How To Install Canon Printer Driver In Ubuntu
Installing a printer in Ubuntu (or any other Linux distribution) can sometimes be a challenge, especially when the printer manufacturer does not provide Linux drivers. However, with the right steps and resources, setting up your Canon printer in Ubuntu can be straightforward. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it.
Check for Automatic Detection
Before you dive into the manual process, it's worth checking if Ubuntu can automatically detect and set up your printer:
Connect your Canon printer to your computer and switch it on.
Go to "Settings" > "Devices" > "Printers".
Click on "Add Printer". If Ubuntu recognizes the printer, it might prompt you to install necessary drivers. Follow the on-screen instructions.
If this method doesn’t work, proceed to the manual installation process below.
Install the Common UNIX Printing System (CUPS)
CUPS is a modular printing system that allows a computer to act as a print server. Ubuntu usually comes with CUPS pre-installed, but it's always a good idea to ensure it's there and up to date:
sudo apt update
sudo apt install cups
After installation, you can access the CUPS administrative interface by navigating to http://localhost:631/ in your browser.
Check for Preinstalled Drivers
Ubuntu comes with a variety of generic and manufacturer-specific drivers:
Go to "Settings" > "Devices" > "Printers".
Click "Add Printer".
See if there's a Canon driver available in the list for your specific model.
Install Canon-specific PPA
If your printer is not in the list, a Personal Package Archive (PPA) maintained by the community might help. One popular PPA for Canon printers is Michael Gruz's Canon drivers, but always ensure you're adding a trustworthy PPA:
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:michael-gruz/canon
sudo apt update
After updating the repositories, search for your Canon printer model:
sudo apt search canon-[your printer model]
If you find a match, install it:
sudo apt install [driver-name]
Use the Official Canon Website
Canon occasionally provides Linux drivers:
- Visit the official Canon support website.
- Search for your printer model.
- Look for a download section for Linux drivers.
- Download the provided .deb file.
Navigate to the downloaded file and double-click on it to start the Ubuntu Software Center, then click "Install".
Setting up the Printer
Once the drivers are installed:
Go to "Settings" > "Devices" > "Printers".
Click "Add Printer".
Select your Canon printer from the list and follow on-screen prompts.
Test the Printer
It’s always a good idea to print a test page to ensure everything works as expected.
Conclusion
While Ubuntu and other Linux distributions have made significant strides in out-of-the-box printer compatibility, there are times when a bit of manual intervention is needed. By following the steps above, you can get your Canon printer up and running in Ubuntu. Remember always to check for driver updates periodically, as both Ubuntu and Canon might release improvements or fixes.
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