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apple/cups

Free

Apple CUPS Sources

FreeFree tier
Type
Open Source
Company
Apple Inc.
Visit Website GitHub (38 stars)

About apple/cups

Apple CUPS (Common Unix Printing System) is an open-source, standards-based printing system developed by Apple Inc. for macOS, iOS, and other UNIX-like operating systems. It uses the Internet Printing Protocol (IPP) and provides System V and Berkeley command-line interfaces, a web interface, and a C API for managing printers and print jobs. CUPS supports local (parallel, serial, USB) and networked printers, and enables printer sharing between computers over a network. It employs PostScript Printer Description (PPD) files to define printer capabilities and includes sample drivers for Dymo, EPSON, HP, Intellitech, OKIDATA, and Zebra printers. The software is licensed under Apache License Version 2.0 and is archived (read-only) as of March 2026; the current development continues at OpenPrinting.

Key Features

Standards-based printing using Internet Printing Protocol (IPP)
System V and Berkeley command-line interfaces
Web-based management interface
C API for printer and job management
Support for local (parallel, serial, USB) and network printers
Printer sharing over a network
PostScript Printer Description (PPD) file support
Sample drivers for Dymo, EPSON, HP, Intellitech, OKIDATA, and Zebra printers
Cross-platform support for macOS, iOS, and UNIX-like systems
Open source under Apache License 2.0

Pros & Cons

Pros
  • Free and open source under Apache License 2.0
  • Adheres to industry standard IPP for compatibility
  • Mature and widely deployed on macOS and many UNIX systems
  • Supports a wide range of printer types via PPD and sample drivers
  • Includes multiple interfaces (CLI, web, API) for flexibility
  • Well-documented with man pages, online help, and multiple guides
Cons
  • Apple's repository is archived and no longer maintained (read-only since March 2026)
  • Does not include latest features; active development continues at OpenPrinting
  • Configuration can be complex for advanced setups
  • Not an AI tool; printing system only

Best For

Managing printers and print jobs on macOS and iOS systemsSetting up printing services on UNIX-like operating systemsSharing printers across a local networkReplacing proprietary printing systems with a standards-based open solutionEmbedded printing in Linux and other UNIX environments

FAQ

What is CUPS?
CUPS is a standards-based, open source printing system developed by Apple Inc. for macOS and other UNIX-like operating systems.
Is CUPS free?
Yes, CUPS is open source and licensed under the Apache License Version 2.0.
Where can I get the latest version of CUPS?
The latest version is maintained by the OpenPrinting project at https://openprinting.github.io/cups. Apple CUPS v2.3.6 (from 2022) is archived here.
What printers does CUPS support?
CUPS supports local (parallel, serial, USB) and networked printers. It includes sample drivers for Dymo, EPSON, HP, Intellitech, OKIDATA, and Zebra printers.