Bottom Line: If you are a professional desktop publisher or graphic designer who works with commercial printers and service bureaus you will probably need to know and use PostScript. If you create complex documents containing both text and graphics, PostScript may give you better printed results even from a desktop printer. Having a PostScript-capable desktop printer can make your work easier by allowing you to print PostScript and EPS and proof work to be sent out for commercial printing. If most of your final output is done on your desktop printer and you have a printer that works in both PCL and PostScript mode, see the PS and PCL Comparisons to find which language is best for you.
You'll find useful tips and advice in these About Desktop Publishing forum discussions on PostScript printers and PostScript printing:
- "Are there great advantages to having a printer that uses the PostScript Language as opposed to the PCL language?" - TFSMOLEN
Discuss PostScript vs. PCL for desktop printers
- "I am looking for an ink jet printer that will print PostScript documents." - DAVMARPAD
Read what's being said about PostScript with an inkjet printer
- "What are the advantages to buying a cheaper but decent printer plus PostScript software over buying a PostScript-ready printer?" - TINAKOYAMA
Forum members share pros/cons of real vs. emulated PostScript
- "PostScript and RIP explained" - AB_DESTOPPUB
Discover the connection between RIP and PostScript
