Controlling the Printer

Most application programs contain a number of built-in functions that you can use to control the printer. When you use these features, special codes are inserted into your document by the program. When you print a document, these special codes are converted by the application program into commands understood by the printer.

Word processors

Word processors usually let you use a fixed set of printer features by tagging the text to be altered. When the document is printed, the tags are recognized and translated into suitable commands for your printer. Some programs display these tags on screen; others display the text exactly as it will appear when printed, for example, in bold or italics. This method is normally restricted to features that can be found on almost all printers, such as bolding and underlining.

Spreadsheets

Although spreadsheets seldom use as many printing enhancements as word processors, they do have some very specific requirements. If your spreadsheet program has a printer selection menu, choose the first available printer recommended for your emulation mode. If your spreadsheet doesn’t have a printer setup routine, read the program’s manual carefully for printing information.

Application Software 5-5