print42

Print42 is an open-source platform designed to streamline the management of print jobs across printers and locations. It provides a centralized job queue, scheduling, and delivery to multiple devices, with support for standard document formats such as PDF, PostScript, and common image formats. The system emphasizes predictable output through color management, print previews, and basic job accounting.

Originating as a community project in the late 2010s, Print42 released its first stable version in 2021 and has evolved into a modular framework with a plugin architecture. The core engine follows a client-server model and is complemented by a driver interface, a template system for variable data printing, and optional analytics.

Key features include cross-printer compatibility, a template language for dynamic documents, and a pluggable set of drivers for local and networked printers. Deployment options cover traditional on-premises installations on Windows, macOS, and Linux, as well as containerized deployments with Docker and hybrid cloud configurations for remote printers.

Print42 is distributed under an open-source license and is hosted on a public repository with issue tracking and community governance. It has seen adoption in small businesses, schools, and print shops that seek vendor-neutral software and budget transparency. User feedback generally points to strong documentation and a clean API, while the breadth of printer-driver coverage depends on ongoing community contributions.

In the broader landscape of print management, Print42 intersects with CUPS-based systems and other open-source projects as well as commercial solutions.