Printing to a non-PostScript LaserJet

Oct 21, '02 09:36:34AM

Contributed by: briansmith

One of the first things I tried to do under OS X 10.2 Jaguar was to configure my HP Laserjet 6L, which was connected through an HP JetDirect Print Server. This printer does not support Postscript, and does not appear in the printer list in the Printer Center application. Attempts to print to it failed miserably, resulting in postscript formatting commands appearing on the printer.

Thankfully, Jaguar implements Common UNIX Printing System (CUPS). The solution was readily apparent after reading a few pages of the CUPS system admin guide from the CUPS System Administation Manual on my Mac. The solution was to delete the printer from the Print Center application, and add it from the terminal application. In my case, I typed the following command from the terminal application:

 % sudo lpadmin -p laserjet6L -E -v socket:192.168.0.100
-m laserjet.ppd
[Shown on two lines; enter on one with a space between the "100" and the "-m".] Not only does the printer now work (no more PostScript garbage), but it shows up in the Print Center as laserjet6L instead of the default _192.168.0.100 name it was assigned when I tried to add it from the GUI.

[Editor's note: Regarding CUPS printing hints, my general approach is to publish as many hints on the subject as possible, given the wide range of printers and connection options available. So apologies if this one is a dup that slipped through my searching. I also haven't tested it as I don't have a non-PostScript printer to test with.]

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