Linux: Install a virtual PDF printer on CUPS

I have been always looking for a virtual PDF printer solution.  The only solution I know is windows PDF printer driver on Internet that need to pay.  I never know CUPS can do the job and it is free.

Service Installation

# yum install cups-pdf

After finish install, you may check if the PDF printer is installed and configured from CUPS web interface (e.g: http://cups-printer:631/)

You may configure where to keep PDF output in /etc/cups/cups-pdf.conf.  Look for “Out ${HOME}/Desktop” string in the file.

Windows Client Installation

1. Make sure you have or know where is the printer driver files
2. Click Start | Control Panel | Printers and Faxes
3. Click Add a Printer
4. Choose "A network printer, or a printer attached to another computer"
5. Choose "Connect to a printer on the Internet or on a home or office network".  Type the printer URL (e.g: http://cups-printer:631/printers/cups-printer).
6. Click Next and select appropriate PostScript (PS) printer driver (e.g: HP Color LaserJet 9500 PS)

Enjoy a new virtual PDF printer on your network.  You may start print document from windows workstation to this printer and collect the PDF output files from your Linux home account.

Reference:

1. CUPS – PDF Printer