Arch Linux Printer Configuration - ryzendew/Linux-Tips-and-Tricks GitHub Wiki

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.

Table of Contents

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Next Steps

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