About PPD Files and How to Choose a PPD File for a PostScript Printer
Ink & Toner Finder
How to Choose a PPD File for a PostScript Printer
Choosing a PPD file
PostScript printers may use PPD files to give you access to special printer features. Mac OS X assigns a PPD file to a USB or AppleTalk printer automatically when you add the printer. You manually select a PPD file when adding an LPR printer to the printer list. Even if a PPD file is not found for a given LPR printer, Mac OS X can still print to it. Choose the Generic PPD or one for a printer model similar to yours. Choosing a similar model often provides access to more of your printer’s capabilities the Generic PPD does, which is designed for maximum compatibility with a wide range of printers.
Changing a printer’s PPD file
To associate a different PPD file with a printer, whether network or USB, follow these steps:
1.From the Print dialog, choose Edit Printer List from the Printer pop-up menu.
2.Select the printer, then click Delete.
3.Add the printer again, selecting the specific PPD you wish to use from the Printer Model pop-up menu.
To see which PPD a printer is using
To find out which PPD file a printer is using, follow these steps:
1. Open an application, such as TextEdit.
2. Choose Print from the File menu.
3. Choose the printer from the Printer pop-up menu.
4. Choose Summary from the pop-up menu that does not have a name to its left.
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