Print files on Mac or Linux using the lp command with sensible defaults.
Printing Markdown
To print a markdown file, first convert it to PDF using the /md-to-pdf skill:
~/.claude/skills/md-to-pdf/scripts/md-to-pdf.mjs doc.md
~/.claude/skills/print/scripts/print doc.pdf
rm doc.pdf # Delete if PDF was just for printing
The /md-to-pdf skill handles Mermaid diagrams, syntax highlighting, and page numbers.
Defaults
| Setting | Default | Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| Duplex | Double-sided (long-edge) | Save paper |
| Color | Black & white | Save toner on color printers |
These defaults can be overridden per-request.
Usage
Quick Print (uses system default printer)
# Print a file with defaults (double-sided, b&w)
lp -o sides=two-sided-long-edge -o ColorModel=Gray <file>
# Or use the helper script
~/.claude/skills/print/scripts/print <file>
Common Options
| Option | Flag | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Printer | -d <name> | -d HP_LaserJet_4001 |
| Copies | -n <count> | -n 3 |
| Pages | -P <range> | -P 1-5 or -P 1,3,7 |
| Single-sided | -o sides=one-sided | Override duplex |
| Color | -o ColorModel=Color | Override b&w |
| Landscape | -o landscape | Rotate 90° |
| Fit to page | -o fit-to-page | Scale to fit |
List Available Printers
lpstat -p -d
Shows all printers and the system default (marked with system default destination:).
Check Print Queue
lpstat -o # Show pending jobs
lpstat -W completed # Show completed jobs
Cancel a Job
cancel <job-id> # e.g., cancel HP_LaserJet_4001-852
cancel -a # Cancel all jobs
Helper Script
The print script at ~/.claude/skills/print/scripts/print wraps lp with the defaults:
# Basic usage
print document.pdf
# Specify printer
print document.pdf -d Brother_HL_L3280CDW_series
# Multiple copies
print document.pdf -n 3
# Single-sided color
print document.pdf --single-sided --color
# Page range
print document.pdf -P 1-5
Run print --help for all options.
Printer-Specific Notes
HP LaserJet 4001
- Supports duplex
- Monochrome only (no color option needed)
- Steve's default printer
Brother HL-L3280CDW
- Color laser
- Supports duplex
- Use
--colorto override b&w default
Brother DCP-L2550DW
- Monochrome
- Supports duplex
Troubleshooting
"No such file or directory"
The printer name has changed. Run lpstat -p to see current names.
Job stuck in queue
lpstat -o # Check status
cancel <job-id> # Cancel stuck job
cupsenable <printer-name> # Re-enable if disabled
Duplex not working
Not all printers support duplex. Check printer capabilities:
lpoptions -p <printer-name> -l | grep -i sides