Printer

Print images and PDFs to any CUPS printer. PPD-aware: reads paper sizes, margins, resolution, and duplex at runtime. Use when the user wants to print files (images like PNG/JPG or PDFs) or query printer capabilities.

Print images and PDF files to any CUPS printer. All settings (paper size, margins, resolution, duplex) are read from the printer's PPD file at runtime.

Entry point: {baseDir}/scripts/print.py

Setup

See SETUP.md for prerequisites and platform notes.

Commands

List Printers

bash

python3 {baseDir}/scripts/print.py list
python3 {baseDir}/scripts/print.py list --json

Shows available printers with status and which is the system default.

Print a File

bash

python3 {baseDir}/scripts/print.py print /path/to/file.pdf
python3 {baseDir}/scripts/print.py print /path/to/image.png
python3 {baseDir}/scripts/print.py print /path/to/file.pdf --printer "Custom_Printer"
python3 {baseDir}/scripts/print.py print /path/to/file.pdf -o InputSlot=tray-2
python3 {baseDir}/scripts/print.py print /path/to/file.pdf -o cupsPrintQuality=High -o sides=one-sided
python3 {baseDir}/scripts/print.py print /path/to/file.pdf --json

• PDFs: Sent directly to the printer with correct media/duplex settings
• Images (PNG, JPG, GIF, BMP, TIFF, WebP): Converted to PDF at the printer's native DPI, centered within the printable area, then printed
• -o KEY=VALUE: Pass any CUPS option (repeatable). Use options to discover available settings (tray, quality, media type, duplex, color mode).
• Symlinks are followed but the resolved path must be inside the workspace or /tmp

Printer Info

bash

python3 {baseDir}/scripts/print.py info
python3 {baseDir}/scripts/print.py info --printer "Custom_Printer"
python3 {baseDir}/scripts/print.py info --json

Shows manufacturer, model, resolution, color support, default paper, duplex mode, input trays, and all paper sizes with margins.

Printer Options

bash

python3 {baseDir}/scripts/print.py options
python3 {baseDir}/scripts/print.py options --printer "Custom_Printer"
python3 {baseDir}/scripts/print.py options --json

Shows all CUPS options with current values and available choices.

Notes

• Uses the system default printer unless --printer is specified
• All commands support --json for machine-readable output
• Image conversion respects the printer's imageable area (margins) from the PPD
• Only printable file types accepted: PDF, PNG, JPG, GIF, BMP, TIFF, WebP

Tips

Tray / Media Selection

Some PPDs have empty InputSlot command strings, so -o InputSlot=tray-2 alone may not work. Use the combined media keyword instead:

bash

# Print to a specific tray with media type
python3 {baseDir}/scripts/print.py print envelope.pdf -o media=A6,tray-2,envelope

# Format: -o media=SIZE,TRAY,TYPE
# SIZE: A4, A5, A6, EnvDL, EnvC5, Letter, etc.
# TRAY: tray-1, tray-2, auto
# TYPE: stationery, envelope, cardstock, labels, etc.

This passes tray selection via IPP directly, bypassing the PPD.