Print Files From Mobile Using Dropbox - Easy Guide

Mobile Printing: A Simplified Approach

The functionality of mobile printing remains an area requiring further development. Despite possessing powerful computing devices in our pockets, accessing and printing files from them can be surprisingly difficult.

As mobile office suites gain popularity, the need for seamless printing solutions becomes increasingly apparent and can no longer be overlooked.

Past Mobile Printing Challenges

Previously, we have explored various mobile printing methods. However, many of these solutions proved to be less than satisfactory in terms of ease of use and reliability.

Creating an Automated Mobile Printing Queue

This guide details how to establish an automated mobile printing queue utilizing readily available, cost-free tools that many users are already familiar with.

The primary expense associated with this setup is the data usage incurred through your mobile carrier's network.

How it Works

• Dropbox Integration: Leverage the cloud storage capabilities of Dropbox to act as a central repository for your files.
• Email-to-Print Service: Utilize an email-to-print service to convert email attachments into printable documents.
• Automated Workflow: Configure a system where files saved to a specific Dropbox folder are automatically emailed to the print service.

Benefits of this Method

This approach offers several advantages, including cost-effectiveness, simplicity, and the ability to print from virtually any location with an internet connection.

Furthermore, it eliminates the need for specialized hardware or software, relying instead on tools you likely already have access to.

Convenience is a key benefit, allowing for remote printing without direct connection to a printer.

Utilizing Dropbox for Seamless File Access

Dropbox has become a widely recognized service for cloud storage. For those unfamiliar, it functions essentially as a virtual folder accessible across multiple devices. This includes your desktop, laptop, and mobile phone, providing convenient file synchronization.

It’s an effective solution for sharing documents and images between different computers. Further information regarding Dropbox can be found in The First Unofficial Guide to Dropbox, authored by Matt Smith and recently featured on MakeUseOf.

Dropbox as a Core Component

This tutorial on mobile printing heavily relies on the functionality of Dropbox. Ensure that Dropbox is installed on a computer that is directly connected to your printer.

The installation of Dropbox is a prerequisite for the following steps. It allows for streamlined file transfer and management during the printing process.

Setting Up Folders for Mac OS X

If you are operating on Mac OS X, a specific folder structure is required within your Dropbox directory. Create a folder named Print.

Within the Print folder, establish two sub-folders: PrintQueue and Log. These folders will be automatically generated when utilizing the Windows-based procedure.

Establishing a Print Queue in Windows

The process of configuring a printing queue on Windows is surprisingly straightforward. A VBA script, readily available for download as a zip file from Digital Inspiration, simplifies this task considerably.

Upon extracting the contents of this zip file, both the PrintQueue and Log files will be automatically placed within your Dropbox directory. This action effectively establishes the necessary printing queue infrastructure.

Consequently, you may proceed directly to the third step of the setup process, bypassing any intermediate configurations.

Establishing a Print Queue on Mac OS X

Utilizing a printing queue on Mac OS X requires a slightly more involved process. Credit for this effective solution goes to Bbedell, whose original contribution appeared within the comments section of Lifehacker.

Launch the Automator application and select the option to create a Folder Action. Within the search bar, input "printer" and subsequently drag the "Print Finder Items" action into the primary workflow area.

Next, search for "Trash" and drag the "Move Finder Items to Trash" action into the workflow as well.

As an alternative, should file retention be desired post-printing, employ the "Move Finder Items" workflow, directing output to Dropbox, then initiating the print process, and finally logging the results.