Folder

The Folder print connector exposes a network or local directory as a browsable print source. At the device panel a signed-in user opens the connector, browses the folder, and selects a document to print -- OptimiDoc fetches that file on demand, converts it to PDF if needed, and creates a print job owned by that user. It is the simplest connector to set up and a natural fit for home directories and folders produced by line-of-business applications.

Screenshot: Folder connector configuration

Overview

Unlike a background watcher, the Folder connector is a browse-on-demand print source. OptimiDoc does not poll the folder or copy files automatically. Instead, the connector appears in the list of print sources on the device panel; the user navigates the directory tree, picks a file, and only then does OptimiDoc download and print it. The original file is left in place -- nothing is moved or deleted.

This connector is commonly used for:

• Per-user home directories, so each person can print anything in their own folder

• Shared folders where line-of-business, ERP, or accounting systems deposit print-ready documents

• Reprinting archived documents without installing a driver

How Browse-and-Print Works

1. The user authenticates at any OptimiDoc-enabled device and opens the Folder connector from the list of print sources.

2. OptimiDoc connects to the folder (using the connector's credentials, if any) and lists the sub-folders and supported documents it contains.

3. The user browses to and selects one or more files.

4. Each selected file is downloaded on demand. If it is not already a PDF it is converted to PDF automatically.

5. A print job is created and owned by the signed-in user, then released to the device -- passing through the rules engine and quota checks like any other job.

6. The source file remains untouched in the folder.

Per-User Home Folder Fallback

If the connector's Path is left empty, OptimiDoc falls back to each user's personal Home Folder -- the path stored as a credential on the user account (populated manually or during Active Directory import). A single Folder connector with no path therefore lets every user browse and print from their own home directory, with no per-user configuration.

Configuration

To configure a Folder print connector:

1. Navigate to Printing > Print Connectors in the sidebar.

2. Click Add Connector (the type defaults to Folder).

3. Enter a descriptive Name (e.g. "ERP Output" or "Home Folders").

4. On the Configuration tab, complete the settings below.

Configuration Settings

5. On the Access Rights tab, assign the connector to one or more Groups (or enable it for everyone). Only users with access see the connector on the device panel.

6. Click Save.

Authentication and DFS

When Login and Password are supplied, OptimiDoc maps the share with those credentials in the chosen Login Format. If the initial connection fails and DFS Path is enabled, OptimiDoc resolves the DFS namespace to its underlying target and retries. When no credentials are given, the folder is accessed under the identity of the OptimiDoc service.

Testing the Connection

After saving, verify the configuration from the three-dot menu on the connector row by selecting Test Connection. OptimiDoc attempts to reach the folder and reports whether the connection succeeded.

Troubleshooting

Related articles

• Print Connectors Overview

• Shared Queue

• Printing