Installing Printers (CUPS / Open Printing)

Issue/Question

  • How do I install a printer on a Linux System?
  • What do I do if my printer doesn't have a support page for Linux?
  • Where can I find a Linux driver for my printer?

Environment

  • Oregon State University
  • College of Science
  • Linux Users
  • Ubuntu
  • Linux
  • CUPS
  • Printers 

Explanation

Printing on Linux devices can work differently than a Windows or Mac device.  Often, some printers will not have drivers on their support pages and will skip over Linux.  This guide will help with adding printers to a Linux PC, depending on the use case.
If a vendor provides an automated tool for grabbing/adding drivers and installing/adding printers, this would be the best option to install a new printer.

Resolution

Vendor has automated install tool

  1. Check vendor site for drivers, note if there are automated tools or scripts.
  2. If there are any scripts, download and install the script and/or tool.
  3. Follow steps for each printer vendor:
    1. HP
      1. Grab hplip from the HP Developers portal.
      2. Follow their installer walkthrough steps for adding an HP printer. 
  4. At this time, HP is the only vendor that provides a tool for automating the install process.  Other vendor printers such as Ricoh and Canon will need to be done manually using the 2 below options.

 

Drivers located on vendor website

  1. Search for the model of the printer and check the support page for drivers.
  2. If there is a section for Linux or UNIX, check that there are PCL 6 or other applicable drivers for the printer.
    1. If instead the vendor gives an install script, grab and use that script.
  3. Add the printer driver to the system.  Then go to Settings > Printers and add a printer.
    1. If the vendor website gave a PPD file, place this within /usr/share/cups/model (same as manual install)
    2. If the vendor website has a script or other executable for adding printer drivers, follow the documentation for installing.
  4. Follow the options for a Network printer, make sure the port is set to Jet Direct, there is an option that will have this pre-set for you.
  5. Add the printer and test.

Drivers not listed (Manual method)

  1. If the vendor page does not contain drivers then check the Open Printing website for drivers.
  2. Select the Manufacturer and model and click "Show this printer".  Alternatively, select the Manufacturer and click "Show All" to list all printers for that manufacturer.
  3. Download the recommended PPD file, this is used as a driver.
  4. Launch a terminal window from Applications > Accessories > Terminal or by keyboard shortcut or context menu "Open terminal here" option.
  5. Copy the driver from the download location containing the PPD file to /usr/share/cups/model/
  6. Enter the command "/etc/init.d/cups restart" (without quotes)
  7. Close terminal and try adding the printer via Settings > Printers as if you have the drivers from the vendor website.

Assistance

For assistance, contact the Service Desk.

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