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Changing the printer’s default functions and description is quite a tough one especially if you’re like me who don’t pay attention to programming. I have searched the net and asked several forums and found out about Postscript. This is the language known to printers in processing jobs.

Below is a link to one of my questions in a forum:

http://www.emiratesmac.com/forums/development/7194-editing-ppd.html

Mr. Google saved my ass and was able to found more information about it.

Here are some fundamentals that I have researched to assist in modifying bits and pieces of your Postscript printer functions in a Mac.

Introduction

PostScript™ printer description files (PPD files) are text files that provide a
uniform approach to using the diverse features of devices that contain Post-
Script interpreters. Such features include different page sizes, different methods
of paper and film handling, memory size, font availability, and finishing
features such as duplex printing and stapling. All devices do not have the
same set of features, and even devices with the same features do not necessarily
invoke those features in the same way. PPD files provide applications with
the necessary information about a device’s features, including the feature
options, the default settings, how to request the current settings, how to
change the settings, and other information that might be used for scheduling
jobs. (Excerpts from the PostScript Printer Description File
Format Specification by Adobe)

As required, we need to change menu item descriptions from the print dialogue boxes we see when printing.

Open the PPD file located in /Library/Printers/PPDs/Contents/Resources/en.lproj/ for my case is the:

Fiery EX260 Color Server PS.ppd

I recommend using Text Wrangler since it does not add anything or change the file like text edit. Say we wanted to change the menu item “Media 1″, you will need to find all “Media 1″ inside the *OpenGroup /*CloseGroup lines:

*OpenGroup: FPPaperSource1/Media 1
*%EFIFlags *EFTrayAlignment Column|Command|Impose|Rerip|Spooler
*%EFIGroup *EFTrayAlignment FPPaperSource/Media
…..

….

…
*CloseGroup: FPPaperSource1

set a new name Media 1 = Print Size

When you are done, save the file. Remove and re-add the printer. Close and re-open your applications. The new menu items should be showing as you wanted.

References:

http://www.devtrends.com/index.php/ppd-files/
http://partners.adobe.com/public/developer/en/ps/5003.PPD_Spec_v4.3.pdf

http://www.adobe.com/products/printerdrivers/installmacppd.html

Posted on June 25th, 2009 by Adrian Ross
Filed under: Admin Notes, Mac, Technology