hp-makeuri

hp-makeuri [OPTION]...

-i, --ip
    Specifies the IP address of a network-connected HP printer (e.g., 10.0.0.100).

-b, --bus
    Defines the connection bus type (e.g., usb, net, par, ser, pt) for the printer.

-d, --deviceid
    Provides a specific device identifier for the printer, often useful for unique USB devices (e.g., from lsusb -v output).

-n, --name
    Assigns a descriptive name to the printer for easier identification.

-x, --xml
    Outputs the generated URI and additional device information in XML format.

-r, --raw
    Outputs only the raw, unformatted URI string to standard output, without additional details.

-h, --help
    Displays a comprehensive help message for the command and exits.

-v, --version
    Shows the installed HPLIP version number and exits.

hp-makeuri is a specialized utility included in the HPLIP (HP Linux Imaging and Printing) software suite, designed to simplify the creation of Uniform Resource Identifiers (URIs) for HP printers. These URIs are fundamental for configuring and managing printers within the CUPS (Common Unix Printing System) environment on Linux systems.

The command can function interactively, guiding users through the process of discovering and selecting detected HP devices, or non-interactively by accepting command-line parameters such as an IP address for network printers, bus type (e.g., USB, network), and specific device IDs. By generating the correct URI format, hp-makeuri ensures that print jobs can be accurately routed to the target HP printer, facilitating seamless printer setup and operation across various connection methods.

Requires HPLIP: The command depends entirely on the HPLIP (HP Linux Imaging and Printing) drivers and utilities being installed on the system.
Root Privileges: Certain operations, particularly direct hardware access or device discovery over USB or network, may necessitate root privileges to execute successfully.
Network Discovery: Network printer detection can be significantly affected by firewall rules, network configuration, or the printer's own network settings.
Interactive Mode Recommended: For complex setups or if specific parameters are unknown, it is often best to run the command without any arguments to utilize its guided interactive mode.

When executed without any command-line options, hp-makeuri defaults to an interactive mode. In this mode, it actively scans for available HP printers, presents a list to the user, and guides them through the selection process to generate the correct URI. This feature is particularly helpful for users unfamiliar with specific device details or network configurations, making printer setup more accessible and user-friendly.

The URI (Uniform Resource Identifier) generated by hp-makeuri serves as a unique address that CUPS (Common Unix Printing System) uses to identify and communicate with a specific HP printer. Examples include hp:/usb/OfficeJet_Pro_8600?serial=xxxxxx for USB connections or hp:/net/OfficeJet_Pro_8600?ip=10.0.0.100 for network connections. This standardized format ensures accurate routing of print jobs, enables proper driver selection, and facilitates effective device management within the Linux printing environment.

hp-makeuri is an integral component of the HPLIP project, which was initiated by HP to provide robust and comprehensive support for HP printers and multi-function devices on Linux. Its development has closely paralleled the evolution of the HPLIP suite itself, continuously adapting to new printer models, connection technologies, and changes in Linux printing infrastructures.

The command emerged as a dedicated utility to standardize and simplify the crucial process of generating printer URIs, a fundamental step in CUPS-based printer configuration. Before its widespread adoption, users often had to manually construct complex URIs, which was prone to errors. hp-makeuri replaced this with an automated or guided interactive process, significantly enhancing user experience and printer setup reliability on Linux.

lpadmin(8), hp-setup(1), lsusb(8), cups-add-printer(8), man hplip(7)