$ Linux Command

Administration

lpadmin

Configure CUPS printers and classes.

printercupsadminqueueconfigure

Additional Notes

lpadmin is the primary tool for configuring printers and print classes in the CUPS (Common Unix Printing System) printing system. It can add, remove, and modify printers as well as set the default printer and configure printer class membership.

It requires root privileges or membership in the lpadmin group. Configuration changes made with lpadmin are persistent and stored in the CUPS configuration directory (/etc/cups/).

Syntax

lpadmin [options] [printer-name]

Parameters

  • printer-name: The name of the printer to add, modify, or remove.

Common Options

  • -p printer: Specify the printer to configure.
  • -x printer: Remove the specified printer.
  • -d printer: Set the system default printer.
  • -E: Enable the printer and accept jobs.
  • -D description: Set a human-readable description.
  • -L location: Set the physical location of the printer.
  • -m model: Specify the PPD (PostScript Printer Description) file or driver model.
  • -v device-uri: Set the device URI for the printer (e.g., usb://..., socket://..., ipp://...).
  • -P ppd-file: Specify a PPD file to use.
  • -u allow:user-list or -u deny:user-list: Set user access control.
  • -c class: Add the printer to the specified class.
  • -r class: Remove the printer from the specified class.

Examples

lpadmin -p OfficePrinter -E -v socket://192.168.1.100:9100 -m everywhere

Add a network printer using the driverless everywhere model.

lpadmin -p MyPrinter -E -v usb://HP/Deskjet%20Ink%20Advantage%20K209a?serial=XXXX -m driver.ppd

Add a USB printer with a specific PPD file.

lpadmin -x OldPrinter

Remove a printer.

lpadmin -d OfficePrinter

Set OfficePrinter as the system default.

lpadmin -p OfficePrinter -u allow:alice,bob

Restrict printer access to specific users.

lpadmin -p OfficePrinter -D "Second floor, near break room" -L "Building A, Floor 2"

Set the description and location.

lpadmin -p OfficePrinter -c Marketing

Add the printer to the Marketing class.

Practical Notes

  • After adding a printer, verify it with lpstat -p printer -l or by printing a test page: lp -d printer /etc/nsswitch.conf.
  • The -m everywhere option uses CUPS driverless printing with IPP Everywhere, which works with most modern network printers.
  • PPD files are typically found in /usr/share/ppd/ or can be downloaded from the printer manufacturer.
  • To see all available driver models: lpinfo -m.