Hosted print API
Submit PDF, ZPL or ESC/POS jobs from your server. Developer credentials remain on your backend rather than in browser code.
APPCLICKPRINT VS QZ TRAY
Cloud printing without tying every job to a desktop browser session.
QZ Tray connects browser code to devices available to a local Windows, macOS or Linux computer. AppClickPrint gives your SaaS application a hosted print API and lets each customer choose an Android, Windows or Linux gateway.
BUILT FOR CUSTOMER-SITE PRINTING
Move printing out of the originating browser session
With AppClickPrint, your backend submits a job to a printer alias through HTTPS. The customer’s Android, Windows or Linux gateway receives it and prints locally, so the originating browser does not need a direct WebSocket connection to tray software on that computer.
Three gateway platforms
Use Android for QR setup without a dedicated desktop, Windows for a background service, or Linux for a systemd gateway. The API and customer account remain the same.
Replaceable site gateway
If a gateway stops working, the customer can register another compatible Android, Windows or Linux device instead of changing the host application’s integration.
One integration, independently managed customer sites
Provision customers, assign printer aliases, check gateway status and retrieve printer availability centrally. Customers may register multiple gateways and mix Android, Windows and Linux without access to your AppClickPrint management key.
Practical comparison
| Consideration | AppClickPrint | QZ Tray |
|---|---|---|
| Primary model | Hosted cloud API routes jobs to managed Android, Windows or Linux gateways at customer sites | Web page connects through a local WebSocket to tray software on a Windows, macOS or Linux computer |
| Android gateway | Yes—Android is a first-class gateway and can run alongside the customer-facing web or mobile app on the same suitable device | No Android installer is listed in QZ Tray’s published downloads or supported operating systems |
| Desktop gateway choices | Windows service or Linux systemd gateway, with direct discovery of supported network printers and optional installed queues | Windows, macOS and Linux tray application with access to local devices and configured printers |
| Job submission | Your trusted server calls the AppClickPrint HTTPS API | Your web application uses the QZ Tray JavaScript API and a local WebSocket connection |
| Customer setup | Scan a temporary QR code on Android, or install Windows/Linux Gateway and enter a temporary setup code | Install QZ Tray on the computer; additional signing and deployment configuration may be used for managed environments |
| Silent printing | Authorised backend API jobs print through the signed-in customer gateway | QZ documents message signing and certificates to remove print warning dialogs |
| Gateway replacement | Register another Android, Windows or Linux gateway under the existing customer account | Install and configure QZ Tray on a replacement supported computer |
| Remote customer management | Hosted customer portal, gateway status and customer printer-list APIs | Primarily a local browser-to-device toolkit; QZ also documents dedicated print-server deployments |
| Best fit | SaaS platforms needing remotely managed printing across independent sites with a choice of Android, Windows or Linux gateway | Web apps needing rich direct access to devices available to the user’s Windows, macOS or Linux computer |
Comparison reflects the standard documented product workflows available on 19 August 2026. QZ Tray is flexible and can support more advanced managed deployments.
Choose AppClickPrint when onboarding, remote management and gateway choice need to scale. Customers get a focused gateway experience across Android, Windows and Linux; developers get a hosted service instead of building customer management around a local tray application.
Competitor details checked against QZ’s official download page, system requirements, message-signing guide and print-server guide.