Foomatic 4.0 Printer Drivers Create PDFs
Foomatic is now released in version 4.0. The software creates PDFs, describes external drivers better and includes PPD extensions.
Foomatic generates filters as PostScript Printer Descriptions (PPDs) that inform the Common UNIX Printing System (CUPS) about specific printer capabilities. Foomatic 4.0 supports the new CUPS enhancements.
Certainly the newest aspect of Foomatic is that it sends PDFs instead of PostScript data to printers. Benefits include the Portable Document Format’s better color management and depth support (more than 8 bits-per-channel). PDFs also provide better transparency, are multiplatform and involve smaller files.
Foomatic now also supports PPD extensions whereby driver developers and printer vendors can create better driver GUIs in several languages (such as for the browser-based CUPS interface or GIMP Toolkit, GTK). The GUIs can include printer icons, tags and manufacturer logos, along with certain presets.
Foomatic 4.0 supports precise and extensive descriptions that help developers better identify printer drivers in the OpenPrinting.org database, which also includes proprietary drivers. Not least of all Foomatic includes the foomatic-rip universal filter in C language that allows direct use of the libraries without requiring Perl scripts.
The Linux Foundation website provides Foomatic 4.0 downloads, or you can wait until the current version hits the individual distro repositories.
Comments
comments powered by DisqusSubscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.
News
-
Linux Servers Targeted by Akira Ransomware
A group of bad actors who have already extorted $42 million have their sights set on the Linux platform.
-
TUXEDO Computers Unveils Linux Laptop Featuring AMD Ryzen CPU
This latest release is the first laptop to include the new CPU from Ryzen and Linux preinstalled.
-
XZ Gets the All-Clear
The back door xz vulnerability has been officially reverted for Fedora 40 and versions 38 and 39 were never affected.
-
Canonical Collaborates with Qualcomm on New Venture
This new joint effort is geared toward bringing Ubuntu and Ubuntu Core to Qualcomm-powered devices.
-
Kodi 21.0 Open-Source Entertainment Hub Released
After a year of development, the award-winning Kodi cross-platform, media center software is now available with many new additions and improvements.
-
Linux Usage Increases in Two Key Areas
If market share is your thing, you'll be happy to know that Linux is on the rise in two areas that, if they keep climbing, could have serious meaning for Linux's future.
-
Vulnerability Discovered in xz Libraries
An urgent alert for Fedora 40 has been posted and users should pay attention.
-
Canonical Bumps LTS Support to 12 years
If you're worried that your Ubuntu LTS release won't be supported long enough to last, Canonical has a surprise for you in the form of 12 years of security coverage.
-
Fedora 40 Beta Released Soon
With the official release of Fedora 40 coming in April, it's almost time to download the beta and see what's new.
-
New Pentesting Distribution to Compete with Kali Linux
SnoopGod is now available for your testing needs
Foomatic is a good alternative
Thanks for the info.
Frank