cups-calibrate

cups-calibrate [-h] [-l length] [-m media] [-o name=value] [-p density] [-s samples] [-v] printer

-h
    Show command usage and exit

-l length
    Set target calibration length in mm (default: 216)

-m media
    Set media size name (e.g., A4, Letter)

-o name=value
    Set printer option (repeatable)

-p density
    Set target primary density (0.0-3.0, default: 1.5)

-s samples
    Densitometer samples per color (default: 7 RGB, 21 spectral)

-v
    Enable verbose output

printer
    Name of printer to calibrate

cups-calibrate is a command-line tool in the CUPS printing system for calibrating printer color output. It prints a test pattern with color ramps for cyan, magenta, yellow, and black (CMYK primaries). Users measure ink densities using a densitometer (recommended for accuracy) or visual estimation, then input values interactively. The tool computes linearization tables and generates an ICC color profile tailored to the printer, media, and options used.

This improves color accuracy by compensating for printer variations, ink types, and paper characteristics. The profile is saved as printername.ppd.icc in ~/local/share/cups/profiles and can be referenced in the printer's PPD file via *cupsICCProfile: "printername.ppd.icc".

Ideal for graphic design or photo printing, it supports spectral or RGB densitometers. Run as root or with printer admin privileges. Profiles apply only to exact matching jobs.

Best with densitometer; visual input is approximate. Profiles match exact media/options only. Requires CUPS server access and printer queue. May need root for profile installation. Not for PostScript-only printers.

1. Run cups-calibrate printer to print sheet.
2. Measure densities with densitometer.
3. Enter values at prompts (e.g., C0 C1 ... for cyan).
4. Edit PPD: add *cupsICCProfile: "printer.ppd.icc".
5. Restart printer queue.

Generated as ~/local/share/cups/profiles/printer.ppd.icc. Install system-wide in /usr/share/cups/profiles.

Introduced in CUPS 1.1 (2002) by Michael Sweet/Easy Software Products. Enhanced in CUPS 1.2+ for ICC profiles. Maintained in modern CUPS (2.x/3.x) but supplemented by system ICC tools.

lp(1), lpadmin(8), lpstat(1), colormgr(1)