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OpenPrinting/cups

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OpenPrinting CUPS Sources

FreeFree tier
Type
Open Source
Visit Website GitHub (38 stars)

About OpenPrinting/cups

OpenPrinting CUPS is the most current version of CUPS, a standards-based, open source printing system for Linux and other Unix-like operating systems. It supports printing to AirPrint and IPP Everywhere printers, network and local USB printers with Printer Applications, and legacy PPD-based printer drivers. CUPS provides System V ('lp') and Berkeley ('lpr') command-line interfaces, a configurable web interface, a C API, and common print filters, drivers, and backends for printing. Additional filters and drivers are available via the cups-filters project. CUPS is licensed under the Apache License Version 2.0 with an exception for GNU GPL2-only software.

Key Features

Supports AirPrint and IPP Everywhere printers
Supports network and local (USB) printers with Printer Applications
Supports legacy PPD-based printer drivers
Provides System V ('lp') and Berkeley ('lpr') command-line interfaces
Configurable web interface for printer management
C API for integrating printing capabilities
Common print filters, drivers, and backends
Apache License Version 2.0 with GNU GPL2-only exception

Pros & Cons

Pros
  • Standards-based (IPP, AirPrint) and open source
  • Active development by OpenPrinting community
  • Supports a wide range of printers including modern IPP Everywhere and legacy PPD drivers
  • Provides both web-based and command-line administration options
Cons
  • Primarily designed for Linux/Unix-like systems; macOS/iOS support maintained separately by Apple
  • Some features require the additional cups-filters package
  • Configuration may be complex for novice users

Best For

Setting up print servers on Linux/Unix systemsManaging printers and print jobs via web interface or command lineIntegrating printing capabilities into applications via C APIDeploying standardized printing across organizations

FAQ

What is CUPS?
CUPS is a standards-based, open source printing system for Linux and other Unix-like operating systems.
What printers does CUPS support?
CUPS supports AirPrint and IPP Everywhere printers, network and local USB printers with Printer Applications, and legacy PPD-based printer drivers.
How do I manage printers in CUPS?
CUPS includes a web-based administration tool at http://localhost:631/admin/ and command-line interfaces like lp and lpr.
What license is CUPS under?
CUPS is licensed under the Apache License Version 2.0 with an exception to allow linking against GNU GPL2-only software.