Print job

Updated: 11/12/2023 by Computer Hope

A print job is a file containing a single document that's a single page or several pages prepared to be printed on the printer. In addition to the printed document, the print job also contains settings such as the number of copies, paper size, quality, and priority. Once the print job is created, it's sent to the print queue where it waits until the printer is ready to process the job.

Note

In a corporate environment or area with many users who may be printing at the same time, a print server may handle the print jobs.

Security concerns

Some printers and copy machines with a local storage store unencrypted versions of print jobs. If the printer was discarded or sold, a person with the necessary knowledge can view previous print jobs.

Job, Printer terms, Print queue, Print spooler, Spool folder