Managing output queues

Output queues help you manage printer output created when a job ends. It is important to understand how to effectively maintain your output queues so that your printed output processes smoothly.

Printer output resides on the output queue. The output queue determines the order in which printer output will be processed by the print device. By managing your output queues, you can ensure smooth processing of your printer output.

Creating an output queue
The Create Output Queue (CRTOUTQ) command creates a new output queue for spooled files. An entry is placed on the output queue for each spooled file. The order in which the files are written to the output device is determined by the output priority of the spooled file and the value specified on the Order of files on queue prompt (SEQ parameter). Use the character-based interface to create an output queue.
Assigning the output queue to a job or job description
Before you can use a newly created output queue, you need to assign it to a job or to a job description. You can assign the output queue by using System i® Navigator or the character-based interface.
Accessing printer output
Because you have the choice to detach printer output from a job once it finishes running (separating the printer output from the job completely), you can access your printer output in System i Navigator through Basic Operations or through Work Management.
Clearing output queues
When a job creates printer output it is sent to an output queue to be printed. Most likely you do not print all the printer output created. System i Navigator gives you the ability to clean out your output queues using the Clear option. Clearing an output queue can delete all output from the queue.
Deleting an output queue
You can use the character-based interface to delete an output queue.
Viewing output queues on the system
Output queues determine the order in which printer output is sent to the printer device. You can view output queues by using System i Navigator.

Parent topic: Managing work

Related concepts:

Output queues