Configuring Virtual Printers
This article explains how to configure two virtual printers in Windows that use the same physical printer but with different settings—one for Printer 4x6 (4x6 inch paper) and another for Printer 2x2x6 (4x6 inch paper with a cut option to split into two 2x6 inch strips).
This approach creates multiple printer instances with distinct settings pointing to the same physical printer. Note that the "cut" option depends on your printer's driver supporting it (e.g., DNP or Epson printers often used for photo printing).
After the virtual printers are configured in Windows, they will then appear for selection in RightBooth.
This approach creates multiple printer instances with distinct settings pointing to the same physical printer. Note that the "cut" option depends on your printer's driver supporting it (e.g., DNP or Epson printers often used for photo printing).
After the virtual printers are configured in Windows, they will then appear for selection in RightBooth.
Step-by-Step Guide
- Verify Printer Compatibility
- Ensure your physical printer supports 4x6 inch paper and has a driver with a "cut" option (e.g., "2-cut" for splitting 4x6 into two 2x6 strips). Common printers like the DNP DS620A or DS-RX1HS support this.
- Check the printer’s driver settings in the "Printing Preferences" to confirm the cut option exists (e.g., under "Media Layout" or "Finishing" settings).
- Install the Physical Printer
- Connect your printer to your Windows computer (via USB or network).
- Go to Settings > Devices > Printers & Scanners (or Control Panel > Devices and Printers).
- Click Add a printer or scanner. If the printer is detected, select it and install the driver. If not, click The printer that I want isn’t listed and manually add it using the printer’s IP address (for network printers) or USB connection.
- Name this printer something like "Base Printer" to avoid confusion later.
- Create the First Virtual Printer ("Printer 4x6")
- Go back to Settings > Devices > Printers & Scanners or Control Panel > Devices and Printers.
- Click Add a printer or scanner again, then select The printer that I want isn’t listed.
- Choose Add a local printer or network printer with manual settings and click Next.
- Select Use an existing port and choose the port your physical printer is connected to (e.g., USB001 or the printer’s IP address for network printers).
- Select the same printer driver as the physical printer and click Next.
- Name the printer "Printer 4x6" and click Next. Choose whether to share the printer (optional) and click Finish.
- Right-click "Printer 4x6" in Devices and Printers, select Printing Preferences, and configure:
- Paper Size: Set to 4x6 inches (or 100x150mm).
- Cut Option: Ensure the cut option is disabled (e.g., set to "No Cut" or equivalent).
- Apply and save settings.
- Create the Second Virtual Printer ("Printer 2x2x6")
- Repeat the process to add another printer:
- Go to Add a printer or scanner > The printer that I want isn’t listed.
- Select Add a local printer or network printer with manual settings.
- Choose the same port as the physical printer.
- Select the same printer driver and name this printer "Printer 2x2x6".
- Click Next, then Finish.
- Right-click "Printer 2x2x6" in Devices and Printers, select Printing Preferences, and configure:
- Paper Size: Set to 4x6 inches (or 100x150mm).
- Cut Option: Enable the cut option (e.g., "2-cut" or "Cut after each image" to split 4x6 into two 2x6 strips). This setting is often found in the driver’s "Media Layout," "Finishing," or "Advanced" tab.
- Apply and save settings.
- Repeat the process to add another printer:
- Test the Printers
- Print a test page from each virtual printer:
- For "Printer 4x6", print a 4x6 image to confirm it prints as a single sheet without cutting.
- For "Printer 2x2x6", print a 4x6 image designed as two 2x6 strips to confirm the printer cuts the paper into two 2x6 strips.
- If the cut option doesn’t work, verify the driver settings or consult the printer’s manual for specific cut instructions.
- Print a test page from each virtual printer:
- Troubleshooting Tips
- Driver Conflicts: Using the same port for multiple virtual printers is generally fine, but some USB-connected printers may have locking issues. If this occurs, consider using a network port (if supported) or a print server solution like PaperCut.
- Windows Combining Printers: Windows may combine virtual printers in the Devices and Printers interface. To manage them, right-click the physical printer to see all virtual instances.
