Foomatic
Foomatic is a configurable printing filter. It uses PPD files as configuration to generate appropriate output for a given printer. It is spooler independent which means it can be used with Common Unix Printing System, LPRng and others. It uses Ghostscript in the background, using options according to the PPD file of the printer. Currently it is developed by the OpenPrinting workgroup of the Linux Foundation.
Operation
Like CUPS, foomatic supposes that applications will produce output in PostScript. If the output spools to a PostScript printer, no further action is needed. Otherwise, the most generic way to act is:- Create a raster file from the PostScript
- Create a printer-language file from the raster data
- Send the printer-language file to the printer
Description of the package
The components of the package are:;foomatic-filters
;foomatic-tools
Free drivers that can interface with foomatic
The following free drivers were specifically developed to work with foomatic:- and , to work with HP LaserJets
- , also for LaserJet printers
- , for PCL inkjet printers
- , for Samsung Printer Language
- , for Samsung SmartGDI
- , for Brother P-touch series of label printers
Spoolers that can interact with foomatic
- CUPS
- LPRng
- LPD
- GNUlpr
- Solaris LP
- PPR
- CPS
- Direct printing