How to Set Up Printer Load Balancing

Print Conductor allows you to adjust printer load balancing to send print jobs to the least busy printer or evenly across multiple printers.

Printer load balancing automatically distributes print jobs among multiple printing devices based on their availability and workload. The system intelligently spreads tasks across all selected printers. If one printer goes offline, jobs automatically redirect to other working printers without any manual intervention needed.

How load balancing works

Print Conductor can help distribute print jobs across multiple printers efficiently. You'll need to select a range of printers to be used and the mode in which the program must operate. At least two printers must be selected. The program offers two printer load balancing modes:

• Least loaded printer
• Sequential printing (Round robin)

Least loaded printer
In this mode, the program checks printer statuses and automatically selects the printer that currently has minimal or no print queues. It can be useful, for example, during busy periods when materials must be printed quickly under high-volume workflows.

Sequential printing (Round robin)
This mode distributes print jobs evenly among printers in sequence, sending document #1 to the first printer, document #2 to the second printer, and so on. It works best for documents or images of similar size, or when you want to ensure even wear-and-tear across your printing equipment.

Use case example:

I need to alternate printers automatically and print about 100 photos in a batch. I have two Canon printers and want the program to automatically alternate sending photos between them – photo 1 to printer 1, photo 2 to printer 2, photo 3 to printer 1, photo 4 to printer 2, and so on.

How to enable load balancing mode in Print Conductor step by step

1. Open Settings and switch to the Advanced Settings tab;
   
2. Locate the Printer load balancing settings section;
   
3. Set Enabled to Yes, and choose your preferred algorithm;
   
4. Click OK to save and close settings;
   
5. Under Select Printers, open a dropdown menu where printers can be selected;
   
6. On the dual list box, choose a range of printers by moving items from All installed printers to Selected printers.

Print Conductor will now distribute files from the List of Documents across your printers using the algorithm you selected.

What is printer load balancing

Printer load balancing distributes printing tasks across multiple printers, either simultaneously or sequentially. It evenly allocates large or numerous print jobs, preventing bottlenecks and reducing downtime from overuse or maintenance needs. This feature proves especially valuable in high-volume printing environments like offices, schools, or print shops.

Printer load balancing delivers improved efficiency through simultaneous processing of print jobs across multiple printers. This distributed approach reduces wear and tear on individual printers by splitting the workload and extending their lifespan. The software automatically redirects print jobs when a printer is offline or busy thus saving time and improving your workflows.