Printing to PostScript
Adobe Illustrator can open most graphics files. Occasionally, however, it
chokes on CAD or Metafiles. Many of those applications allow export to a standard
graphics format— but most often those choices are low-resolution raster files,
not very appropriate for print publishing. Fortunately, the solution is simple:
output those files as Postscript. Here's how:
- Print your image data to disk through a Postscript printer driver (first download and install the latest Postscript printer driver. You can find them here.)
- Print the image from the application where you have created it— but, print to a file instead:
- Windows
- Choose File— Print. In the dialogue box, there is a "Print to File" check box.
- Make sure you have chosen a valid PostScript printer (Acrobat Distiller will also work.)
- Click open the "Properties" window— you may also need to open the "Advanced" Properties.
- Choose the following PostScript Properties:
- Optimized for Portability.
- Convert True Type Fonts to Outlines.
- Use Level 2 or 3 PostScript.
- Do not compress bitmaps.
- Use ASCII encoding.
- Click OK to everything— then you will get a "Save As..." dialogue box (if you do not, your file will likely save to your default Documents directory.)
- The file will save with a "*.prn" extension. It is still a PostScript file, however, and the extension can be safely changed to "*.ps".
- Macintosh
- Classic (OS 9): In the Chooser, choose "Adobe PS" as a printer (preferred), LaserWriter8 (okay), or Acrobat PDFWriter (least desirable) as your printer. Naturally, you can substitute your favorite PostScript printer for LaserWriter8.
- Choose "File— Print..." in your image application. Change "Printer" to "File" in the drop-down menu. Click here to see the Classic print dialogue box.
- Choose the following options from each section of the drop-down menu:
- Color-Matching (Depends on your Service Bureau's preferences—usually U.S. Sheetfeed or Web. Leave alone if unsure.)
- PostScript Level 3.
- Include all fonts.
- If you are using Acrobat Distiller, be sure to have your Job Options set before printing through it!
- Mac OS X: Output to PostScript is easier than Windows. Click here to see the settings on the standard print dialogue box. Some applications let you specify the the PostScript settings. Click here to see the InDesign print dialogue box.
©2004 MadMac Creations
All recommendations are to be used at the reader's discretion, and is subject to change without notice. While a best effort is made to test software and techniques provided, the reader is advised to test thoroughly prior to implementation. MadMac Creations takes no responsibility for any losses accrued, unless Tony MacFarlane has been contracted.
