Printing > 31
P
RINTING
W
HAT
IS
A
PRINTER
DRIVER
?
A printer driver manages printing communication between your application and the printer.
It interprets the instructions generated by the application, merges those instructions with
printer-specific options you set and then translates all this information into a language that
the printer understands. Your printer is controlled by two types of driver - PCL (Printer
Control Language) and PS (PostScript language).
PCL
AND
PS
COMPARED
PCL and PS are both essentially languages used by your printer to convert data into a
finished print job. Each language has its advantages and disadvantages as outlined below.
PCL
PCL is a widely used printing language that is supported by many different Operating
Systems (e.g. Windows). This enables the same printer to work in many different
environments. PCL is device dependent, which means that PCL drivers use the printer
hardware for creating some of the printed data (usually graphics data like fill areas and
fonts). Because the printer completes the creation and processing of page data, your
computer processes the print job more quickly and efficiently. However, individual printers
may perform these tasks differently, giving you a slightly different output.
PS
PS is also a common printing language and is used heavily in Mac platforms as well as for
graphic applications in other platforms. Unlike PCL, PS is device independent, which means
that the Postscript language creates all of the print data and does not rely on the printer
for print data. This ensures consistent output, even when printed on more than one type
of printer. Graphic objects will be consistent and, in some cases, of higher quality than PCL.
ADVANTAGES
DISADVANTAGES
Fast print processing.
The same print job may vary slightly from
printer to printer.
Widely supported in many different
Operating Systems.
Quality of graphics is dependent on the print
device.
Not supported in most Mac environments
ADVANTAGES
DISADVANTAGES
Graphic objects are often more detailed.
Print processing can be slow.
The same print file should print identically
on all print devices.
Not found in as many platforms as PCL.
Print file and memory requirements are
larger.
