Canceling a Print Request

Use the cancel command to cancel a print request while it is in the queue or while it is printing. To cancel a request, you need to know the print request id. The request id always includes the name of the printer, a dash, and the number of the print request. When you submit the print request, the request id is displayed. If you do not remember your request id, type lpstat -o and press Return. Only the user who submitted the request, or someone logged in as root or lp can cancel a print request.

Canceling a Print Request by ID Number

To cancel a print request, type the following command.

$ cancel request_id

In the previous example, request_id is the request id number of the desired print request.

A message informs you that the request is cancelled. The next job in the queue begins printing.

In the following example two print requests are canceled.

$ cancel jetprint-6 fastprint-5
jetprint-6: cancelled
fastprint-5: cancelled
$

Canceling a Print Request by Printer Name

You can also cancel just the job that is currently printing (if you submitted it) by typing the printer name in place of the request id.

$ cancel printername

In the previous example, printername is the name of the printer to which you sent the request.

A message informs you that the request is canceled. The next job in the queue begins printing

In the following example, the current print request has been canceled.

$ cancel jetprint
jetprint7: cancelled
$

Your system administrator can log in as root or lp and cancel the currently printing request by using the printer name as the argument for the cancel command.