How turn a folder into a print queue?

Solution 1:

There is a simpler solution in 4 steps and a small shell script:

1. make your own spool directory:

   /usr/bin/sudo mkdir /var/spool/my_printer
   

2. write the following shell script within your usual local bin directory let's say /local/bin

   cd /local/bin
   

   copy the following inside my_spooler:

   #!/bin/sh
   
   # go into the spool directory
   cd /var/spool/my_printer
   
   # main loop: loop till end of time
   while : ; do
   
       # check for any newly arrived text file
       for _file in * ; do
   
          # if _file is a normal file, print and remove it (-r option to lpr)
           [ -f "${_file}" ] && lpr -r "${_file}"
       done
   
       # don't loop like a fool
       sleep 300
   done
   

3. make your my_spooler executable:

   chmod u+x my_spooler
   

4. start it:

   my_spooler &
   

   it should start without a full path if /local/bin is within your PATH if it isn't, then start it this way:

   /local/bin/my_spooler &
   

   The ending & means start it in background so as not to block your session waiting until the end of time.

How to use it

To use it you simply have to move any text or PS or PDF file within your own defined spool directory how you prefer. Either with the Finder or with basic command line:

cp my_file.pdf /var/spool/my_printer