Printer
Setup Guide
Everything you need to know about compatible thermal printers, network setup, and our bridge software to get ThermalTask running.
What You'll Need
Three simple requirements to transform your productivity
Thermal Receipt Printer
Any ESC/POS compatible thermal printer that prints on standard 80mm receipt paper
Network Connection
Printer must have an IP address via Ethernet or WiFi. USB-only printers need an adapter (for now!)
Bridge Software
Our lightweight bridge app running on any computer on your network
Our Recommended Printer
The perfect thermal printer for ThermalTask
Epson TM-T20III (012)
- Fast printing (250mm/sec)
- Built-in Ethernet port
- Auto-cutter for clean tears
- Perfect size for desk setup
- ESC/POS compatible
Why These Specific Requirements?
We designed ThermalTask for reliability and speed
Why Network Printers?
Note: We currently support any printer with an IP address (Ethernet or WiFi). USB support is coming soon!
Print from anywhere
Network printers can receive jobs from any device on your network
No driver hassles
Direct IP printing means no OS-specific drivers needed
USB support coming
Direct USB connection is on our roadmap for simpler setups
Why Bridge Software?
Cross-platform printing
Works from any device: phone, tablet, or computer
Secure & private
Your tasks never leave your local network unencrypted
Always-on printing
Schedule tasks to print even when you're away
5-Minute Setup Guide
From box to productivity in minutes
Connect Your Printer
Plug your thermal printer into power and connect it to your network (via Ethernet cable or WiFi). The printer should get an IP address automatically. Note: USB-only printers need an adapter for now.
Install Bridge Software
For now the bridge software is a CLI tool that requires Node.js. We will add proper desktop apps for all platforms in the future.
npx thermaltask login
Configure Bridge Software
Setup your printer through the interactive CLI tool.
npx thermaltask printer edit
Start the bridge and listen for tasks to print. Use -d to run it in the background.
npx thermaltask connect
Start Printing Tasks!
That's it! Start adding tasks and watch them print instantly. Your productivity journey begins now.
Common Questions
Can I use a USB-only printer?
Not yet - we're building USB support too! For now, you can use an Ethernet adapter or print server like the StarTech PM1115UWEU (~$40) to convert USB to Ethernet. Or wait for our USB update!
Does the bridge software need to run 24/7?
Only when you want to print. Many users run it on a Raspberry Pi or old laptop that stays on.
Do WiFi printers work?
Yes! Any printer with an IP address works - whether it's connected via Ethernet cable or WiFi. As long as your printer is on your network and has an IP address, ThermalTask can print to it.
Can I use multiple printers?
Yes! Unlimited plan users can add multiple printers. Great for home + office setups, or different printers for different types of tasks.
What Won't Work
Save yourself the headache - these printer types aren't compatible
Inkjet/Laser Printers
Regular paper printers are too slow and expensive per page for rapid task printing
Label Printers
Dymo, Brother, and other label printers use proprietary formats we don't support
Mobile Photo Printers
Polaroid, Canon Selphy, etc. are designed for photos, not rapid text printing
USB/Bluetooth-Only Printers
Printers without network connectivity (no IP address) can't be reached by our bridge yet
Ready to Transform Your Productivity?
Get your printer, install the bridge, and start crushing tasks like never before.