Postscript

PostScript is a programming language that describes the appearance of a printed page. It was developed by Adobe in 1985 and has become an industry standard for printing and imaging. All major printer manufacturers make printers that contain or can be loaded with Postscript software, which also runs on all major operating system platforms. A Postscript file can be identified by its ".ps" suffix.

Postscript describes the text and graphic elements on a page to a black-and-white or color printer or other output device, such as a slide recorder, imagesetter, or screen display. Postscript handles industry-standard, scalable typeface in the Type 1 and TrueType formats. Users can convert Postscript files to the Adobe Portable Document Format ( PDF ) using the Adobe Acrobat product. PDF files present the document's printed appearance on a display screen. (You'll find many PDF documents for downloading and viewing from Web sites; you'll need to download the Acrobat viewer as a plug-in .) Adobe sells a more sophisticated product called Supra for print-on-demand and production printing.

Note that the average home laser printer is not a Postscript printer; which is somewhat more expensive and more frequently purchased for business use. (However, they aren't that expensive and Postscript printers for home or small business use are worth considering.)

How Do Adobe PostScript Levels 1, 2, and 3 Differ?

By Jacci Howard Bear, About.com Guide

Question: How Do Adobe PostScript Levels 1, 2, and 3 Differ?

Introduced by Adobe in 1985, the page description language known as PostScript has undergone improvements and changes over the years. Just as new versions of software contain new features not available in earlier versions, subsequent PostScript levels have added support for new features and the way the underlying code is written has undergone modifications.

Answer: The key differences in the primary PostScript levels are:

Adobe PostScript Level 1 was the original, basic language.

Adobe PostScript Level 2 added support for different page sizes and better color printing.

Adobe PostScript Level 3, released in 1997, has better graphics handling, supports more fonts, and speeds up printing.

Adobe PostScript 3

The industry-standard printing and imaging technology

Adobe® PostScript® 3™ is the worldwide printing and imaging standard. Used by print service providers, publishers, corporations, and government agencies around the globe, Adobe PostScript 3 gives you the power to print visually rich documents reliably. Adobe PostScript 3 printing technology is licensed to original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) for building high-performance printing systems and print workflow solutions. As a scalable architecture, it can be easily integrated into a wide range of devices and technologies while maintaining the high quality and performance you expect from Adobe.

Upgrade program

Commercial print environments everywhere are built on the foundation of Adobe® PostScript®. Now you can upgrade your PostScript Level 2 and clone PostScript RIP solutions to enjoy the advanced performance and productivity features of PostScript 3™.

With the power of PostScript 3, your system will deliver increased RIP and output speeds, enhanced Portable Document Format (PDF) and Job Definition Format (JDF) workflow support, flexible compatibility, and more predictable, high-quality output.

Ask the manufacturer of your Adobe PostScript based system for details about the PostScript 3 upgrade and cross-grade programs — and raise your print output to a new level.

Ten great reasons to upgrade to Adobe PostScript 3:

• Advanced multi-threaded rendering techniques deliver up to 30% increases in system performance.
• PostScript 3 RIPs are JDF-enabled, connecting you to the future of print workflow automation.
• Best-in-class in-RIP Trapping and PDF Trapper features interpret and execute trapping commands automatically, speeding throughput.
• Device-independent color ensures that output will appear exactly as intended.
• Enhanced PostScript 3 RIPs output Adobe applications with higher print quality and greater predictability.
• PostScript 3 systems accept input directly from a wide range of file formats, including Adobe PDF 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, PDF/X, and JPEG 2000, offering maximum workflow flexibility.
• Intelligent image-handling features make it easier than ever to support transparent artwork.
• PostScript 3 print drivers are backward compatible with PostScript Level 2 devices, facilitating system integration.
• Twenty years of Adobe PostScript knowledge and expertise are built into every PostScript 3 system, ensuring unmatched performance and productivity.
• A network of Adobe partners provides a choice of PostScript 3 solutions — and an upgrade program that will perfectly meet your requirements.

How to upgrade your system

Adobe partners with industry leaders around the world to bring you the latest innovations in digital document production systems.

For upgrade program information, please contact the manufacturer of your PostScript based system.

Source: http://www.tailrecursive.org/postscript/postscript.html