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'PostScript Printer Description (PPD)' files are created by vendors to describe the entire set of features and capabilities available for their PostScript printers.
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 [1] contains:

★ %

Contents

★ % Basic Device Capabilities ★ %

CUPS

External links

★ % Basic Device Capabilities

★ %

★ LanguageLevel: "2"

★ ColorDevice: True

★ DefaultColorSpace: CMYK

★ TTRasterizer: Type42

★ FileSystem: False

★ Throughput: "10"
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".

External links

★ Adobe PostScript Language Specifications

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★ Adobe Tech Note 5003: PostScript Printer Description (PPD) File Format Specification

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★ Adobe Tech Note 5645: Update to PPD Specification Version 4.3

★ CUPS, PPDs, PostScript and GhostScript (Tutorial material by Kurt Pfeifle)