Overview
App Version 1.1.47 or greater required.
USB direct printing lets you connect your iPad directly to a DNP or Citizen printer using a standard USB cable - no Wi-Fi, no Bluetooth, no printer setup required. As long as your event is configured correctly on the Curator Live website, the app knows exactly what to print and in what size.
Step 1 — Enable the Print Driver in iPad Settings
Before you can use USB direct printing, you need to turn on the print driver from within your iPad's Settings app. The app will not recognize the connected printer until this is done.
Open the Settings app on your iPad.
Scroll down and tap on the Curator Live app entry in the left-hand sidebar.
Toggle USB Printing / Print Driver to the On position.
Step 2 — Connect Your Printer via USB
Once the print driver is enabled, simply plug your USB cable from your iPad into your printer. USB direct printing is supported with:
DNP printers
Citizen printers
That's it. No printers need to be added in the app, and no print sizes need to be configured. The moment you plug in and begin printing, the app reads your event settings from Curator Live and automatically knows exactly how to print.
Recommended: Use a USB Hub
We strongly recommend using a USB hub rather than connecting the printer cable directly to your iPad. A hub lets you:
Keep your iPad charged while printing (critical for long events)
Connect a DSLR camera at the same time, allowing you to import photos directly from your camera to the app without switching cables
Look for a USB-C hub that includes at least one USB-A port (for the printer or camera) and a USB-C power pass-through port for charging.
Adjusting Margins
If you need to fine-tune the print output, you can adjust margins from within the app:
In Curator Live, navigate to the back of the app (Settings / Print Settings).
Locate the Printer Settings section.
Adjust the margin values to suit your layout.
No other print configuration is required — margins are the only thing you may ever need to tweak.
How Print Sizes Are Determined
You do not need to set a print size in the app when using USB direct printing. The size is determined entirely by how your event is set up on the Curator Live website. When you print, the app communicates with your event configuration and sends the correct instructions to the printer automatically.
This means:
✅ No print sizes to configure in the app
✅ No printers to add or manage
✅ No drivers to install beyond the one toggle in iPad Settings
✅ All sizes across all DNP printer models are supported
Quick Checklist
Enable the print driver in iPad Settings → Curator Live
Connect your USB hub (recommended) or plug the printer cable directly into your iPad
Connect your DNP or Citizen printer via USB
Ensure your event is correctly set up on the Curator Live website
Press print — the app handles the rest
If you run into any issues, please reach out to our support team via the chat bubble below.