ippevepcl

Print a file to stdout (status and progress messages are sent to stderr)

$ ippeveps [path/to/file]

$ [wget -O - https://example.com/file] | ippeveps

ippevepcl job-id user title copies options [file]

job-id
    The unique identifier assigned to the print job by CUPS.

user
    The username of the individual who submitted the print job.

title
    A descriptive title for the print job, often displayed in print queues.

copies
    The integer number of copies requested for the document.

options
    A string containing job-specific options and printer attributes, typically in a "key=value" format (e.g., duplex=two-sided-long-edge media=A4). This filter interprets numerous standard IPP and CUPS options for output control.

file
    The path to the input document file. If this argument is omitted, the filter reads the print data from standard input.

The ippevepcl command is a crucial filter within the CUPS (Common Unix Printing System) framework, designed to enable driverless printing to PCL (Printer Command Language) compatible printers that adhere to the IPP Everywhere standard. It acts as an intermediary, converting print job data, typically in PDF or PWG Raster format, into a PCL stream that the printer can understand. This filter supports various PCL levels and interprets common print options such as duplexing, media size, resolution, and color modes, ensuring accurate output. By leveraging ippevepcl, users can print to a wide range of PCL printers without needing to install specific vendor drivers, significantly simplifying printer setup and management in modern network environments.

As a CUPS filter, ippevepcl is generally not invoked directly by users but by the CUPS daemon. Its proper operation relies on the printer correctly advertising its IPP Everywhere and PCL capabilities. It primarily handles PDF and PWG Raster input; other formats may require pre-processing by other CUPS filters. Debugging print issues involving ippevepcl typically involves reviewing the CUPS error logs for detailed information.

The ippevepcl filter primarily accepts input in PDF or PWG Raster formats, either from standard input or a specified file. It then converts this data into Printer Command Language (PCL) streams, which are output to standard output for the printer to consume.

This filter is capable of generating PCL output compliant with various PCL levels, including PCL 5c/e and PCL XL (PCL 6), depending on the printer's advertised capabilities and the specific print job requirements.

As its name suggests, ippevepcl is designed to facilitate printing to devices that conform to the IPP Everywhere standard, enabling a robust driverless printing experience.

The ippevepcl filter is a component of the cups-filters project, which originated from the main CUPS (Common Unix Printing System) project after Apple's acquisition. Its creation was driven by the emergence of the IPP Everywhere standard, a key initiative aimed at simplifying printer driver management by defining a common set of capabilities for driverless printing. This filter specifically targets PCL-compatible printers, enabling them to be used seamlessly in IPP Everywhere environments without requiring vendor-specific drivers. Its ongoing development contributes to the vision of universal, standards-based printing across various operating systems.

cups(8), lp(1), lpadmin(8), cups-filters(7), ipptool(1), ippeveprinter(1)