How to implement this print button?

Question

I have been asked to add a new print feature to a website.

Current setup

• The page allows users to search for information
• Information is displayed in a table
• Each table row can be expanded to provide additional details
• Users can print a list of results (even if rows are expanded the additional info will not print; only a list will print)

Table of results:

Additional details when row expanded:

Ideal setup

A new printing feature is to be able to print only those results that are starred (including the additional details).

I'm working on how to implement that in the UI. It would work like this:

• User lands on page. Only one print button is shown (print list)
• User clicks star to favourite a result. Second print button shows (print details).
• If user unclicks all stars the 'print details' button will hide again

Example of second button:

Question

Is this a good approach?

The development will take me some time, and I'd like to make sure this implementation isn't awful.

Any feedback sincerely appreciated!

Answer 1

The flow should be something like this.

1. The user clicks on 'print list'.
2. After that, he selects his options, just like a regular print setup.
3. The user confirms and prints.

Now, based on the comments I know the favourites have another function besides only selecting so I'm not suggesting a change to that.

Here's how I would design the second step. See image below.

It's a dialog with a clear title, explaining text and options (with a default. Think of what the default option should be).

The only problem with this flow could be that a user clicks on print, sees the option to only print favourites and has to cancel and re-select. Maybe It's an idea to have a 'quick tip' text next to the print button. Use this for first time users or as a 'tutorial popup' perhaps.

Answer 2

If you are specific about using two separate CTA's then you can make slight changes to your current UI as indicated in below mock up.

If no item is starred then you can keep that CTA link/button disabled.

Although I feel NGAFD's approach is better. hence in that case you can keep single print drop down where in user can select appropriate options for printing either complete list(by default) or starred item list. hope this helps.