Filename extension .ppd Developed by Adobe Systems | Magic number *PPD-Adobe | |
Internet media type text/plain, application/vnd.cups-ppd | ||
PostScript Printer Description (PPD) files are created by vendors to describe the entire set of features and capabilities available for their PostScript printers.
Contents
A PPD also contains the PostScript code (commands) used to invoke features for the print job. As such, PPDs function as drivers for all PostScript printers, by providing a unified interface for the printer's capabilities and features. For example, a generic PPD file for all models of HP Color LaserJet contains:
which specifies that the printer understands PostScript Level 2, is a color device, and so forth. The PPD can describe allowable paper sizes, memory configurations, the minimum font set for the printer, and even specify a tree-based user interface for printer-specific configuration.
CUPS
CUPS uses PPD drivers for all of its PostScript printers, and has even extended the concept to allow for PostScript printing to non-PostScript printing devices, by directing output through a CUPS filter. Such a file is no longer a standard PPD, but rather a "CUPS-PPD". CUPS clients usually read the current PPD file from the server every time a new print job is created.
Windows
Microsoft Windows also uses PPD files but converts these to a binary .BPD file format before using them. These are normally stored in C:WINDOWSsystem32spooldriversw32x863 on a x86 system, or C:WindowsSystem32spooldriversx643 on a 64 bit system. Updating the PPD files requires removing and then reinstalling the printer.
A PPD (Postscript Printer Description) file is a file that describes the fonts, paper sizes, resolution, and other capabilities that are standard for a particular Postscript printer. A printer driver program uses a PPD file to understand the capabilities of a particular printer.
MIME Type
The MIME type for the CUPS variant of PPD is application/vnd.cups.ppd.