How To Install Canon Printer Driver on Ubuntu

Connecting a Canon printer to your Ubuntu system should be a straightforward process, but it often presents challenges due to driver compatibility issues. Linux-based operating systems like Ubuntu handle printer drivers differently than Windows or macOS, requiring specific procedures to ensure your Canon printer functions optimally. This comprehensive guide will walk you through multiple methods to install Canon printer drivers on Ubuntu, helping you overcome common obstacles and get your printer working efficiently.

Table of Contents

Understanding Printer Drivers in Ubuntu

Ubuntu and other Linux distributions manage printers using the Common UNIX Printing System (CUPS), an open-source printing system that provides a standard interface between your operating system and your printer. Unlike Windows, which typically requires manufacturer-specific software, Ubuntu can often use generic drivers for basic printing functionality.

Canon printers on Ubuntu can utilize several driver types:

Open-source drivers: These include the Gutenprint driver collection, which supports many Canon models. Open-source drivers are maintained by the community and come pre-installed in Ubuntu repositories.
Proprietary Canon drivers: Canon develops proprietary drivers like the UFR II/UFRII LT Driver for specific models. These drivers often provide enhanced functionality and better compatibility with advanced printer features.
PostScript Printer Description (PPD) files: These define the capabilities of PostScript printers and are sometimes required for full functionality.

Ubuntu’s printer support has improved significantly with recent versions (20.04, 22.04, and 24.04), offering better out-of-the-box compatibility with Canon devices. However, some models-particularly newer ones or multifunction devices-may still require manual driver installation for full functionality.

Prerequisites Before Installation

Before attempting to install Canon printer drivers on Ubuntu, ensure you’ve prepared your system properly:

Check Ubuntu version compatibility: Confirm your Ubuntu version (20.04, 22.04, or 24.04) as this affects driver compatibility and installation procedures.

Update your system: Always update your system before installing new hardware. Open Terminal and run:

sudo apt update
sudo apt upgrade

Install essential dependencies: Some Canon drivers require specific packages. Install these basic requirements:

sudo apt install cups cups-client
sudo apt install -f

Back up configurations: If you’re replacing existing printer settings, back them up first.

Gather printer information: Identify your exact Canon printer model number, as drivers are model-specific.

Ensure physical connectivity: Connect your Canon printer via USB, network, or Wi-Fi and ensure it’s powered on.

Method 1: Using Ubuntu’s Built-in Driver Detection

Ubuntu includes an automatic printer detection system that often works seamlessly with Canon printers:

Connect your Canon printer to your computer and power it on
Navigate to Settings > Devices > Printers
Click Add Printer
Ubuntu will search for connected printers and display available options
Select your Canon printer from the list when it appears
The system will suggest appropriate drivers-select the recommended driver
Follow the on-screen prompts to complete printer setup
After installation, click Print Test Page to verify functionality

This method works best for common Canon models and provides a quick setup experience. If Ubuntu recognizes your printer but doesn’t suggest the correct driver, you may need to manually select one from the list or use an alternative installation method.

If your printer doesn’t appear in the list, verify it’s powered on and properly connected. For network printers, ensure they’re on the same network as your computer.

Method 2: Installing via CUPS Web Interface

The CUPS web interface provides more detailed control over printer installation:

First, ensure CUPS is installed and running:

sudo apt install cups
sudo systemctl start cups
sudo systemctl enable cups

Configure CUPS to be accessible on your network by editing its configuration file:
```
sudo nano /etc/cups/cupsd.conf
```
Find the line that says “Browsing Off” and change it to “Browsing On”
To access CUPS remotely, modify the listening settings to include your network interface
Open a web browser and navigate to: http://localhost:631/
Click on the Administration tab
Click Add Printer and authenticate with your system username and password
Select your Canon printer from the list of discovered devices
Choose the appropriate driver from the database
Configure printer-specific options like paper size and quality
Set a descriptive name, location, and description for your printer
Click Add Printer to complete the installation

The CUPS interface provides access to more advanced printer settings than the standard Ubuntu interface. It’s especially useful for network printers or when you need to fine-tune specific printer parameters.

Method 3: Using Official Canon Drivers

For optimal functionality, using Canon’s official drivers is often the best approach:

Visit Canon’s official support website and search for your specific printer model
Select Linux/Ubuntu as your operating system
Download the appropriate driver package (usually a .tar.gz file)
Extract the downloaded file to a convenient location like your Desktop:
```
tar -xzvf cnijfilter-source-X.XX-Y.tar.gz
```
Navigate to the extracted folder using Terminal:
```
cd Desktop/cnijfilter-source-X.XX-Y/
```
Run the installation script with administrative privileges:
```
sudo ./install.sh
```
Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the installation
When asked if you want to register the printer now, select Y
Use the Canon Printer Setup Utility that appears to configure your printer
Test the installation by printing a test page

Official Canon drivers typically provide support for all printer functions, including advanced features like duplex printing, scanning in multifunction devices, and print quality optimization. They’re particularly important for newer Canon models that might not be fully supported by generic drivers.

If the install script fails with dependency errors, install the required packages:

sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get upgrade
sudo apt-get install -f
sudo apt-get install cups-devel

Method 4: Using PPAs and Third-Party Repositories

Personal Package Archives (PPAs) can provide access to community-maintained Canon drivers:

Open Terminal and add a reputable Canon printer PPA:
```
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:michael-gruz/canon
```
Update your package lists:
```
sudo apt update
```
Search for drivers specific to your Canon model:
```
sudo apt search canon-
```

Install the appropriate driver package:

sudo apt install printer-driver-gutenprint

sudo apt install [specific-driver-package-name]

After installation, go to Settings > Devices > Printers
Click Add Printer and complete the setup process

PPAs are maintained by the community and may provide more up-to-date drivers than Ubuntu’s default repositories. However, they come with security considerations as they’re third-party sources. Always use reputable PPAs and consider potential security implications.

Configuring Your Canon Printer After Installation

After installing the driver, proper configuration ensures optimal performance:

Navigate to Settings > Devices > Printers
Right-click on your Canon printer and select Properties
Adjust general settings under the Policies tab:
- Set default options for paper handling
- Configure error policy behavior
- Enable/disable printer sharing
Configure printer-specific options under the Printer Options tab:
- Adjust print quality settings
- Select default paper type and size
- Configure color management options
Test your configuration by printing a test page
For regular access, add the printer to your favorites

Proper configuration not only ensures quality prints but can also reduce ink consumption and extend the life of your Canon printer. Take time to explore all available options, as they vary between printer models.

Troubleshooting Common Installation Issues

Canon printer installations on Ubuntu may encounter several issues:

Printer Not Detected

Verify physical connections and power
Try different USB ports or cables
For network printers, confirm they have valid IP addresses
Install additional packages: sudo apt install sane-utils

Missing Dependencies

Install basic requirements: sudo apt install cups cups-client
For Canon drivers specifically: sudo apt install cups-devel
Run dependency fixer: sudo apt install -f

Permission Issues

Ensure you’re using sudo for installation commands
Check group membership: sudo usermod -a -G lpadmin yourusername
Verify file permissions on extracted driver files

Compatibility Problems

For newer Ubuntu versions, check if your driver is compatible
Look for updated drivers on Canon’s website
Consider using the Gutenprint driver as an alternative

Print Quality Issues

Adjust quality settings in printer properties
Install color calibration tools: sudo apt install colord
Check media type settings match your paper

Communication Errors

Restart CUPS: sudo systemctl restart cups
Check firewall settings: sudo ufw allow 631
Verify CUPS is listening on the correct interfaces

If problems persist, check the CUPS error log: sudo cat /var/log/cups/error_log to identify specific issues.

Special Cases for Specific Canon Models

Different Canon printer series may require special consideration:

Canon PIXMA Series

These popular inkjet printers often work with the standard cnijfilter drivers
For newer models, look specifically for the cnijfilter2 package
Multifunction PIXMA printers may need separate scanner driver installation

Canon imageCLASS Models

Laser printers in this line typically need the UFR II driver
For best results, use Canon’s official UFR II drivers from their website
Some models perform better with the cque driver package

Canon Multifunction Printers

Install scangearmp or scangearmp2 for scanner functionality
Configure scanner with: scanimage -L
For fax functionality, consider using efax-gtk

Wireless Canon Printers

Ensure your printer is connected to your WiFi network first
Use the printer’s LCD panel to obtain its IP address
Add the printer via CUPS using its IP address
Consider installing avahi-daemon for better network discovery

Each Canon printer line has unique characteristics, so research your specific model for the best results.

Advanced Configuration Options

For power users, Ubuntu offers advanced printer management capabilities:

Network Printer Sharing

Edit the CUPS configuration:
```
sudo nano /etc/cups/cupsd.conf
```
Change settings to allow network access:
```
Listen *:631
```
Configure access control to allow connections from your network
Restart CUPS: sudo systemctl restart cups

Multiple Printer Management

Create printer instances for different paper trays
Set up printer profiles for various quality needs
Use the lpoptions command to create defaults

Command-line Printer Control

# Print a file
lp -d YourCanonPrinter filename

# Check printer status
lpstat -p YourCanonPrinter

# View print queue
lpq -P YourCanonPrinter

# Cancel all jobs
cancel -a YourCanonPrinter

Custom PPD Modifications

PPD files are typically stored in /etc/cups/ppd/
Edit them to enable hidden features or customize settings
After editing, restart CUPS: sudo systemctl restart cups

Advanced configurations allow your Canon printer to integrate more deeply with your Ubuntu workflow, providing solutions for specific business or personal needs.

Keeping Your Canon Drivers Updated

Maintaining up-to-date drivers ensures continued functionality:

Periodically check Canon’s website for driver updates
To update official drivers, download the latest package and run the installation process again
For repository-based drivers, regular system updates will include driver updates:
```
sudo apt update
sudo apt upgrade
```

If you need to remove outdated drivers before installing new ones:

sudo apt remove --purge cnijfilter*
sudo apt autoremove

After significant Ubuntu system updates, verify your printer still functions correctly, as changes to core printing components can sometimes affect driver compatibility.

Congratulations! You have successfully installed Canon Driver. Thanks for using this tutorial for installing Canon Printer Driver on Ubuntu Linux system. For additional help or useful information, we recommend you check the official Canon website.

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