Print

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 --color to 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