print driver

print driver

[′print ‚drī·vər]

(computer science)

The portion of a computer program that directs output to a printer and usually also controls printer functions such as pagination and the setting of the margins and page headers.

McGraw-Hill Dictionary of Scientific & Technical Terms, 6E, Copyright © 2003 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

printer driver

A software routine that converts an application program's printing request into the language the printer understands. For example, PostScript printer drivers create a file that is accepted by PostScript printers. HP printer drivers create PCL files and so on. Drivers for Windows-only printers rasterize the pages (RIP function) and send the actual bit patterns to the printer, which are applied to the drum by the laser or LED array. Contrast with printing protocol.

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