You can print your PageStream documents on a large variety of printers, including dot matrix, inkjet and laser printers. You can also print your documents on imagesetters and other PostScript devices such as film recorders.
PageStream uses a custom printer driver to print to PostScript printers. On MacOS computers, it works in conjunction with the LaserWriter driver. On AmigaOS computers, it completely bypasses the Preferences printer driver system because it is not suitable for desktop publishing.
When PageStream prints a document on a PostScript printer, it describes the page to the printer as a series of PostScript language commands. The PostScript interpreter in the printer executes these commands to print the pages.
The fonts used in a document can be stored in either the computer or the printer. Most PostScript printers have 35 or more PostScript fonts resident in their memory. PageStream knows what fonts are in the printer because they are listed in the PPD (PostScript Printer Description) file that you select with the Print Setup dialog box. If you use fonts other than those in your printer, PageStream will download them to the printer as part of the document.
If PageStream cannot find the font to download, or if your printer does not contain a font listed in the selected PPD file, PageStream will substitute Courier or Helvetica (Triumvirate on AmigaOS computers).
Printers that are not PostScript compatible are generally referred to as non-PostScript printers. On MacOS computers, PageStream uses the MacOS driver and works in the same manner as other MacOS programs.
On AmigaOS computers, PageStream can print through AmigaOS Preferences or with its own custom drivers for some popular printers. If you choose to print through Preferences, you must have an AmigaOS Preferences driver for your printer. If PageStream has a custom driver for your printer, you should use it instead of the lower-quality Preferences drivers. If your printer is not supported by a custom driver, or if you want more control over your printer, SoftLogik recommends Studio II, a commercial printer driver replacement system available from most dealers. Studio II includes a PageStream 3 printer driver link.
PageStream offers custom drivers for popular printer models because its custom drivers generally print faster and better than the Amiga's Preferences drivers. Custom drivers are provided only for a few types of printers, so you may need to use the Amiga's Preferences printer driver system in order to print to your printer. If PageStream provides a custom driver for your printer, it is recommended you use it rather than the Amiga's Preferences system.
PageStream's custom AmigaOS printer drivers are:
Epson: Most black & white and color dot matrix and ink jet printers are compatible with Epson's standards.
Hewlett-Packard: Most non-PostScript laser printers are compatible with the Hewlett-Packard PCL laser printer standard. Hewlett-Packard brand inkjet printers and some compatible brands should also use this driver. Do not use this driver for Hewlett-Packard's PostScript printers.
Fargo: This is only for use with Fargo Primera printers, including the Primera and Primera Pro.
IFFILBM: This is used to render the page to an IFF ILBM picture.
Note that the printer drivers are named for their emulation standard, not brand name. You should not necessarily use the driver matching your brandname. For example, the Epson Action Laser 1500 is actually a Hewlett-Packard PCL compatible printer, so it should be used with the Hewlett-Packard driver. Only fonts stored in the computer can be used on non-PostScript printers.