README

A PHP library implementing a subset of Epson’s ESC/POS protocol for thermal receipt printers.

It allows PHP applications to generate and print receipts with text formatting, images, barcodes, QR codes, paper cutting and cash drawer control, without relying on vendor-specific SDKs.

This library is suitable for web-based POS systems, desktop services and server-side printing workflows.

✨ Features

• ESC/POS command abstraction for PHP
• Multiple connection types (USB, serial, network, CUPS, SMB, LPT)
• Text formatting, alignment and styles
• Image printing (with optional GD / Imagick acceleration)
• Barcode, QR Code and PDF417 support
• Cash drawer control
• Capability profiles for different printer models

🖨️ Compatibility

Interfaces & Operating Systems

This driver is known to work with the following OS / interface combinations:

See the example/interface/ directory for working examples.

Supported Printers

Many ESC/POS-compatible printers are known to work with this library, including models from:

• Epson
• Bematech
• Elgin
• Bixolon
• Star
• Daruma
• Rongta
• Xprinter
• Zjiang
  (and many others — see full list above)

If your printer works and is not listed, please open an issue so it can be added.

🚀 Installation

Requirements

• PHP 7.3 or newer
• json extension
• intl extension
• zlib extension

Optional (recommended for better image performance):

• gd
• imagick

Composer

composer require alves/escpos-php

Basic Usage

<?php
require __DIR__ . '/vendor/autoload.php';

use Alves\Escpos\PrintConnectors\FilePrintConnector;
use Alves\Escpos\Printer;

$connector = new FilePrintConnector("php://stdout");
$printer = new Printer($connector);

$printer->text("Hello World!\n");
$printer->cut();
$printer->close();