Foomatic
Linux / Unix printing process: Foomatic (foomatic-rip) is used to convert PostScript data directly into the printer's format.
Foomatic is a configurable printing system that simplifies the use of printers under Linux . A configuration is created using PPD files, which enables the spooler to optimally transfer the data to the printer. The package works with most printers that use Ghostscript as a print processor.
The OpenPrinting working group of the Linux Foundation is currently taking care of the further development.
Package description
The package includes:
- foomatic-filters (or foomatic-rip )
- PostScript is converted into the printer language with the help of the PPD files. A low-level driver specific to each printer is required to generate the finished code.
- foomatic-tools
- foomatic-db-engine : A program that generates the PPD files from the data in the database. It also includes a script that converts print queues directly into print jobs.
- foomatic-db : The collected knowledge about printers, drivers, driver options in XML files, which is used by the foomatic-db-engine to generate the PPD files.
- foomatic-db-hpijs : Foomatics XML data generator for HP's HPIJS drivers.
Free drivers that Foomatic works with
The following drivers are specifically designed to be compatible with Foomatic :
- pxlmono and pxlcolor, works with HP laser jets
- ljet4, also for HP laser jets
- hpijs, for PCL inkjet printers
- splix, for Samsung Printer Language
- gdi, for Samsung SmartGDI