How to Install CUPS Print Server on Ubuntu Linux

This post shows students and new users how to set up a CUPS print server on Ubuntu Linux. CUPS allows a computer to act as a Print server. It provides a mechanism on the Unix-like operating system for printing and print services.

One can use the CUPS print server to handle and manage print jobs in environments with multiple printers. CUPS supports printing, queueing, network printing (using IPP), supports for a large range of printers, network printers auto-detection, web administration, and more.

For businesses and individuals looking for affordable print servers, CUPS should be considered, especially when large printers are involved. And if you need help installing and configuring CUPS, the steps below will show you how to do that.

Also, for students and new users learning Linux, Ubuntu Linux is the easiest place to start learning. Ubuntu is the modern, open-source Linux operating system for desktops, servers, and other devices.

To install and configure CUPS on Ubuntu Linux, follow the steps below.

How to install CUPS on Ubuntu Linux

As mentioned above, CUPS can turn any Unix-like operating system, including Ubuntu, into a print server. CUPS packages are in Ubuntu repositories by default, and the installation is pretty straightforward.

To install CUPS on Ubuntu, run the commands below.

sudo apt update
sudo apt install cups

Once CUPS is installed, the commands below can be used to stop and enable CUPS service to start when the server boots automatically.

sudo systemctl stop cups
sudo systemctl start cups
sudo systemctl enable cups

To verify that CUPS is installed and running, run the commands below.

sudo systemctl status cups

You should then see similar output as below:

cups.service - CUPS Scheduler
     Loaded: loaded (/lib/systemd/system/cups.service; enabled; vendor preset: >
     Active: active (running) since Sat 2021-10-16 14:15:03 CDT; 2min 36s ago
TriggeredBy: ● cups.socket
             ● cups.path
       Docs: man:cupsd(8)
   Main PID: 664 (cupsd)
      Tasks: 1 (limit: 4651)
     Memory: 2.3M
     CGroup: /system.slice/cups.service
             └─664 /usr/sbin/cupsd -l

Oct 16 14:15:03 ubuntu2004 systemd[1]: Started CUPS Scheduler.

How to configure CUPS on Ubuntu Linux

After installing CUPS above, you can configure CUPS its web interface at http://localhost:631/admin.

If you prefer the command line interface, the CUPS configuration file is located at /etc/cups/cupsd.conf.

Run the commands below to create a backup copy of the configuration file when using the command line to configure CUPS.

sudo cp /etc/cups/cupsd.conf /etc/cups/cupsd.conf.original

Then run the commands below to open the CUPS configuration file.

sudo nano /etc/cups/cupsd.conf

You can then begin configuring settings that suit your environment.

By default, CUPS listens on port 631.

# Only listen for connections from the local machine.
Listen localhost:631
Listen /run/cups/cups.sock

You can also ensure browsing is enabled to allow CUPS to make shared printers available on the network.

Set the directive below to dnsd protocol (that supports Bonjour); by default, it is enabled.

# Show shared printers on the local network.
Browsing On
BrowseLocalProtocols dnssd

CUPS also restricts access to the printer server web interface and admin pages using the directives below. You can add Allow @LOCAL to allow computers from the local network to access the CUPS web interface.

#Restrict access to the server
<Location />
 Order allow,deny
Allow @LOCAL
<Location>

#Restrict access to the admin pages.
<Location /admin>
Order allow,deny
Allow @LOCAL
<Location>

If you prefer to configure using the CUPS web interface, root or a user authenticated in the lpadmin group is recommended.

To add a user to lpadmin group, type:

sudo usermod -aG lpadmin username

Replace the username with the account you want to add to the lpadmin group.

When you’re done, run the commands below to restart CUPS.

sudo systemctl restart cups

How to install printer drivers on Ubuntu Linux

Most HP printers support Linux systems, including Ubuntu. However, installing HP’s Linux Imaging and Printing software (HPLIP) won’t hurt.

Run the commands below to install hplip on Ubuntu.

sudo apt install hplip

For CUPS to publish a shared printer, you may need to install avahi-daemon. avahi-daemon is a Bonjour server that will broadcast your computer’s information on the network.

sudo apt install avahi-daemon
sudo systemctl start avahi-daemon

If you have a firewall enabled, you must also allow CUPS traffic through the firewall. You can run the commands below to enable CUPS through the Ubuntu firewall.

sudo ufw allow 631/tcp
sudo ufw allow 5353/udp

How to add a printer on Ubuntu Linux

Now that CUPS is installed and configured log on to your Ubuntu machine, browse the CUPS print server, and access any shared printers.

Below we showed you how to install printers on Ubuntu Linux. Reference the post below to learn how to add a printer to Ubuntu.

How to add printers to Ubuntu Linux

That should do it!

Conclusion:

• Setting up a CUPS print server on Ubuntu Linux allows for efficient management of print jobs in environments with multiple printers.
• The installation process is straightforward, with CUPS readily available in the Ubuntu repositories.
• CUPS provides both graphical and command-line interfaces for configuration, catering to different user preferences.
• Installing printer drivers and allowing necessary firewall traffic ensures optimal printer functionality and accessibility.
• Following these steps helps students and new users gain valuable experience in managing print services on Linux systems.
• Overall, CUPS is a powerful and cost-effective solution for individuals and businesses seeking to enhance their printing capabilities.