According to one aspect, a printer checks whether a customized control panel definition is available for the printer. If a customized control panel definition is available for the printer, then the customized control panel definition is retrieved, otherwise a default control panel definition is retrieved. A control panel as defined by the retrieved control panel definition is displayed. According to another aspect, a request to customize control panel of a printer is received. Control panel customization options are displayed, one or more control panel customization selections are received, and a control panel definition for the printer that incorporates the control panel customization selections is saved.