Printers
Quick answer
The device type controls how output is formatted for a given printer/language.
Key takeaways
- In SAP, a printer is defined as an output device with an access method that tells SAP how to send output to it, for example, method…
- Define output devices (name, device type, host printer/queue).
- Set the access method and spool server.
- Watch out: Wrong access method for the device.
Output devices and access methods
In SAP, a printer is defined as an output device with an access method that tells SAP how to send output to it, for example, method L/C for local/remote host printing, method F for front-end (the user’s local printer), or methods for printing to file/email. Choosing the right access method for each device is the core of printer setup.
Configuring in SPAD
- Define output devices (name, device type, host printer/queue).
- Set the access method and spool server.
- Test output to confirm it reaches the device correctly.
Device types and formatting
The device type controls how output is formatted for a given printer/language. Using the correct device type ensures forms and reports print correctly (fonts, page size, special characters), a wrong device type produces garbled output.
Common issues
Most printing problems are output-device configuration, wrong access method or host queue, or spool/host connectivity. SP01 (the spool request) and SPAD (the device) are where you diagnose them.
Common pitfalls
- Wrong access method for the device.
- Incorrect device type, garbled output.
- Host printer/queue connectivity problems.
Want to learn this properly?
Our live, instructor-led SAP Training covers this hands-on, with real projects and a certification path.
Check your understanding
Which statement is true of Printers?
- A. Choosing the right access method for each device is the core of printer setup.
- B. This troubleshooting hub covers the recurring problems in SAP operations, dumps, RFC and IDoc errors…
- C. The Quality Assurance (QAS) system is where changes built in DEV are tested before they reach production.
Show answer
A. Choosing the right access method for each device is the core of printer setup.
Covered in the “Output devices and access methods” section of this lesson.
Which of these also applies to Printers?
- A. Number ranges are assigned to document types and object types in configuration.
- B. Using the correct device type ensures forms and reports print correctly (fonts, page size, special…
- C. Using the wrong variant (create vs change vs display).
Show answer
B. Using the correct device type ensures forms and reports print correctly (fonts, page size, special…
Covered in the “Device types and formatting” section of this lesson.
Which part of the Learn SAP curriculum covers Printers?
- A. SAP how-to guides
- B. SAP administration
- C. SAP certification
Show answer
B. SAP administration
This lesson sits in the SAP administration section of the Learn SAP course.