Share Your Printer Online: A Simple Guide

Remote Printer Sharing with Google Cloud Print

The Homegroup feature in Windows 7 streamlines printer sharing within a local network. However, extending this functionality to share a printer across the Internet traditionally presented significant challenges.

These complexities often involved intricate configurations of print drivers, firewall settings, and IP addresses.

Google Cloud Print, integrated directly into the Google Chrome browser, offers a simplified solution for online printer sharing.

How Google Cloud Print Works

Previously, we explored using PrinterShare as a method for printer sharing. However, Google Cloud Print provides a more user-friendly alternative.

Once a printer has been shared, authorized users can initiate prints directly from their web browser.

This capability extends even to allowing you to print to your own printer remotely, utilizing only a web browser when you are away from your primary computer.

Benefits of Using Google Cloud Print

Simplified Setup: Eliminates the need for complex driver and firewall configurations.
Remote Access: Enables printing from anywhere with an internet connection and a Chrome browser.
Browser-Based Printing: No need for dedicated software or applications.
Convenience: Print to your own printer while traveling or working remotely.

Google Cloud Print effectively bridges the gap, making remote printer access accessible and straightforward.

Configuring Google Cloud Print

To begin the setup process for Google Cloud Print, the Google Chrome web browser must first be installed on your system. Once installed, initiate the browser and navigate to its Settings page.

Within the settings menu, select the Advanced tab and scroll down to locate the Google Cloud Print feature, which is positioned towards the bottom of the page.

Selecting the “Sign in to Google Cloud Print” button will prompt you to associate your computer’s connected printers with your Google account.

This registration process enables remote access and management of your printers through the Google Cloud Print service.

Completing the Setup

After signing in, your registered printers will become available for use with Google Cloud Print. You can then print from any device connected to the same Google account.

Printer Sharing Capabilities

Following printer registration, access the Cloud Print website via the Manage Your Printers link. Alternatively, navigate to the Under the Hood page and select the Manage Print Settings button adjacent to Google Cloud Print.

Upon accessing the main window, a list of print jobs will be displayed, though it will initially be empty. Select Printers from the sidebar to view a compilation of printers connected to your current system.

To configure sharing options, choose a printer from the list and click the Share button.

Enter the recipient’s email address in the provided field and then click Share. The system offers auto-completion functionality, drawing from your Gmail contacts as you type.

For print jobs to be forwarded to your printer, Google Chrome must be running on your computer. However, print jobs are retained in Cloud Print’s online queue if Chrome is closed or your computer is powered down.

These queued jobs will automatically commence printing upon the subsequent launch of Google Chrome.

Granting Access to a Shared Printer

Individuals with whom you've shared the printer can log in to their respective Google accounts and navigate to the Google Cloud Print service.

Upon logging in, they will be notified of the availability of a newly shared printer.

Initially, the recipient must formally accept the printer sharing invitation.

The shared printer will then be displayed within their printer list.

A profile icon overlaid on the printer's icon visually signifies that it is a printer that has been shared with them.

This allows the user to utilize the printer as if it were directly connected to their system.

Document Printing Capabilities

Individuals with whom you’ve shared printer access are able to initiate the printing process by clicking the Print option and then choosing “Upload File to Print”. This allows them to submit a file directly from their device for printing on your connected printer.

File Type Compatibility

Currently, the system supports the uploading of both PDF and DOC file formats. Future updates from Google may broaden the range of compatible file types.

Alternative Printing Methods

Selecting the "Other Ways to Print" feature directs users to a resource page detailing various methods for accessing the shared printer from different devices.

Google Cloud Print is seamlessly integrated into the mobile web versions of Gmail and Google Docs.
Dedicated Cloud Print applications are available for iOS, Android, and macOS platforms.

Beyond facilitating printer sharing, Cloud Print also extends access to your printer from your personal devices. Utilize the available applications to print directly from your smartphone or tablet.

Furthermore, the website interface enables printing functionality even when you are physically separated from your printer. This provides convenient remote access to your printing resources.

Evolving Capabilities of Google Cloud Print

Google Cloud Print is presently undergoing rapid development as it remains in its beta phase. Support is currently available for both Windows and macOS operating systems.

While printer sharing functionality isn't yet extended to Linux users, they are still able to utilize the service through the Cloud Print web interface for printing purposes.

Certain printer models now offer Google Cloud Print support natively. This allows for network connectivity and usage without the prerequisite of installing the Google Chrome browser.

Further expansion of printers featuring built-in Cloud Print compatibility is anticipated in the coming months.

User Feedback Requested

Have you had the opportunity to test the printer sharing capabilities of Google Cloud Print? We encourage you to share your experiences and feedback in the comments section below.

Your insights are valuable as the service continues to mature and improve.

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