Using Structure Printers from Linux

Printing from Within an Application

When you print from within a Linux application, it will generally convert a document to Postscript and send it directly to the printing system.

KDE applications will generally bring up the "kprinter" interface when you print from them.

Other applications, such as "nedit" and "Adobe Reader" (PDF viewer) will require you to edit the command used to print the file.

Printing from a Terminal

Note, printing files from the command line will only work with certain types of files. It is usually preferred to print files from applications that can edit or display them. The only safe file types to print from the command line are Postscript files.

If you want to print a Postscript file from the command line (terminal), all you have to do is type:

sierkows@thorin:~$ lpr -P<printer> <filename>

Where <printer> is one of:

• hp8150
• hp9650
• hp4600-color
• b131-hp8100
• b430-hp8150

and <filename> is the name of the file you'd like to print.

For example, if you'd like to print the file "GrantProposal.ps" to the HP 4600 Color LaserJet printer, you would type:

sierkows@thorin:~$ lpr -Php4600-color GrantProposal.ps

Printing from the Desktop Interface

Note, printing files using the "kprinter" program will only work with certain types of files. It is usually preferred to print files from applications that can edit or display them.

If you have a file you'd like to print, you can do the following:

1. Type Alt-F2
2. A "Run Command" window will appear
3. type "kprinter" in the text field
4. Hit enter
5. When the "kprinter" window appears, look at the bottom of the window. If there is an "Expand" button, click it.
6. Select the printer you wish to print to from the drop down box labelled "Name:"
7. On the far right hand side of the "Files" tab, there is a folder icon. Click it and you will be able to add files from the file browser -- OR -- you can also drag and drop files on to the white space to add them to the print queue.
   

   

8. Click "Print" to finish the process and send your files to the printer

Enabling Double-Sided (Duplex) Printing

1. Click the "Properties" button at the top of the "Print" window (seen above)
2. In the "Duplex Printing" area, click the "Long side" option

   

3. Click the "Save" button to make double-sided printing the default, or "OK" to make it a one time setting
4. Click "Print" to send your files to the printer

See also: Setting default command-line options in Linux (including double sided printing)