nixos/docs/printing.md

Control dashboard: http://localhost:631

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🧾 Core controls

lp file.pdf

-d PRINTER        # choose printer
-n NUM            # number of copies
-t "TITLE"        # job name
-q NUM            # priority (1–100, higher = sooner)

Printer at the house: HP_OfficeJet_Pro_7740. I can't make printing without USB work...

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If printer stuck:

sudo cupsenable HP_OfficeJet_Pro_7740

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sudo cupsaccept HP_OfficeJet_Pro_7740

cancel -a HP_OfficeJet_Pro_7740

🧪 Verify state

lpstat -p -d

You want:

HP_OfficeJet_Pro_7740 idle, accepting jobs

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📄 Page selection

-P 1-5,8,10-20    # specific pages / ranges
-o page-ranges=   # same as -P (sometimes more reliable)

Example:

lp -o page-ranges=142-184 file.pdf

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📐 Layout & scaling

-o fit-to-page
-o scaling=100        # percent
-o media=A4
-o orientation-requested=4   # landscape

Orientation values:

• 3 = portrait
• 4 = landscape

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🧠 Duplex (double-sided)

-o sides=one-sided
-o sides=two-sided-long-edge
-o sides=two-sided-short-edge

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📚 Multiple pages per sheet

-o number-up=2
-o number-up=4
-o number-up=6
-o number-up=9
-o number-up=16

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🖼️ Image handling

-o fit-to-page
-o position=center
-o saturation=100
-o brightness=100

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🎨 Color / quality

-o ColorModel=Color
-o ColorModel=Gray

-o print-quality=3   # draft
-o print-quality=4   # normal
-o print-quality=5   # high

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📦 Paper / tray

-o media=A4
-o media=Letter
-o InputSlot=tray1
-o InputSlot=manual

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🔁 Job handling

-H hold            # hold job
-H resume          # resume job
-H immediate       # print ASAP

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🔍 Debug / info

lpstat -p -d       # printers + default
lpstat -o          # jobs
lpoptions -l       # printer-specific options

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🔥 Real-world example (what you actually want)

lp -d HP_LaserJet \
   -o page-ranges=142-184 \
   -o sides=two-sided-long-edge \
   -o media=A4 \
   -o print-quality=5 \
   file.pdf

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⚠️ Important reality check

Not all printers support all options. The real supported ones come from:

lpoptions -p PRINTER_NAME -l

That command is gold—use it.

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If you want, tell me your printer model, and I’ll give you a perfect command tuned to it (no guessing, no trial and error).