PostScript Printer Description

PostScript Printer Description

PostScript Printer Description (PPD) files are created by vendors to describe the entire set of features and capabilities available for their PostScript printers.

A PPD also contains the PostScript code (commands) used to invoke features for the print job. As such, PPDs function as drivers for all PostScript printers, by providing a unified interface for the printer's capabilities and features. For example, a generic PPD file for all models of HP Color LaserJet contains:

*% ================================= *% Basic Device Capabilities *% ================================= *LanguageLevel: "2" *ColorDevice: True *DefaultColorSpace: CMYK *TTRasterizer: Type42 *FileSystem: False *Throughput: "10"

which specifies that the printer understands PostScript Level 2, is a color device, and so forth. The PPD can describe allowable paper sizes, memory configurations, the minimum font set for the printer, and even specify a tree-based user interface for printer-specific configuration.

Read more about PostScript Printer Description:  CUPS, Windows, MIME Type

Famous quotes containing the words printer and/or description:

    Although then a printer by trade, he listed himself in this early directory as an antiquarian. When he was asked the reason for this he replied that he always thought every town should have at least one antiquarian, and since none appeared for the post, he volunteered.
    —For the State of Iowa, U.S. public relief program (1935-1943)

    It is possible—indeed possible even according to the old conception of logic—to give in advance a description of all ‘true’ logical propositions. Hence there can never be surprises in logic.
    Ludwig Wittgenstein (1889–1951)