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CUPS-PDF
What CUPS-PDF is
CUPS-PDF creates PDF files from print jobs by providing a virtual PDF printer on a central fileserver. After installation, users select “CUPS-PDF (Virtual PDF Printer)” when setting up a printer in CUPS. It accepts PostScript, CUPS print jobs, and raw queues from Samba or Netatalk. Generated PDFs go into subdirectories named for the print-job owner; an anonymous output directory is available unless disabled. Configuration options cover resolution, page size, PDF version, filename truncation, job ID labels, title preference, and log level. The software is distributed under GPL version 2 or later, without warranty, and is available as source or through packages and ports. Listed options include Debian, openSUSE, Fedora/RHEL/CentOS, Gentoo, Slackware, FreeBSD, OpenBSD, and T2, as well as a Mac OS X package and MacPorts port. The documentation says Mac OS X requires pstopdf instead of AFPL GhostScript. CUPS-PDF requires root privileges and a fully featured UNIX filesystem; Windows and NetWare shares are unsupported. Its listed plan is free.
Who it suits
CUPS-PDF suits administrators who want a central virtual PDF printer for a CUPS network. It may fit environments using supported UNIX filesystems and the listed distribution packages or ports.
What it does well
- Provides a virtual PDF printer for a central fileserver.
- Organizes output by print-job owner.
- Offers configuration for page size and PDF version.
- Packages or ports are listed for several systems.
- Free under GPL version 2 or later.
What to know first
- Requires root privileges.
- Windows and NetWare shares are unsupported.
- Requires a fully featured UNIX filesystem.
- The software is provided without warranty.
Limits
CUPS-PDF requires root privileges and a fully featured UNIX filesystem. Windows and NetWare shares are unsupported; NFS output must be mounted without root_squash.
Plans
| Plan | Billed and limits | Price |
|---|---|---|
| CUPS-PDF | GPL software · no warranty | Free |
As cups-pdf.de lists them, read 11 Oct 2026. The maker's own page has the final word.
Getting started
- Download the source package or a package or port for your system.
- Install CUPS-PDF with the required root privileges.
- Set the backend ownership and permissions as documented.
- Set up a printer in CUPS and select “CUPS-PDF (Virtual PDF Printer)”.
- Configure output options such as page size, resolution and filename handling.
Verdict
CUPS-PDF offers a central print-to-PDF setup with configurable output and broad package listings. Check filesystem compatibility and the required root-level backend settings before deployment.
Questions
How much does CUPS-PDF cost?
CUPS-PDF is free. Its listed plan is free.
Is CUPS-PDF open source?
Yes. It is distributed under the GPL, version 2 or any later version, and is provided without warranty.
Which systems have packages or ports?
The download page lists Debian, openSUSE, Fedora/RHEL/CentOS, Gentoo, Slackware, FreeBSD, OpenBSD and T2. It also links to a Mac OS X package and MacPorts port.
What input can it turn into PDFs?
It accepts PostScript, CUPS print jobs and raw queues from Samba or Netatalk.
Can it use a Windows or NetWare share for output?
No. Its documentation says Windows and NetWare shares are unsupported. NFS output must be mounted without root_squash.
How are the generated PDFs organized?
Files are placed in subdirectories named for the print job owner. An anonymous output directory is also available unless disabled.
Facts from CUPS-PDF's own pages
- Configuration
- The included PPD and configuration options cover resolution, page size, PDF version, filename truncation, job ID labels, title preference, and log level. · cups-pdf.de, 11 Oct 2026
- Current source
- The download page identifies cups-pdf_3.0.3.tar.gz as the current source package. · cups-pdf.de, 11 Oct 2026
- Deployment
- The software is available as a source package and is packaged for multiple distributions. · cups-pdf.de, 11 Oct 2026
- Distribution packages
- The download page lists packages or ports for Debian, openSUSE, Fedora/RHEL/CentOS, Gentoo, Slackware, FreeBSD, OpenBSD, and T2. · cups-pdf.de, 11 Oct 2026
- Filesystem limit
- CUPS-PDF requires a fully featured UNIX filesystem; NetWare and Windows shares are unsupported, and NFS output must be mounted without root_squash. · cups-pdf.de, 11 Oct 2026
- Headquarters
- Randersacker, Germany · cups-pdf.de, 28 Sept 2026
- Integrations
- Documented client setups include UNIX clients and queues receiving input through Samba or Netatalk for Windows, OS/2, or Mac OS. · cups-pdf.de, 11 Oct 2026
- License
- CUPS-PDF is distributed under the GPL, version 2 or any later version, and is provided without warranty. · cups-pdf.de, 11 Oct 2026
- Mac support
- The download page links to a Mac OS X package and MacPorts port, and the documentation says Mac OS X requires pstopdf instead of AFPL GhostScript. · cups-pdf.de, 11 Oct 2026
- Output handling
- Generated PDFs are placed in subdirectories named for the print job owner, with an anonymous output directory available unless disabled. · cups-pdf.de, 11 Oct 2026
- Printer setup
- After installation, users can select “CUPS-PDF (Virtual PDF Printer)” when setting up a printer in CUPS. · cups-pdf.de, 11 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- CUPS-PDF creates PDF files in a heterogeneous network by providing a PDF printer on a central fileserver. · cups-pdf.de, 11 Oct 2026
- Security requirements
- CUPS-PDF requires root privileges; its documentation says the backend should be owned by root and have permissions set to 0700. · cups-pdf.de, 11 Oct 2026
- Security setting
- The configuration defaults AllowUnsafeOptions to 0 and warns that allowing users to override all options can pose severe security risks. · cups-pdf.de, 11 Oct 2026
- Support
- The maker invites comments, suggestions, and bug reports by email to Volker C. Behr. · cups-pdf.de, 11 Oct 2026
Where CUPS-PDF stands on Freedom251
- PDF Creation Software#3 of 46