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Badge Printing Terminal Setup (Mac & Windows)

Learn how to set up and run the eventpage.ai Badge Printing Terminal on Mac or Windows.

Written by Lasse Schmitt
Updated over a week ago

Introduction

This guide explains how to start the terminal in kiosk mode, connect a QR scanner, and ensure badges print automatically during guest check-in.

The Badge Printing Terminal allows event hosts to quickly check in guests and print badges automatically.

Typical check-in flow:

  1. Guest presents QR ticket

  2. QR code is scanned

  3. Guest profile appears

  4. Guest get checked-in and Badge prints automatically

The terminal runs in Google Chrome Kiosk Mode, ensuring:

  • full-screen interface

  • no accidental browser navigation

  • automatic printing to the default printer

⚠️ Important for hosts:

Always test the entire setup before the event to ensure scanners, printers, and internet connections work correctly.


Step-by-Step Guide

Option 1 — Using the Built-in Camera

You can scan QR codes using your laptop camera.

Steps:

  1. Open the Badge Printing Terminal

  2. Allow camera access

  3. Hold the QR code in front of the camera

This option works well for small events.

For larger events, an external scanner is recommended.


Setup on Mac

Step 1 — Close Google Chrome

Make sure Chrome is completely closed.

No Chrome window should remain open.

Step 2 — Open Terminal

Open Terminal using the Mac search.

Step 3 — Start the Badge Printing Terminal

Paste the following command into Terminal:

⚠️ Replace the URL with the Badge Printing Terminal URL of your own event

pkill -x "Google Chrome"; sleep 2 && /Applications/Google\ Chrome.app/Contents/MacOS/Google\ Chrome \   --kiosk \   --kiosk-printing \   "https://app.eventpage.ai/events/{youreventname}/badge-printing-terminal"

Chrome will launch in Kiosk Mode and automatically open the Badge Printing Terminal.


Setup on Windows

Step 1 — Close Google Chrome

Make sure Chrome is completely closed.

No Chrome window should remain open.

Step 2 — Open Command Prompt

Search for CMD and open Command Prompt.

Step 3 — Start the Badge Printing Terminal

Paste the following command:

⚠️ Replace the URL with the Badge Printing Terminal URL of your own event

taskkill /F /IM chrome.exe & timeout /t 2 & "C:\Program Files\Google\Chrome\Application\chrome.exe" --kiosk --kiosk-printing "https://app.eventpage.ai/events/{youreventname}/badge-printing-terminal"

Chrome will start in Kiosk Mode showing only the Badge Printing Terminal interface.


Printer Setup

To ensure badges print automatically:

  1. Install your printer

  2. Set the printer as default printer

  3. Run a test print

Kiosk printing automatically prints to the default printer.


Best Practices

Test the Setup Before the Event

We strongly recommend testing:

  • scanner

  • printer

  • badge layout

  • internet connection

Perform at least 10 test scans.


Use a Dedicated Scanner for Large Events

While cameras work, a USB QR scanner provides:

  • faster scanning

  • fewer errors

  • better performance in low light

Product recommendation: https://amzn.to/4li2Ka9


Prepare Backup Equipment

For important events consider having:

  • a backup scanner

  • a second check-in terminal

  • extra badge paper


Troubleshooting & FAQs

Q1: The scanner scans but nothing happens

Possible reasons:

  • the browser window is not focused

  • the scanner is not configured as keyboard input

  • the wrong event terminal is open

Try clicking inside the terminal interface and scan again.

Q2: The badge does not print automatically

Check the following:

  • printer is set as default printer

  • paper is loaded

  • Chrome was started with --kiosk-printing enabled

Q3: The camera does not work

Make sure:

  • camera access is allowed in Chrome

  • another application is not using the camera

Q4: Chrome does not start in kiosk mode

Ensure Chrome is fully closed before running the command.

Q5: Can I use multiple check-in terminals?

Yes.

Multiple terminals can scan guests simultaneously. The system synchronizes check-ins in real time.

Q6: Do I need internet access?

Yes. The terminal needs an internet connection to retrieve guest data and update check-in status.


Professional Event Check-in Services (Optional)

For large or high-profile events, a professional on-site check-in setup can significantly improve speed, reliability, and guest experience.

While eventpage.ai provides all the tools to run check-in yourself, some organizers prefer to work with a professional check-in partner.

Our event check-in partners can provide:

  • self-service badge printing machines

  • high-speed QR scanning terminals

  • professional on-site staff

  • multiple check-in counters

  • large-scale badge printing systems

  • technical support during the event

This setup is especially useful for:

  • conferences with 500+ guests

  • VIP events

  • multi-day events

  • events with many parallel check-in points

These systems allow guests to scan their ticket and print their badge themselves within seconds, reducing waiting times significantly.

When to consider a professional check-in setup

You may benefit from a professional setup if:

  • you expect high guest volume

  • you want self-service badge printing stations

  • you require on-site support

  • your event requires multiple entry points

Learn more

You can learn more about professional event check-in solutions here:

Or contact our team to discuss your event setup.

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