The Raspberry Pi isn’t just a tiny, inexpensive computer. It can open up a whole world of possibilities, from acting as the brains behind an air quality monitoring system to running a home server. You can even use it as a print server.

If you have an old printer that doesn't support wireless printing, or you want to make your printing process smoother, a Raspberry Pi can help you. It gives you a personal printing assistant that is always there ready to help.

Let’s explore why a Raspberry Pi makes a perfect print server. We’ll start with the basics and then move on to the more advanced features. By the end, you’ll know some compelling reasons to have a Raspberry Pi manage your print queues.

10 Compact size makes it easy to set up

The Raspberry Pi fits into any workspace effortlessly

The Raspberry Pi is a tiny computer perfect for use as a dedicated print server. Unlike regular servers or desktops, it’s small enough to fit next to your printer or anywhere in your workspace without taking up much real estate.

This is especially helpful if you have limited space at home. You can hide it near the printer without using big, bulky hardware. Plus, since it’s so small, you can move it around easily if needed.

The Raspberry Pi also looks nice, especially if you put it into a stylish case. So, if you want a functional and compact computer, the Raspberry Pi is a great choice.

9 Learn new skills while setting it up

Setting up a print server builds technical expertise

Turning a Raspberry Pi into a print server is an excellent way to learn server management, networking, and command-line skills. It’s a hands-on project that teaches valuable skills, especially for Raspberry Pi or Linux beginners. You’ll learn how to set up a server, understand communication, and master the command-line interface.

These skills can be applied later to build media servers or explore IoT devices to create smart systems. The knowledge gained from managing a print server provides a solid foundation for future endeavors.

Once set up, you’ll see it in action and feel accomplished. This project offers a unique blend of learning and creativity, making it a must-try for anyone interested in technology.

8 Eco-friendly and energy-efficient operation

Save energy with a low-power print server

Source: Pexels

The Raspberry Pi is a fantastic choice for a print server because it’s exceptionally energy-efficient. Unlike regular computers that can use a lot of electricity, the Raspberry Pi draws very little power. This means you can keep the server running constantly without worrying about your electricity bill going up.

By using a Raspberry Pi for your print server, you’re not only saving money, but you’re also helping the environment. It’s a win-win.

7 Revive older printers with modern features

Enable network printing for legacy devices

Tired of your old printer’s limitations? Give it a new lease on life with a Raspberry Pi. Many legacy printers don’t have networking capabilities, so they must be connected directly to a computer. This can be a hassle, especially in a shared workspace where multiple users might need access. But with a Raspberry Pi, you can turn these devices into network-enabled printers that can be accessed by several users at once.

This is especially handy if you have an old but reliable printer sitting around taking up space. Instead of buying a new printer, you can give it a new purpose with a Raspberry Pi. This way, you save money and reduce e-waste. Repurposing your existing printer is one more way to contribute to a more sustainable environment and avoid the unnecessary disposal of a perfectly good machine.

Plus, your printer will stay relevant and functional for years to come. With the added network capabilities, it can continue to serve its purpose effectively, even as technology evolves. This means you can enjoy the benefits of a modern, network-enabled printer without the cost and hassle of buying a new one.

6 Cost-effective alternative to dedicated servers

Save money with an affordable print server

If you’re looking for a print server, you might be surprised to learn that a Raspberry Pi can be a much cheaper option. While it’s true that you’ll need to purchase an SD card and a power supply along with the Pi, these additional costs are minimal compared to the price of a commercial print server. This makes the Raspberry Pi an attractive choice for those who are mindful of spending and want to avoid unnecessary expenses.

By building your print server with a Raspberry Pi, you can obtain all the necessary components for printing at a fraction of the cost. This DIY approach also provides a sense of accomplishment and control over your technology. It’s a practical solution for individuals and small businesses who want to manage their printing needs efficiently without breaking the bank.

The Raspberry Pi is so versatile that it can do more than just print. It can also be used for other things, like running a home network or controlling smart home devices. This multi-functionality makes the Raspberry Pi a valuable addition to any home or office setup. By leveraging its capabilities and using containerization with something like Docker, you can create a reliable centralized system that handles various tasks, from printing documents to managing your smart home environment, all at a reduced cost.

5 Support multiple devices and operating systems

Streamline printing for diverse environments

A Raspberry Pi print server is an excellent choice for households or offices with different needs. It works with Windows, macOS, Linux, and mobile devices, so everyone can print easily regardless of their platform of choice.

Unlike many other printers, a Raspberry Pi doesn’t use proprietary software. Instead, it uses CUPS, which means you can set up a universal printing system that works for everyone. This means that families, offices, or shared spaces can all print without problems. It’s a simple and easy way to make sure everyone has access to the printer they need.

4 Enhanced security for print jobs

Keep sensitive print jobs secure

The Raspberry Pi can secure your printing setup by adding SSL/TLS encryption to its CUPS configuration. This way, your sensitive print jobs are sent securely over the network, so no one can sneak a peek or steal your information.

This is especially important if you work in a place where you need to keep things confidential, such as an office that handles financial details or legal matters. Adding this extra layer of security allows you to keep your secrets safe without spending a fortune.

You can also set up rules to only let certain people send jobs to the printer. This way, you can ensure that only authorized users can access the printer.

3 Minimal maintenance requirements

A low-maintenance option for reliable printing

One of the best things about using a Raspberry Pi as a print server is just how easy it is to take care of. Unlike many other servers, you don’t have to worry about it much. Once you have it configured and working, it’s pretty much set and forget it, aside from periodic software updates.

The Raspberry Pi is also straightforward, so it’s less likely to break down or have problems. The operating system and the CUPS software can be easily updated, keeping the system safe and running smoothly.

If you’re looking for something you can just set up and leave alone, the Raspberry Pi is perfect. It’s reliable and easy to maintain, so it’s a fantastic choice for homes and small offices.

2 Backups and redundancy for reliability

Ensure uninterrupted printing with a backup setup

Adding a secondary Raspberry Pi to your print server setup is a great way to ensure your printing never stops. If something goes wrong with your primary server, the backup Raspberry Pi can take over and keep your print jobs flowing. This is especially useful if you work in a small business or share an office space where reliable printing is crucial.

Setting up redundancy is easy. Just copy the settings from your primary server to the backup Raspberry Pi. If something goes wrong, the backup server will take over and keep printing without downtime. This way, you can always count on your printers to work.

1 Customizable for advanced features

Tailor your print server to your needs

One of the most extraordinary things about using a Raspberry Pi is that you can customize your print server. With Linux-based software like CUPS, you can add advanced features like user authentication, print limits, and detailed logging.

This level of customization usually adds to the cost of commercial print servers, which sometimes only include the most basic options without paying for upgrades. But with a Raspberry Pi, you can make a print server perfect for your needs, whether for a small office or just for fun experiments.

If you’re tech-savvy, this is an excellent opportunity to get creative and customize your print server. You can ensure that it runs smoothly and perfectly fits into your workflow.

Raspberry Pi could be the best choice for your printing needs

A Raspberry Pi print server is the ultimate way to make printing more flexible, affordable, and fun. Whether upgrading your old printer, adding wireless printing, or creating a printing solution that works for all devices, the Raspberry Pi is the go-to option. It’s energy-efficient, small, and easy to use, making it a great choice for anyone looking to level up their printing game.

  • Raspberry Pi 5
    CPU
    Arm Cortex-A76 (quad-core, 2.4GHz)
    Memory
    Up to 8GB LPDDR4X SDRAM
    Operating System
    Raspberry Pi OS (official)
    Ports
    2× USB 3.0, 2× USB 2.0, Ethernet, 2x micro HDMI, 2× 4-lane MIPI transceivers, PCIe Gen 2.0 interface, USB-C, 40-pin GPIO header
    GPU
    VideoCore VII
    Starting Price
    $60
  • Raspberry Pi 4
    Storage
    MicroSD card slot
    CPU
    Arm Cortex-a72 (quad-core, 1.8GHz)