PrintNode can help you if:

• You have a web application or other similar system, and you need automated printing functionality. This is the most common PrintNode use case, see here for an example showing how to send a print using an HTTP request to our system.
• You require automated printing functionality from WooCommerce, Shopify, NetSuite, Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central etc. The next step is to identify and install a suitable third-party plug in for your platform. There exist many third-party integrations with PrintNode.
• You have end users and you want automated printing functionality to be part of your offering to them. Have a look at our Account Management functionality that comes with an Integrator Account plan here and our custom-branded Client offering here.

PrintNode is probably not a good fit if:

• You want to print to a printer that's not connected to a computer. To use PrintNode, you need to run our client software (the PrintNode Client) on a computer that has your printer installed.
• The only device connected to your printer is running iOS or Android. The PrintNode Client currently works on Windows, macOS and Linux operating systems. See here for details.
• You want to print through Ctrl+P or Command+P and the Print Dialog. PrintNode doesn't provide a virtual printer. You can only print through our web app, our online API or a third-party integration.
• You want to print documents other than PDF or RAW files (i.e. files natively understood by your printer, like ZPL for Zebra). PrintNode only supports PDF documents and RAW files.
• You are seeking a free of charge service. PrintNode has a free tier but its functionality is limited and may not be suitable for long-term commercial usage. You can find pricing details here.

Main differences are:

• PrintNode is an API-powered service – you (or your system) need to communicate with our API by sending HTTP requests to it. Please see here for details on how to communicate with our API.
• To use PrintNode you need to run our Client software (the PrintNode Client), on the computers connected to your printers. You can download the PrintNode Client for your operating system here.
• PrintNode doesn't provide a virtual printer.

You can start printing in three simple steps:

• Create an account using our web app. Your first month is free of charge.
• Download, install and run the PrintNode Client on a computer connected to your printer.
• Send a test print using the "Print Something" page of our web app or the API. See here for details on how to send a print through our API and an example curl request.