How to Implement Watermarking or Burst Pages / Separator Pages (showing usernames on prints)

What is Watermarking?

(Wikipedia definition)

Watermarking a printed document generally refers to inserting extra text, such as a username or date at the the bottom of each page.

What are Burst Pages (AKA Separator Pages)?

(Wikipedia definition)

Burst pages are generally a single page inserted after a print job. They are most often used to identify the user who printed the job.

Burst pages are often preferred over watermarking where it is not desirable to include any extra information on print jobs.

Can PaperCut do watermarking or burst pages?

PaperCut takes a passive approach to print monitoring and control, and does not actually modify print jobs in any way. Additionally, watermarking and burst pages are generally either features of the print driver or operating system.

On Windows:

  • Windows can produce burst pages that can include several variables; this is outlined in a support article here.
  • Third party applications are available that can perform watermarking.
  • Some printer drivers (generally of the high-end / office variety) can also perform watermarking.

On CUPS (the print system on Mac OS X and Linux):

  • CUPS can produce burst pages.

Categories: Tips & Tricks


Keywords: footer, header, injection, userid, collect (a print job), bottom (of page), cover (page)

Page last modified on November 25, 2008, at 05:57 PM