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Printer File Printer

Printer Files

Printer files contain the binary data that would have been sent to a printer.
This data has been processed by the printer driver and is ready to be sent directly to the printer.

The three main types of printer file are:

  • .prn
  • .ps
  • .pcl

    • PRN Printer Files
    These are printer files used by printers whose drivers aren't using PostScript or Printer Command Language.
    These files will often be specific to that type of printer, or very similar ones.

    PS Printer Files
     These are files containing PostScript language data, for use with printers using PostScript. These printer file should be able to be printed on more or less any printer that supports PostScript.

    PCL Printer Files
     These are files containing Printer Command Language data, for use with printers using PCL. These printer files should be able to be printed on more or less any printer that supports PCL.

    Printer files are most commonly used either to print on that printer at a later time, or on another printer possibly in another location.

    The most common way to make printer files is to select "Print to File" on a print dialogue box. This will then either ask you to enter a filename, or show a save dialogue box.