LPD File – What is .lpd file and how to open it?

LPD File Format

An LPD file, short for Line Printer Daemon Print Permissions File, is a configuration file used by the Line Printer Daemon (LPD) protocol, which manages printing jobs on Unix-based systems. LPD files specify permissions and access controls for print queues and printers. They control who can access the printer, what types of jobs are allowed, and how printing resources are allocated.

LPD files typically contain a list of print queues, each with its own set of permissions. Permissions can be assigned to individual users or groups, and can include options such as the ability to print, cancel jobs, or modify print settings. LPD files also specify the default behavior for the print queue, such as the maximum number of jobs that can be queued, the default print options, and the notification methods for job completion or errors.

LPD File Format

LPD (Line Printer Daemon) print permissions files are used to manage printer access permissions on Unix-like operating systems. They contain settings that specify which users and groups are allowed to print to each printer. LPD files are typically located in the /etc/lp/ directory.

The format of an LPD file is straightforward. Each line in the file consists of a single permission setting. The first field on each line specifies the type of permission being granted. The second field specifies the user or group to which the permission is being granted. The third field specifies the printer to which the permission is being granted. The fourth field specifies the type of access being granted.

Opening LPD Files

LPD files can be opened and edited using any text editor. However, it is important to note that LPD files are system files and should not be modified unless you are familiar with their contents. If you need to make changes to an LPD file, it is best to consult with your system administrator.

There are a few different ways to open an LPD file. One way is to use the cat command. The cat command can be used to display the contents of a file on the screen. To open an LPD file using the cat command, type the following command at the command prompt:


cat /etc/lp/LPD.conf


Another way to open an LPD file is to use the less command. The less command is similar to the cat command, but it allows you to scroll through the file one page at a time. To open an LPD file using the less command, type the following command at the command prompt:


less /etc/lp/LPD.conf


LPD Print Permissions File

A Line Printer Daemon (LPD) Daemon Print Permissions File (LPD file) is a configuration file used in Unix-like operating systems to specify permissions for accessing and managing print queues. It contains a set of rules that define who can submit print jobs, who can manage the queue, and what actions are allowed by different users. The LPD file is typically located in the “/etc/lp” or “/usr/etc/lp” directory.

Format and Syntax

The format of an LPD file is simple and straightforward. It consists of lines that define specific permissions for users or groups. Each line has three main components:

• User or group: Specifies the user or group to whom the permission is granted. This can be a specific user, a group name, or a wildcard character (*) to represent all users.
• Action: Defines the action that is being granted, such as “submit” for submitting print jobs or “manage” for managing the queue.
• Permission: Indicates whether the permission is being granted (allow) or denied (deny).

Other Extensions