Linux in a Nutshell, 6th Edition

Name

lpr

Synopsis

lpr [options] [files]

Send files to be printed. If no files are given, accept standard input. We document the CUPS printing system here; the older LPRng and BSD systems will vary slightly. CUPS lpr, for example, does not accept the options c, d, f, g, i, m, n, t, v, or w, used by LPRng.

Options

-# copies

Set the number of copies to print, from 1 to 100.

-C, J, T name

Set a name for the print job.

-E

Use encryption when connecting to a print server.

-H server[:port]

Specify an alternate server and optional port.

-l

Expect a binary or literal file on which minimal processing should be done. The same as -o raw.

-m

Send email when printing is complete.

-o option[=value]

Set printer-specific options. These vary by printer, but may include paper type and orientation, paper-tray selection, output order, and so forth. Check the complete CUPS user manual and your printer’s PPD file for the full list.

-p

Pretty-print a text document. Provides a shaded header containing page numbers, the job name, and the time and date of printing. Equivalent to -o prettyprint.

-P printername

Print to the specified printer. If no printer is given, prints to the default printer, usually set with lpadmin.

-q

Hold job for printing.

-r

Delete files after printing them.

-U username

Specify an alternate username.

Example

Print a simple file:

Lpr filename.txt