A printer port is a female connector, or port, on the back of a computer that allows it to interact with a printer. These ports enable users to send documents and pictures to a printer.

Hardware printer ports

There are three primary types of hardware printer ports:

  • Parallel port - A 25-pin connector, used with IEEE-1284 printer cables, that has a Centronics port on the end that connects to the printer.
  • SCSI port - A less common type of connector, used with cables and printers that were SCSI compatible.
  • USB port - Newest connector, used by most printers today.

Software printer ports

With a parallel printer, there are also software ports. These ports include LPT1, LPT2, LPT3, and LPT4. See our LPT definition for further information about this type of port.

Centronics, IEEE-1284, Printer terms

  • How to set up and install a computer printer.