PostScript Printer Description Files

Generic PPDs

QuarkXPress 4 PPDs

Alternate Custom Page Size PPDs

Revision 4 PPDs

The Printer Description Files (PPDs) describe each printer to the LaserWriter driver. The software disc contains versions of PPDs that are specific to each printer and RIP type. It also includes various alternate version PPDs. The Printing Tools Installer automatically copies most of these PPDs to their proper locations. Some PPDs must be manually copied to their appropriate location.

If you are unsure of how your application uses PPDs, refer to the application’s user manual.

Generic PPDs can be used for Macintosh applications that do not require their own specific PPD file format. The Installer copies the generic Revision 4 PPD files, and Revision 3 PPD and PDX files, to the RIP.

There are PPDs specifically for QuarkXPress 4, which work around a bug in early versions of QuarkXPress version 4.0 that resulted in any custom page size printed with a height of 0, regardless of the size in the document.

The Installer automatically places these PPDs in the printer-specific folder within the folder under Macintosh Classic OS ver- sions. They are not used under Macintosh OS X. (You can also copy them from the Printing Tools CD-ROM.) If required, copy it to the System : Extensions : Printer Descriptions folder. Then select the PPD using the QuarkXPress PPD Manager. Refer to the QuarkXPress user manual for instructions.

Alternate Custom Page PPDs are used under Macintosh Classic OS versions. They are not used under Macintosh OS X. They are provided for any printer that supports custom page sizes. Some software application programs disagree on the meaning of the “Orientation” flag associated with the PostScript custom page operator. The symptom is that the image will be output rotated, and probably cropped, relative to the page. If this hap- pens, use the Alternate PPD.

Revision 4 PPDs are files that conform to version 4.1 of the Adobe PostScript Printer Description File Format Specification. They are used by the LaserWriter 8 driver on the Macintosh.

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PostScript Printer Description Files