copy all information below it.
Option 2: Email a PDF of the system report
The System Information utility on Macs allows users to send reports directly to Apple, but there is no option to send it elsewhere. To do so, users can go to the File menu and select Print. Instead of printing, they should choose PDF in the lower left corner of the dialog and then Send PDF by mail, which will open their default email program with a .pdf of the report attached.
To ensure the security of sensitive information, those using web-based email programs such as Gmail or Yahoo should save documents as PDFs and attach them to emails. The PDF report will include a serial number, so it is important to only share it with someone you trust.
Option 3: send the report as a .SPX file
Mac users can save system information in a .spx file from the File menu. If the recipient doesn’t have a Mac, they can change the extension to .xml and view it on any browser, though it won’t be as aesthetically pleasing.
By providing your Mac’s information to tech support promptly, you can expedite the process of finding a solution and get back to work sooner.
Final note
We’ve created a guide to help you generate Macintosh System Reports. If you have any questions, please reach out to us. We’d also appreciate it if you shared the guide with your friends.
