lpq
displays the print queue status
TLDR
Show print queue
$ lpq
Show specific printer queue$ lpq -P [printer]
Show all printers$ lpq -a
Show long listing with detailed info$ lpq -l
Show queue for a specific user$ lpq -U [username]
Continuous updates every N seconds$ lpq +[5]
SYNOPSIS
lpq [-E] [-U username] [-h server[:port]] [-P destination[/instance]] [-a] [-l] [+interval]
DESCRIPTION
lpq displays the current print queue status, showing pending and active jobs along with their owners, job IDs, file names, and sizes. Without arguments, it shows the default printer's queue.The tool provides the BSD-style interface for viewing print queues, now typically implemented by CUPS. It is useful for checking job status, diagnosing stuck queues, and monitoring print activity.
PARAMETERS
-E
Force encryption when connecting to the server.-U USERNAME
Use an alternate username.-h SERVER[:PORT]
Use an alternate server.-P DESTINATION[/INSTANCE]
Specify an alternate printer or class name.-a
Show jobs on all printers.-l
Long (verbose) listing format.+ INTERVAL
Continuously report the queue every interval seconds until empty.--help
Display help information.
INSTALL
sudo apt install lpr
sudo dnf install cups-client
sudo apk add cups-client
sudo zypper install cups-client
CAVEATS
Requires CUPS. Output format varies. Legacy BSD interface.
HISTORY
lpq originated in BSD Unix for viewing print queues, now implemented by CUPS.