How to add a printer in Linux using the command line (CLI)

Managing printers in Linux has become easier lately. With just a few clicks in your GNOME, KDE, UNITY, or other desktop, you could be printing away in just seconds. But what about the command line Interface? Here too, a simple command is all you need, and in a few steps your printer should be setup

Before you start, ensure that the CUPS package is installed on your Linux system and if not, install it using your package manager e.g. For Redhat based systems:

dnf install cups

Alternatively, you may download CUPS and PPD files direct from the CUPS website at: https//www.cups.org/

1. Find the Postscript Printer Description (PPD) file for your printer. Typically installed with the cups package and stored under: /usr/share/cups/model/. Also look under /usr/share/ppd/cupsfilters

2. Run the command lpinfo -l to get a list of available printers and drivers i.e. device-uri

3. Add your printer using the following command:

lpadmin -p “HP-LaserJet-CM3530-1” -D “Human Resources Department” -P /usr/share/ppd/cupsfilters/HP-Color_LaserJet_CM3530_MFP-PDF.ppd -E -v file:///dev/PRINTER_PATH

-v represents the device-uri as seen in step 3. For a detailed explanation of the options, type: man lpadmin

How to add a printer in Linux using the command line (CLI)

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