Arch Linux Printer Configuration

Arch Linux Printer Configuration Guide

Complete beginner-friendly guide to setting up and configuring printers on Arch Linux, including CUPS, USB printers, network printers, and troubleshooting.

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Table of Contents

1. Installing CUPS
2. USB Printer Setup
3. Network Printer Setup
4. Printer Configuration
5. Troubleshooting

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Installing CUPS

Install CUPS

Install CUPS:

# Install CUPS
sudo pacman -S cups cups-pdf ghostscript gsfonts

# For Gutenprint drivers
sudo pacman -S gutenprint

# Enable service
sudo systemctl enable cups
sudo systemctl start cups

CUPS Web Interface

Access CUPS:

1. Open browser
2. Navigate to: http://localhost:631
3. Login (if prompted)

Add User to Group

Add to lp group:

# Add user to lp group
sudo usermod -aG lp username

# Log out and back in

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USB Printer Setup

Connect Printer

Steps:

1. Connect USB printer
2. Check if detected:

   # List USB devices
   lsusb
   
   # Check CUPS
   lpinfo -v

Add Printer

Via CUPS web interface:

1. Open: http://localhost:631
2. Administration > Add Printer
3. Select USB printer
4. Choose driver
5. Set name and options

Via command line:

# List available printers
lpinfo -v

# Add printer
lpadmin -p PrinterName -E -v usb://printer/uri -m driver

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Network Printer Setup

Network Printer Types

Types:

• IPP/IPPS: Internet Printing Protocol
• LPD/LPR: Line Printer Daemon
• SMB/CIFS: Windows network printer
• AppSocket/JetDirect: HP network printers

Add Network Printer

Via CUPS:

1. Open: http://localhost:631
2. Administration > Add Printer
3. Select network protocol
4. Enter printer address
5. Choose driver

Example addresses:

ipp://192.168.1.100:631/ipp/print
lpd://192.168.1.100
smb://server/printer
socket://192.168.1.100:9100

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Printer Configuration

Set Default Printer

Set default:

# Set default
lpoptions -d PrinterName

# Or via CUPS web interface

Printer Options

Configure options:

# List options
lpoptions -p PrinterName -l

# Set options
lpoptions -p PrinterName -o option=value

Print Test Page

Test printing:

# Print test page
lp -d PrinterName /usr/share/cups/data/testprint

# Or via CUPS

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Troubleshooting

Printer Not Detected

Check connection:

# Check USB
lsusb | grep -i printer

# Check CUPS
lpinfo -v

# Check logs
journalctl -u cups

Print Jobs Stuck

Clear queue:

# List jobs
lpq

# Cancel job
cancel job-id

# Cancel all
cancel -a

Driver Issues

Install drivers:

# Install Gutenprint
sudo pacman -S gutenprint

# Install HP drivers
sudo pacman -S hplip

# Install Samsung drivers
yay -S samsung-unified-linux-driver

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Summary

This guide covered:

1. CUPS installation - Print server setup
2. USB printers - Local printer setup
3. Network printers - Network printer setup
4. Configuration - Printer options
5. Troubleshooting - Common issues

Key Takeaways:

• CUPS manages printing
• Access via http://localhost:631
• Add user to lp group
• Install appropriate drivers
• Check logs for issues

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Next Steps

• Arch Linux Hardware Configuration - More hardware
• Arch Linux System Configuration - System setup
• ArchWiki CUPS: https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/CUPS

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This guide is based on the ArchWiki. For the most up-to-date information, always refer to the official ArchWiki.