In this article, we will guide you through the process of setting up a Google Cloud Print printer in Ubuntu. This guide is intended for Ubuntu users who want to take advantage of Google’s Cloud Print service.
Setting up a Google Cloud Print printer in Ubuntu is a straightforward process. First, install the CUPS/Google Cloud Print tool using the provided PPA. Then, configure the tool by running the setup script and entering your Google credentials. Finally, add printers to Google Cloud Print either automatically or manually through the CUPS interface.
What is Google Cloud Print?
Google Cloud Print is a Google service that lets users print from any Cloud-Print-aware application (web, desktop, mobile) on any device in the network cloud to any printer. It eliminates the need for drivers and PC connections, offering a seamless printing experience.
Prerequisites
Before you begin, you need to have a Google account and a printer that is either Cloud Ready or classic (connected to a desktop that’s online, running a Chrome browser, and where you’re signed in).
Step 1: Install the CUPS/Google Cloud Print tool
The first step is to install the CUPS/Google Cloud Print tool. CUPS (Common Unix Printing System) is a modular printing system for Unix-like computer operating systems that allows a computer to act as a print server.
Open your terminal and add the PPA (Personal Package Archive) to your system’s Software Sources:
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:simon-cadman/niftyrepoAfter adding the PPA, update your system to include the PPA’s package information:
sudo apt-get updateThen, install the CUPS Cloud Print tool:
sudo apt-get install cupscloudprintStep 2: Configure the CUPS/Google Cloud Print tool
After installation, you need to configure the tool. Run the setup script:
sudo /usr/share/cloudprint-cups/setupcloudprint.pyDuring the setup, you will be prompted to enter your Google credentials. If it’s your first time using CUPS CloudPrint or your credentials are invalid, it will ask for them.
Step 3: Add Printers to Google Cloud Print
You can choose to add all printers from your Google Account at this stage. If you prefer to add printers manually, you can say ‘N’ during the setup and add a printer via the CUPS interface. Set the Make as Google and the Model as Cloud Print.
To import your existing printers to Google Cloud Print, follow the instructions provided in the link: “How can I import my printer(s) into Google Cloud Print?”
Alternative Method for Ubuntu 18.04
If you are using Ubuntu 18.04 and the provided PPA is not available, you can try alternative methods or third-party apps. One such option is to install the “cloudprint” package along with “python-requests”.
sudo apt-get install cloudprint python-requestsAfter installation, run the “cloudprint” command from the terminal. It will prompt you for your Google username and password and add the locally defined printers to your Google account.
Managing Your Printers
Once set up, you can manage your printers from the Google Cloud Print website. Simply visit the Google website and log in to access your printers.
Conclusion
Google Cloud Print is a powerful tool that allows you to print from anywhere, at any time. With this guide, you should be able to easily set up a Google Cloud Print printer in Ubuntu. Remember to always keep your system updated and regularly check the status of your printers to ensure they are functioning properly. Happy printing!
If your printer is not Cloud Ready or connected to a desktop running Chrome, you can still use Google Cloud Print by setting up a classic printer. This requires your desktop to be online and running a Chrome browser, and you need to be signed in to your Google account. Follow the steps in this guide to configure the CUPS/Google Cloud Print tool and add your classic printer to Google Cloud Print.
To import your existing printers to Google Cloud Print, you can follow the instructions provided in the link "How can I import my printer(s) into Google Cloud Print?" during the setup process. This link will provide you with step-by-step instructions on how to import your printers to Google Cloud Print.
Yes, you have the option to add printers manually instead of importing all printers from your Google Account. During the setup process, if you prefer to add printers manually, you can say ‘N’ when prompted and add a printer via the CUPS interface. Set the Make as Google and the Model as Cloud Print to add it to Google Cloud Print.
Once your printers are set up, you can manage them from the Google Cloud Print website. Simply visit the Google website and log in to access your printers. From there, you can view and manage your printers, including checking their status, renaming them, or deleting them if needed.
Yes, if you are using Ubuntu 18.04 and the provided PPA is not available, you can try an alternative method. One option is to install the "cloudprint" package along with "python-requests" using the command sudo apt-get install cloudprint python-requests. After installation, run the "cloudprint" command from the terminal, enter your Google username and password, and it will add the locally defined printers to your Google account.
