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Difference Between PCL and PS Drivers
PCL and PS are two types of printer drivers that are used by a computer to communicate with a printer. PCL is an abbreviation for Printer Control Language, whereas PS is an abbreviation for PostScript. PS drivers are used for printers that support Adobe's PostScript language. PCL, or Printer Control Language, is a page description language used to communicate between a computer and a printer.
Read this article to find out more about PCL and PS Drivers and how they are different from each other.
What are PCL Drivers?
PCL, or Printer Control Language, is a page description language used to communicate between a computer and a printer. It was created by Hewlett- Packard (HP) for their printers and has subsequently become a standard in the printing industry.
PCL drivers are popular for basic printing operations since they are straightforward and easy to use. They are compatible with a wide range of printers and operating systems and can print a variety of document types, including text documents, graphics, and simple images.
PCL drivers include certain customization options, such as the ability to adjust print resolution, set print modes, and select from a variety of fonts. They do not, however, offer advanced features like color management, font embedding, or fancy graphics. As a result, they are less suitable for professional printing applications like graphic design or pre-press work.
PCL drivers are often faster and consume less memory than PS drivers, making them a great choice for quickly printing large volumes of documents.
What are PS Drivers?
PS (PostScript) drivers are software programs that allow a computer to communicate with a PostScript-compatible printer. Adobe PostScript is a page description language that provides a collection of commands for describing how a printed page should look. PS drivers are commonly used in professional printing applications such as graphic design, desktop publishing, and pre-press work.
PS drivers work by converting computer data into a format that the printer can understand. When you send a document to the printer, the PS driver reads the data and changes it into a set of commands that the printer may use to print the page. Font selection, page layout, graphics rendering, color management, and other advanced formatting choices are included in these commands.
PS drivers are normally included with the operating system or the printer software. PS is compatible with a wide range of printers, including lasers, inkjets, and high-end colour printers. PS drivers are more complex than PCL drivers and require more memory and processing power for operation.
Difference between PCL and PS Drivers
The following table highlights the major differences between PCL and PS Drivers −
Characteristics |
PCL |
PS Drivers |
|---|---|---|
Language |
Proprietary |
Standard (PostScript) |
Features |
Basic printing functionality and limited font and graphics support |
Advanced features such as color management, font embedding, and advanced graphics |
Speed |
Faster than PS drivers |
Slower than PCL drivers |
Memory Usage |
less memory |
more memory |
Compatibility |
HP and other PCL- compatible printers |
Printers supporting the PostScript language |
Ease of Use |
Simple and easy to use |
More complex and requires greater technical expertise |
Applications |
Suitable for basic printing tasks |
Suitable for professional printing applications, graphic design, desktop publishing, and pre-press work |
Conclusion
In conclusion, PCL and PS are two types of printer drivers that are used to communicate between a computer and a printer.
PCL drivers are commonly used for basic printing tasks since they are easy to use and comprehend, whereas PS drivers are more complex and are used for professional printing applications that require extensive functionality.
The decision between PCL and PS drivers depends on the user's individual printing requirements, printer model, and software.
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