Available in PaperCut NG and PaperCut MF.

Print scripting

IMPORTANT

PaperCut MF 18.2.0 or above allows users to change the settings of held print jobs at the device. If you implement Advanced scripting (print scripting) that applies to these settings, then ensure to stop users from being able to change such settings at the device. For more information, see Changing attributes of print jobs at the device.

PaperCut NG/MF's advanced scripting interface is a powerful and flexible feature that you can use to define and fine tune your printing policy. While there are many features that you can enable by selecting check boxes and changing options in the Admin web interface, scripting your own behavior introduces a whole new level of customization.

The functionality made possible by scripting is varied and is constantly being extended based on customer demand. Some common uses include:

  • Displaying a popup message if a user forgets to select duplex on large jobs.

  • Showing a dialog that displays environmental impact statistics about a user's print job such as the amount of carbon dioxide equivalent greenhouse gases produced.

  • Prompting the user to confirm large jobs before printing.

  • Automatically routing large jobs to more efficient high volume printers.

All of the above is possible by writing a small script directly into a code editor in the Admin web interface. In fact, the above functionality is a pre-built recipe ready to use.

Other usage examples include:

  • Requesting job data/security classification.

  • Giving discounts during off-peak times.

  • Charging printing to departments during class-time.

  • Displaying warning messages under selected conditions.

  • and many, many more.

All of the above are possible by writing a small JavaScript directly into a code editor in the Admin web interface. In fact, the above functionality is provided as pre-built recipes ready to use, just like you can with Device scripting . Alternatively, you can build your own scripts to suit your organization's needs.

At a high level, advanced scripting provides the ability to:

  • Adapt logic based on print job attributes such as cost, pages, document name, time, etc.

  • Modify job attributes and behavior such as routing the job to another printer, influencing job cost and account charged, and appending metadata such as comments.

  • Interact with end users via client messages and popups/dialog boxes.

This section contains the following topics:

NOTE

Print scripting can be used only for print jobs. PaperCut MF also offers Device scripting for implementing copy, scan, and fax policies (such as limiting color copying) that will change user's behavior at the MFD.