Print automation refers to the process of automating the printing tasks and workflows in a Windows environment. It is an essential aspect of system administration and can greatly improve efficiency and productivity. In the Windows environment, print automation can be achieved through various tools and technologies, such as scripting languages like PowerShell and command-line tools like the Windows Command Prompt.

Print automation is important for readers as it allows them to streamline their printing tasks, reduce manual effort, and eliminate human errors. By automating print jobs, users can schedule printing tasks, control printer settings, and handle large volumes of print jobs more efficiently.

Examples:

1. Automating Print Job Scheduling:

• 
  

  PowerShell Example:

  
  

   $printerName = "Printer Name"
  
   $documentPath = "C:\Path\to\document.pdf"
  
   $printTime = (Get-Date).AddMinutes(5)
  
   Start-Sleep -Seconds ($printTime - (Get-Date)).TotalSeconds
  
   Start-Process -FilePath "AcroRd32\.exe" -ArgumentList "/t $documentPath $printerName"

  
  


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  Command Prompt Example:

  
  

   @echo off
  
   set "printerName=Printer Name"
  
   set "documentPath=C:\Path\to\document.pdf"
  
   setlocal enabledelayedexpansion
  
   for /f "tokens=1,2 delims=:." %%a in ("%time%") do (
  
       set /a "printTime=((%%a * 60) + (1%%b %% 100) + 5) %% 1440"
  
   )
  
   timeout /t %printTime%
  
   start "" /wait "AcroRd32\.exe" /t "%documentPath%" "%printerName%"

  
  

2. Controlling Printer Settings:

• 
  

  PowerShell Example:

  
  

   $printerName = "Printer Name"
  
   $printer = Get-WmiObject -Class Win32_Printer | Where-Object {$_.Name -eq $printerName}
  
   $printer.PrintQuality = 600
  
   $printer.Put()

  
  


• 
  

  Command Prompt Example:

  
  

   @echo off
  
   set "printerName=Printer Name"
  
   rundll32 printui.dll,PrintUIEntry /Xs /n "%printerName%" DPI 600