This section discusses the use of CUPS filters on the server configuration where clients make use of a PostScript driver with CUPS-PPDs.

PPDs can control all print device options. They are usually provided by the manufacturer if you own a PostScript printer, that is. PPD files are always a component of PostScript printer drivers on MS Windows or Apple Mac OS systems. They are ASCII files containing user-selectable print options, mapped to appropriate PostScript, PCL, or PJL commands for the target printer. Printer driver GUI dialogs translate these options “on the fly” into buttons and drop-down lists for the user to select.

CUPS can load, without any conversions, the PPD file from any Windows (NT is recommended) PostScript driver and handle the options. There is a Web browser interface to the print options (select https://localhost:631/printers/ and click on one Configure Printer button to see it) or a command-line interface (see man lpoptions or see if you have lphelp on your system). There are also some different GUI front-ends on Linux/UNIX, which can present PPD options to users. PPD options are normally meant to be evaluated by the PostScript RIP on the real PostScript printer.