How to share a printer on a network in Ubuntu

Sharing a printer on a network in Ubuntu allows multiple users to access a single printer without direct connections. Ubuntu provides built-in tools for managing printer settings, making it straightforward to configure network printer sharing. This is useful in environments where multiple devices need to print, such as offices or homes.

Ubuntu uses the Common UNIX Printing System (CUPS) for printer management. CUPS enables printer sharing across different operating systems, including Windows. This ensures that all users on the network can send print jobs to the shared printer without compatibility issues.

Configuring printer sharing in Ubuntu is done through the Settings application. This application provides a simple interface for enabling and managing network printer sharing. Technical users can quickly set up and manage printers in a networked environment using these built-in tools.

1. Open the Settings application.
2. Navigate to the Printers section from the sidebar menu.
3. Select the printer you want to share.
4. Click on Additional Printer Settings.
5. Right-click the printer and choose Properties.
6. Go to the Policies tab.
7. Check the box labeled Shared.
8. Save the changes.
9. Ensure that firewall settings allow printer sharing on port 631.

   $ sudo ufw allow 631/tcp

   Firewall settings are crucial to permit external devices to communicate with the shared printer. Ensure you modify firewall rules with caution.

10. Share the printer’s network address with other users, typically in the format hostname:631/printers/printer_name.