Creating a PostScript File

With all the potential issues of font substitution, missing graphics, text re-wraps, unavailable software, etc. it is often times best to send a PostScript file to Printing Services.

A PostScript file is a cross platform, “print-ready” file created from your original document. The PostScript file contains all the information necessary to print your file. Elements of your document such as fonts, page format, and linked graphics are bundled into the completed file at 600dpi. The file, once created, cannot be changed, so make sure what you see is what you want to print.

You can create a PostScript file by “printing to file.” It is as simple as sending your file to a printer but with a twist. Instead of printing to a printer, you direct it to save at a specific location on your hard drive. This process can be completed with most printers. What makes it a true PostScript file is the printer driver that is used to create it.

Download the drivers by clicking on the link for your system. (Macintosh and PC)

Installing the drivers is a simple process. Detailed instructions for installation for both PC and Macintosh platforms are included on this website. Adobe Inc. provides these applications free of charge. They can be downloaded from Printing Services or directly from Adobe’s site.

Once this application is installed, it provides a virtual printer that simply “prints to file.” The next step is to open your document and print it using this printer. You will be prompted to save a file in this process. Give the file a unique name. Some applications do not allow you to save in a specific directory, so you may need to search for it after it is created.
Once you have created a PostScript file, the next step is to transfer it to Printing Services.

See the File Transfer page on this web site for instructions on transferring your PostScript file to Printing Services.

* Printing Services accepts postscript files from Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Power Point, and Word Perfect. To inquire about making postscript files from other desktop publishing programs, please call Richard Rewey at 625-6803.

** The process of submitting a postscript file from these programs is not a substitute for using a professional page layout program such as Quark Xpress or Adobe Pagemaker. Submitting Quark Xpress or Pagemaker files directly to Printing Services is always the preferred method of printing.