How to set up and use PrintNode?

How to set up and use PrintNode?

Overview

PrintNode is a cloud-based printing service that allows RepairDesk to send print jobs directly to your connected printers without relying on browser-based printing or manual setup on each device.

With the revamped PrintNode integration, RepairDesk now offers a more reliable and consistent printing experience for receipts, repair tickets, labels, and reports. Print jobs are sent in the background, reducing interruptions at the POS and ensuring prints are delivered to the correct printer every time.

This integration is especially useful for businesses that use multiple printers, operate across multiple locations, or want a stable printing setup that continues to work even if the browser session changes. Once configured, PrintNode handles printer communication automatically, allowing your staff to focus on serving customers instead of managing print issues.

In the sections below, you’ll learn how to enable the PrintNode integration, configure your printers, and start printing seamlessly from RepairDesk.

Prerequisites

Before enabling PrintNode in RepairDesk, make sure your printer is connected and working on your computer.

  • The printer should be installed and able to print a test page
  • Follow the setup guide for your printer if it’s not connected yet

👉 View RepairDesk Recommended Hardware

How to Enable and Set Up PrintNode

Follow the steps below to connect PrintNode with RepairDesk and configure your printers for automatic printing. 

Note: For best results, use one of RepairDesk’s recommended printers and follow the printer-specific setup guides.

Step 1: Open the PrintNode Integration

  1. Go to Settings → Integrations

  2. Search for PrintNode

  3. Click Connect to open the PrintNode integration page


  4. Enable the integration and proceed with the setup steps shown on screen



Step 2: Download and Install the PrintNode Client

  1. Click Download
  2. You’ll be redirected to the PrintNode website


  3. Download and install the PrintNode client based on your operating system (Windows or macOS)

  4. Once the installation is complete, return to RepairDesk and click Next



Step 3: Generate PrintNode Credentials

  1. Click Generate Credentials
  2. RepairDesk will generate:

  • An Email

  • A Password


Step 4: Log in to the PrintNode Client

  1. Open the PrintNode desktop client

  2. Copy the Email and Password generated in RepairDesk

  3. Paste them into the PrintNode client and log in
  4. Once logged in successfully, return to RepairDesk and click Continue



Step 5: Sync Printers from PrintNode

  1. Click the Sync button to sync printers from PrintNode to RepairDesk
  2. All printers connected to your computer should now appear in the Printers tab of the PrintNode client

To learn how to connect a printer to your computer, follow our printer setup guides here:
 👉 Printer Connection Manuals
 (Insert link)


Step 6: Open the Printers Tab in RepairDesk

  1. Navigate to the Printers tab in the PrintNode integration

  2. If you connect a new printer later, click Sync Printers to refresh the list
     

You’ll see a list of synced printers with the following details:

  • Printer Name

  • Assigned Templates

  • Assigned Register

  • Status

  • Edit / Delete actions

Supported Auto-Print Templates

You can enable automatic printing for the following templates from the printer configuration drawer. Templates should be enabled based on the type of printer being used.

Thermal Receipt / Receipt Printers - 

  • Thermal Receipt

  • Thermal Receipt Invoice

  • Service Receipt

  • Trade-In Receipt

  • Reconciliation Report on End Shift

A4 / Standard Printers

  • Invoice

  • Trade-In Invoice

Label Printers

  • Ticket Label

  • Inventory Label

  • RMA Label

  • Trade-In Label

  • Self Check-In Label

Note: The printer configuration drawer shows the recommended paper size for each template. We recommend using these default sizes for best print alignment and formatting.


Step 7: Configure Printer Settings

  1. Click the Edit icon next to the printer you want to configure (A side drawer will open)
  2. In the side drawer, configure:

  • Default Paper Size

  • Orientation

  • Fit to Page option

  • Shift Register

  • Templates to enable auto-printing

  1. Based on the printer type, enable the relevant auto-print toggle options:

Note: Enable only the templates that match the type of printer you are configuring (for example, receipt templates for receipt printers and label templates for label printers).

  • Receipt printers: Enable Thermal Receipt or Thermal Receipt Invoice

  • Label printers: Enable Ticket Label

    

Note: To edit any template, click Template Editor

  1. Click Confirm to save your settings
     


Step 8: Test the Printer

  1. Click Test Print to verify the output
  2. If the print does not look correct:

  • Adjust Orientation

  • Toggle Fit to Page

  • Test again

    

If you’re unsure which options to select, refer to the troubleshooting FAQs below or contact the RepairDesk Support Team.


Step 9: Verify Printing from POS

Once the printer is configured, go to the POS and perform a test transaction.

  • Receipt Printer

  • If Thermal Receipt is enabled, creating a ticket will automatically print the receipt

  • Label Printer

  • If Ticket Label is enabled, creating a ticket will automatically print a label

Your PrintNode setup is now complete.


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

My printer is not showing in RepairDesk. What should I do?

Make sure the printer is:

  • Properly connected to your computer

  • Visible in the PrintNode desktop client

  • Powered on and online

If the printer appears in the PrintNode client but not in RepairDesk, click Sync Printers from the Printers tab to refresh the list.


I connected a new printer. Do I need to redo the setup?

No.
After connecting a new printer to your computer:

  1. Open the PrintNode integration

  2. Go to the Printers tab

  3. Click Sync Printers

The new printer will appear and can be configured without repeating the full setup.


My prints are coming out misaligned or cut off. How can I fix this?

This usually happens due to paper size or orientation mismatch.

Try the following:

  • Adjust the Orientation (Portrait / Landscape)

  • Toggle the Fit to Page option

  • Use the recommended paper sizes shown in the printer configuration drawer

  • Run Test Print after each change

Nothing prints when I create a ticket or invoice. Why?

Check the following:

  • The correct printer is configured and active

  • The relevant auto-print template is enabled for that printer

  • The PrintNode client is logged in and running in the background

The printer status shows as Online
Can I use different printers for receipts, labels, and invoices?

Yes.
You can configure multiple printers, each with different templates enabled. For example:

  • A receipt printer for receipts and end-shift reports

  • A label printer for ticket or inventory labels

  • A standard A4 printer for invoices

Does PrintNode work if I close my browser?

Yes.
PrintNode sends print jobs through the desktop client, not the browser. As long as:

  • The PrintNode client is running

  • The computer is powered on

Printing will continue to work.


Can multiple users print at the same time?

Yes.
PrintNode supports concurrent print jobs from multiple users without conflict.


What happens if the PrintNode client is not running?

Print jobs will not be delivered to the printer.
Make sure the PrintNode client:

  • Is logged in

  • Starts automatically with your computer

  • Is not blocked by firewall or antivirus software

Can I edit print templates?

Yes.
From the printer configuration drawer, click Template Editor to modify the selected template before enabling auto-print.


Why is my printer showing as offline?

This can happen if:

  • The printer is powered off

  • The computer is asleep or shut down

  • The printer cable or network connection is disconnected

Make sure both the computer and printer remain online during business hours.


I’m still facing printing issues. What should I do?

If the issue persists after troubleshooting:

  • Review the recommended printer setup guide

  • Re-run a Test Print

  • Contact the RepairDesk Support Team with details about:

    • Printer model

    • Template type

    • Error behavior