# HP Linux Imaging and Printing

> project sponsored by HP to supply Linux distributions with HP printer drivers and SANE modules

**Wikidata**: [Q1048995](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1048995)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HP_Linux_Imaging_and_Printing)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/hp-linux-imaging-and-printing

## Summary
HP Linux Imaging and Printing (HPLIP) is a free software project sponsored by HP Inc. to provide Linux distributions with drivers and SANE modules for HP printers. It was developed to ensure compatibility between HP printers and Linux operating systems, allowing users to install, configure, and maintain HP printers on Linux without proprietary software.

## Key Facts
- **Developed by**: HP Inc., an American information technology company headquartered in Palo Alto, California.
- **First release**: Version 3.12.10a, released on October 10, 2012.
- **Latest stable version**: 3.18.4, released on April 27, 2018.
- **Licenses**: GNU General Public License, MIT License, and BSD licenses.
- **Operating system**: Designed for Linux, a Unix-like operating system family.
- **Aliases**: HPLIP, HP OfficeJet Linux driver, HP inkjet project, HPOJ, HP OfficeJet.
- **Website**: [hplipopensource.com](https://hplipopensource.com).
- **Source code repository**: Hosted on SourceForge at [https://sourceforge.net/projects/hplip/files/hplip/](https://sourceforge.net/projects/hplip/files/hplip/).
- **Package availability**: Available in package managers for Fedora, Debian, Arch Linux, Gentoo, FreeBSD, OpenBSD, and NetBSD.

## FAQs
### Q: What is HP Linux Imaging and Printing used for?
A: HP Linux Imaging and Printing (HPLIP) is used to provide drivers and SANE modules for HP printers on Linux distributions, enabling users to install, configure, and maintain HP printers without proprietary software.

### Q: Who developed HPLIP?
A: HPLIP was developed by HP Inc., an American information technology company, to ensure compatibility between HP printers and Linux operating systems.

### Q: What licenses does HPLIP use?
A: HPLIP is distributed under the GNU General Public License, MIT License, and BSD licenses, allowing users to freely run, study, change, and distribute the software.

### Q: Is HPLIP still actively maintained?
A: As of the latest available data, the most recent stable version (3.18.4) was released in April 2018, but the project's current status may require verification from the official sources.

### Q: Can HPLIP be installed on other Unix-like systems?
A: Yes, HPLIP is available as a package for FreeBSD, OpenBSD, and NetBSD, indicating its compatibility with other Unix-like systems.

## Why It Matters
HP Linux Imaging and Printing (HPLIP) was created to address the lack of official support for HP printers on Linux distributions. By providing open-source drivers and SANE modules, HPLIP empowers Linux users to seamlessly integrate HP printers into their workflows without relying on proprietary software. This initiative aligns with the broader movement of open-source software, which promotes user freedom, transparency, and community collaboration. HPLIP's development reflects HP's commitment to supporting open standards and fostering an ecosystem where users can leverage their hardware without vendor lock-in. Its significance lies in democratizing access to printing technology, particularly for users who prefer or rely on Linux-based systems. By making HP printers compatible with Linux, HPLIP contributes to the interoperability of hardware and software, ensuring that users can choose the tools that best suit their needs without compromising functionality.

## Notable For
- **First major release**: Version 3.12.10a, marking the project's initial public availability.
- **Multi-platform support**: Available as a package in multiple Linux distributions and Unix-like systems, including Fedora, Debian, Arch Linux, Gentoo, FreeBSD, OpenBSD, and NetBSD.
- **Open-source licensing**: Distributed under multiple open-source licenses, including GNU GPL, MIT, and BSD, ensuring broad compatibility and usage rights.
- **SANE integration**: Provides SANE (Scanner Access Now Easy) modules, extending its functionality beyond printing to include scanning capabilities.
- **Official HP sponsorship**: Developed by HP Inc., leveraging the company's expertise in printer technology to ensure reliable and up-to-date drivers.

## Body
### Overview
HP Linux Imaging and Printing (HPLIP) is a free software project initiated by HP Inc. to provide Linux users with drivers and SANE modules for HP printers. The project was launched to address the lack of official support for HP printers on Linux distributions, allowing users to install, configure, and maintain their printers without proprietary software.

### Development and Release
HPLIP was first developed by HP Inc., a multinational information technology company known for its hardware, software, and printing solutions. The project's initial public release was version 3.12.10a, published on October 10, 2012. Since then, several versions have been released, with the latest stable version being 3.18.4, released on April 27, 2018.

### Licensing and Availability
HPLIP is distributed under multiple open-source licenses, including the GNU General Public License (GPL), MIT License, and BSD licenses. This licensing model ensures that the software can be freely used, modified, and distributed, aligning with the principles of open-source software. The project is available as a package in various Linux distributions and Unix-like systems, such as Fedora, Debian, Arch Linux, Gentoo, FreeBSD, OpenBSD, and NetBSD.

### Technical Details
HPLIP provides drivers and SANE modules for HP printers, enabling users to install, configure, and maintain their printers on Linux without relying on proprietary software. The project's source code is hosted on SourceForge, and the official website, [hplipopensource.com](https://hplipopensource.com), serves as a resource for users and developers. HPLIP's compatibility with multiple platforms and its open-source nature make it a valuable tool for Linux users seeking to integrate HP printers into their workflows.

## References

1. [HPLIP 3.12.10a Public Release. 2012](https://sourceforge.net/p/hplip/news/2012/10/hplip-31210a-public-release/)
2. [News and announcements. 2016](https://launchpad.net/hplip/+announcements)
3. [Release Notes](http://hplipopensource.com/hplip-web/release_notes.html)
4. [HPLIP 3.18.3 Release Notes. 2018](https://sourceforge.net/p/hplip/news/feed.rss)
5. [HPLIP 3.18.4 Release Notes. 2018](https://sourceforge.net/p/hplip/news/feed.rss)
6. [HPLIP 3.18.5 Release Notes. 2018](https://sourceforge.net/p/hplip/news/feed.rss)
7. [HPLIP 3.18.9 Release Notes. 2018](https://sourceforge.net/p/hplip/news/feed.rss)
8. [HPLIP 3.19.1 release notes. 2019](https://sourceforge.net/p/hplip/news/feed.rss)
9. [HPLIP 3.19.3 Release Notes](https://sourceforge.net/p/hplip/news/feed.rss)
10. [HPLIP 3.19.5 Release Notes](https://sourceforge.net/p/hplip/news/feed.rss)
11. [HPLIP 3.19.6 Release Notes](https://sourceforge.net/p/hplip/news/feed.rss)
12. [HPLIP 3.19.8 Release Notes](https://sourceforge.net/p/hplip/news/feed.rss)
13. [HPLIP 3.19.11 Release Notes](https://sourceforge.net/p/hplip/news/feed.rss)
14. [HPLIP 3.19.12 Release Notes](https://sourceforge.net/p/hplip/news/2019/12/31912/)
15. [News: Recent posts](https://sourceforge.net/p/hplip/news/)
16. [HPLIP 3.20.11 Release Notes](https://sourceforge.net/p/hplip/news/)
17. [HPLIP 3.21.2 release notes](https://sourceforge.net/p/hplip/news/)
18. [HPLIP 3.21.4 Release Notes](https://sourceforge.net/p/hplip/news/)
19. [HPLIP 3.21.6 Release Notes](https://sourceforge.net/p/hplip/news/)
20. [HPLIP 3.21.8 Release Notes](https://sourceforge.net/p/hplip/news/)
21. [HPLIP 3.21.10 Release Notes. 2021](https://sourceforge.net/p/hplip/news/2021/11/hplip-32110-release-notes/)
22. [HPLIP 3.21.12 Release Notes. 2021](https://sourceforge.net/p/hplip/news/2021/12/hlip-32112-release-notes/)
23. [HPLIP 3.22.2 Release Notes. 2022](https://sourceforge.net/p/hplip/news/2022/02/hplip-3222-release-notes/)
24. [HPLIP 3.22.4 Release Notes. 2022](https://sourceforge.net/p/hplip/news/2022/04/hplip-3224-release-notes/)
25. [HPLIP 3.22.6 Release Notes. 2022](https://sourceforge.net/p/hplip/news/2022/06/hplip-3226-release-notes/)
26. [HPLIP 3.22.10 Release Notes. 2022](https://sourceforge.net/p/hplip/news/2022/11/hplip-32210-release-notes/)
27. [HPLIP 3.23.3 Release Notes. 2023](https://sourceforge.net/p/hplip/news/2023/04/hplip-3233-release-notes/)
28. [HPLIP 3.23.5 Release Notes. 2023](https://sourceforge.net/p/hplip/news/2023/06/hplip-3235-release-notes/)
29. [HPLIP 3.23.8 Release Notes. 2023](https://sourceforge.net/p/hplip/news/2023/09/hplip-3238-release-notes/)
30. [Source](https://sourceforge.net/projects/hplip/)
31. [HPLIP 3.24.4 Release Notes. 2024](https://sourceforge.net/p/hplip/news/)
32. [HPLIP 3.25.2 Release Notes. 2025](https://sourceforge.net/p/hplip/news/)
33. [Release Notes](https://developers.hp.com/hp-linux-imaging-and-printing/release_notes)
34. [Source](https://developers.hp.com/hp-linux-imaging-and-printing/release_notes)
35. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013