CUPS IPP Printing of PDF File Ignoring Input-Tray Setting in PPD: The Ultimate Guide

Are you tired of struggling with CUPS IPP printing not honoring the input-tray setting in your PPD file? Do you find yourself frustrated with the lack of documentation and unclear instructions online? Worry no more, dear reader, for today we’re going to dive into the world of CUPS IPP printing and get to the bottom of this annoying issue once and for all!

What is CUPS IPP Printing?

CUPS (Common Unix Printing System) is a printing system for Unix-like operating systems. It provides a standard way for applications to print documents, and IPP (Internet Printing Protocol) is a protocol used for printing over a network. CUPS IPP printing allows you to print documents from your computer to a printer on your network.

What is a PPD File?

A PPD (PostScript Printer Description) file is a file that describes the capabilities of a printer. It contains information about the printer’s paper trays, print quality, and other settings. When you install a printer, a PPD file is usually provided to tell the operating system about the printer’s capabilities.

The Problem: Input-Tray Setting Ignored

So, you’ve set up your printer, installed the PPD file, and specified the input-tray setting to use a specific paper tray. But, when you print a PDF file using CUPS IPP, the printer ignores your input-tray setting and prints from the default tray instead. Why is this happening?

The reason for this issue lies in the way CUPS IPP printing handles PDF files. You see, when you print a PDF file, CUPS IPP doesn’t use the PPD file to determine the printer settings. Instead, it uses its own internal settings, which don’t take into account the input-tray setting specified in the PPD file.

Solution 1: Use the `lp` Command

One way to get around this issue is to use the `lp` command to print your PDF file. The `lp` command allows you to specify the printer settings, including the input-tray setting, using command-line options.

lp -d printer-name -o media=letter -o input-tray=2 file.pdf

In this example, we’re using the `lp` command to print the `file.pdf` document to the `printer-name` printer, using the `letter` paper size and the second input tray (`input-tray=2`).

Solution 2: Use the `ipp` URI

Another way to print your PDF file with the correct input-tray setting is to use the `ipp` URI scheme. The `ipp` URI scheme allows you to specify the printer settings, including the input-tray setting, as part of the URI.

ipp://printer-name/printers/default?media=letter&input-tray=2

In this example, we’re using the `ipp` URI scheme to print to the `printer-name` printer, using the `letter` paper size and the second input tray (`input-tray=2`).

Solution 3: Modify the PPD File

If you’re using a PPD file to describe your printer’s capabilities, you can modify the file to include the input-tray setting as a default option.

*Input Tray:
{
    *Default: 2
}

In this example, we’re setting the default input tray to the second tray (`*Default: 2`). This will ensure that the printer uses the second tray by default, even when printing PDF files using CUPS IPP.

Solution 4: Use aPrinting Filter

A printing filter is a program that sits between the application and the printer, allowing you to modify the print job before it reaches the printer. You can use a printing filter to modify the input-tray setting for PDF files.

One popular printing filter is `pdftopdf`, which allows you to modify the PDF file before printing.

pdftopdf -input-tray 2 file.pdf | lp -d printer-name

In this example, we’re using `pdftopdf` to modify the `file.pdf` document to use the second input tray (`-input-tray 2`), and then printing the modified document to the `printer-name` printer.

Conclusion

In conclusion, CUPS IPP printing ignoring the input-tray setting in PPD files is a common issue, but it can be resolved using one of the four solutions outlined above. Whether you choose to use the `lp` command, the `ipp` URI scheme, modify the PPD file, or use a printing filter, you can ensure that your PDF files are printed with the correct input-tray setting.

FAQs

• What is the difference between CUPS and IPP?

  CUPS is a printing system, while IPP is a protocol used for printing over a network. CUPS uses IPP to communicate with printers on the network.

• Can I use the `lp` command to print to a network printer?

• What is a printing filter?

  A printing filter is a program that modifies the print job before it reaches the printer. It can be used to modify the input-tray setting, paper size, and other printer settings.

Table of Solutions

Solution	Description
`lp` command	Use the `lp` command to specify the input-tray setting as a command-line option.
`ipp` URI scheme	Use the `ipp` URI scheme to specify the input-tray setting as part of the URI.
Modify PPD file	Modify the PPD file to include the input-tray setting as a default option.
Printing filter	Use a printing filter, such as `pdftopdf`, to modify the input-tray setting for PDF files.

Now, go forth and print those PDF files with the correct input-tray setting!

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