Customizing Printer Attributes

The model-config file supplied by a printer manufacturer defines initial values for printer attributes. Typically these default values are not modified.

However, you may want to optionally set the input-trays-medium attribute in the printers file. This attribute identifies what paper size is loaded in a given paper tray. Providing this information is useful because paper size and tray selection choices in the Printer Options dialog box are derived from these values.

Choosing Attribute Values Using tpsshowmodel

Due to the variety of paper sizes and tray arrangements, the associated attributes may have a substantial list of choices. To determine valid values for a particular printer model, run tpsshowmodel using this syntax:

/usr/sbin/tpsshowmodel -model model_identifier

where model_identifier is the printer model name.

For example, to obtain valid values for a LaserJet4siMX printer model enter this command:

/usr/sbin/tpsshowmodel HPLJ4Si_4SiMX

input-trays-medium

This attribute identifies what paper size is loaded in a particular printer tray. Values are specified using this syntax:

{tray_identifier medium_identifier}

Examples of tray identifiers are:

The list of valid medium identifiers is substantial. A few examples are: na-letter, na-legal, iso-a4, and ledger.

Example

This entry is for a printer named pacific with two paper trays, each containing a different paper size:

pacific.input-trays-medium: {hp-upper na-letter} {hp-lower iso-a4}

To obtain a complete list of valid values for printer trays and medium sizes, you can run tpsshowmodel.