Print Dialogue Save [SOLVED]

[albert]

I have noticed that when printing from various applications, such as a web browser or graphics app, that the print dialogue appears to be the same, that is, a menu is provided which asks whether to print to file, pdf or a printer. It also asks the output location. Does this mean that the print dialogue is part of the operating system more than it is part of the software application? I only ask this because I can't seem to find how to make the print dialogue save my preferences, such as where the file will be printed and in what format. I am not sure whether to ask on the application forums or on this forum. As it stands now, when I print stuff, I go through the entire process of choosing the format and output location over and over .. very time consuming.

[remoulder]

The Print dialog is simply there to print the page and defaults to whatever you have set as Default Printer. You need to set default options on the printer in the Printing app. Some applications, such as FF, have a Page Setup, that is where you need to configure the page but to set defaults for all pages see http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=1228123 post #7. For other apps print to file is always going to ask the location unless the app gives the option to set defaults in it's preferences.

[albert]

Thank you remoulder for your information. I noted that others, according to your link, are also having the same issues with the print to file. I suppose that one day in the future we will be able to choose where and in what format to print, and then have those prefs saved and not have to go through the whole process over and over.

[albert]

The Print dialog is simply there to print the page and defaults to whatever you have set as Default Printer. You need to set default options on the printer in the Printing app. Some applications, such as FF, have a Page Setup, that is where you need to configure the page but to set defaults for all pages see http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=1228123 post #7. For other apps print to file is always going to ask the location unless the app gives the option to set defaults in it's preferences.

I went back to the link and followed the directions at post #7, by davegk,

Here's what I did (step-by-step, for someone like myself):
1. In Firefox, type "about:config" in address bar
2. Type "file" in Filter bar - you will see all your printers listed with option "Print to File"
3. Change print_to_filename - output location/file_name.extension for ALL of your printers to be the same - your desired file type and destination, in my case: /home/user_name/Documents/web.pdf Changing this for just printer_PDF and printer_Print_to_File won't work (well, it didn't in my case).

Now Firefox selects what format (pdf) and where to print instead of me having to choose each time. We will see what happens on restart.

I still haven't figured out how to make print to file the default printer, though. I reset the boolean operators for the printers but it doesn't seem to have any effect.