What are my options for integrating a Star printer?
Star Micronics offers several integration paths, and the right one depends on what kind of application you’re building and where the print job originates.
At a high level:
Native mobile or desktop apps connecting directly to a printer typically use the StarXpand SDK or StarPRNT SDK. Web applications that need to print directly from a browser typically use StarwebPRNT. Backend or cloud-based systems that generate print jobs on a server typically use CloudPRNT. Teams that want cloud printing without hosting their own server typically use StarIO.Online. Applications relying on a separate print-relay app on a device typically use Star PassPRNT.
Most of these can be combined; for example, a CloudPRNT or StarIO.Online backend often pairs with StarXpand for any native in-store functionality.
Which SDK should I use for a native app?
For native iOS, Android, or Windows applications connecting directly to a printer over USB, Bluetooth, or LAN, Star provides two options:
StarXpand SDK is Star’s current-generation SDK, built on the StarIO10 framework. It supports asynchronous communication, an emulation-free design (meaning the same print layout works across different Star printer models without changes), human-readable command creation, and fast printer discovery.
StarPRNT SDK is Star’s earlier SDK, composed of the StarIO and StarIO_Extension libraries. It remains fully supported, and existing integrations are not required to migrate.
For new projects, Star generally recommends StarXpand SDK due to its simpler API and ongoing development focus. Existing StarPRNT integrations can continue to be used or migrated when convenient.
What if I’m building with React Native?
Star provides a dedicated StarXpand SDK for React Native, using the same StarIO10 framework as the native iOS/Android/Windows versions, so cross-platform apps can control Star printers without writing separate platform-specific integrations.
How do I print directly from a web application?
For browser-based printing without a backend server in the loop, Star provides StarwebPRNT, designed to support front-end development where the print job is generated and sent directly from a web application.
How do I print from a cloud-based or server-side system?
For systems where print jobs are generated on a server and sent to a printer remotely (such as online ordering platforms), there are two options:
CloudPRNT is Star’s open protocol for cloud printing. You host your own server that follows the CloudPRNT specification, and the printer polls that server for print jobs. Star provides a CloudPRNT SDK with helper functions and sample servers to speed this up. (See our What is CloudPRNT? explainer for full detail.)
StarIO.Online is Star’s fully managed cloud printing service, built on the same CloudPRNT technology, but hosted by Star Micronics. Instead of building and maintaining your own server, you send print jobs and manage devices through a pre-built REST API. (See our What is StarIO.Online? explainer for full detail.)
As a general rule: choose CloudPRNT if you want full control over your own server and infrastructure, and choose StarIO.Online if you want to avoid hosting infrastructure altogether.
What is Star PassPRNT?
Star PassPRNT supports printing via a separate print-relay application installed on a device, rather than integrating printer communication directly into your own app. This can simplify certain workflows where a dedicated companion app handles the print connection.
Do I need different code for different printer models?
Not necessarily. The StarXpand SDK’s emulation-free design means a single print layout, built using Star’s human-readable command format, can generally be sent to different Star printer models without rewriting the print job. This reduces the maintenance burden when supporting multiple printer models across customers.
Where can I find sample code and documentation?
Star publishes its SDKs, sample applications, and documentation on GitHub, including StarXpand SDK for iOS, Android, and React Native, the CloudPRNT SDK, and supporting libraries.
Each SDK package typically includes a sample app, API reference, and guidance on supported printer models and connection types.
Do I need to register as a developer with Star?
Star maintains an Independent Software Vendor (ISV) and Software House community for developers integrating its products. Registering gives access to dedicated integration support, in addition to the publicly available SDKs and documentation on GitHub.
Where can I get integration support?
Star’s integration team supports developers across retail, hospitality, and other industries, helping with SDK selection, troubleshooting, and custom integration questions.
Star Micronics provides a full range of SDKs and cloud printing services so developers can choose the integration path that fits their application, whether that’s a native app, a web app, or a cloud-based backend, with support from a dedicated integration team across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.
Talk to Star’s integration team | What is CloudPRNT? | What is StarIO.Online?