printing

Homepage: https://www.emacswiki.org/cgi-bin/wiki/ViniciusJoseLatorre

Author: Vinicius Jose Latorre

Summary

Printing utilities

Commentary

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Introduction
------------

With `printing' you can preview or print a PostScript file.  You can also
print a text file using PostScript, and preview or print buffers that use
certain special modes like mh-folder-mode, rmail-summary-mode,
gnus-summary-mode, etc.  This package also includes a PostScript/text
printer database.

There are two user interfaces:

   * Menu interface:
     The `printing' menu replaces the usual print options in the menu bar.
     This is the default user interface.

   * Buffer interface:
     You can use a buffer interface instead of menus.  It looks like a
     customization buffer.  Basically, it has the same options found in the
     menu and some extra options, all this on a buffer.

`printing' is prepared to run on GNU, Unix and NT systems.
On GNU or Unix system, `printing' depends on gs and gv utilities.
On NT system, `printing' depends on gstools (gswin32.exe and gsview32.exe).
To obtain ghostscript, ghostview and GSview see the URL
`https://www.gnu.org/software/ghostscript/ghostscript.html'.

`printing' depends on ps-print package to generate PostScript files, to
spool and to despool PostScript buffer.  So, `printing' provides an
interface to ps-print package and it also provides some extra stuff.

`printing' was inspired by:

   print-nt.el	      Frederic Corne 
	 Special printing functions for Windows NT

   mh-e-init.el	      Tom Vogels 
	 PS-print for mail messages

   win32-ps-print.el	      Matthew O. Persico 
	 PostScript printing with ghostscript

   ps-print-interface.el   Volker Franz 
	 Graphical front end for ps-print and previewing


Log Messages
------------

The buffer *Printing Command Output* is where the `printing' log messages
are inserted.  All program called by `printing' has a log entry in the
buffer *Printing Command Output*.  A log entry has the following form:

   PROGRAM (ARG...)
   MESSAGE
   Exit status: CODE

Where
PROGRAM is the program activated by `printing',
ARG is an argument passed to PROGRAM (it can have more than one argument),
MESSAGE is an error message returned by PROGRAM (it can have no message, if
PROGRAM is successful),
and CODE is a numeric exit status or a signal description string.

For example, after previewing a PostScript file, *Printing Command Output*
will have the following entry:

   /usr/bin/gv ("/home/user/example/file.ps")
   Exit status: 0

In the example above, the previewing was successful.  If during previewing,
you quit gv execution (by typing C-g during Emacs session), the log entry
would be:

   /usr/bin/gv ("/home/user/example/file.ps")
   Exit status: Quit

So, if something goes wrong, a good place to take a look is the buffer
*Printing Command Output*.  Don't forget to see also the buffer *Messages*,
it can help.


Novices (First Users)
---------------------

First of all, see printing documentation only to get an idea of what
`printing' is capable.

Then try to set the variables: `pr-ps-name', `pr-ps-printer-alist',
`pr-txt-name', `pr-txt-printer-alist' and `pr-path-alist'.  These variables
are the main variables for printing processing.

Now, please, see these variables documentation deeper.  You can do this by
typing C-h v pr-ps-name RET (for example) if you already loaded printing
package, or by browsing printing.el source file.

If the documentation isn't clear or if you find a way to improve the
documentation, please, send an email to maintainer.  All printing users
will thank you.

One way to set variables is by calling `pr-customize', customize all
variables and save the customization by future sessions (see Options
section).  Other way is by adding code to your init file; see below
for a first setting template that it should be inserted on your
init file:

* Example of setting for Windows system:

   (require 'printing)		; load printing package
   (setq pr-path-alist
	    '((windows   "c:/applications/executables" PATH ghostview mpage)
	      (ghostview "c:/gs/gsview-dir")
	      (mpage     "c:/mpage-dir")
	      ))
   (setq pr-txt-name      'prt_06a)
   (setq pr-txt-printer-alist
         '((prt_06a  "print"     nil "/D:\\\\printers\\prt_06a")
           (prt_07c  nil         nil "/D:\\\\printers\\prt_07c")
           (PRN      ""          nil "PRN")
           (standard "redpr.exe" nil "")
           ))
   (setq pr-ps-name       'lps_06b)
   (setq pr-ps-printer-alist
         '((lps_06a  "print"     nil "/D:" "\\\\printers\\lps_06a")
           (lps_06b  "print"     nil nil   "\\\\printers\\lps_06b")
           (lps_07c  "print"     nil ""    "/D:\\\\printers\\lps_07c")
           (lps_08c  nil         nil nil   "\\\\printers\\lps_08c")
           (LPT1     ""          nil ""    "LPT1:")
           (PRN      ""          nil ""    "PRN")
           (standard "redpr.exe" nil ""    "")
           ))
   (pr-update-menus t)		; update now printer and utility menus

* Example of setting for GNU or Unix system:

   (require 'printing)		; load printing package
   (setq pr-path-alist
	    '((unix      "." "~/bin" ghostview mpage PATH)
	      (ghostview "$HOME/bin/gsview-dir")
	      (mpage     "$HOME/bin/mpage-dir")
	      ))
   (setq pr-txt-name      'prt_06a)
   (setq pr-txt-printer-alist
         '((prt_06a "lpr" nil "prt_06a")
           (prt_07c nil   nil "prt_07c")
           ))
   (setq pr-ps-name       'lps_06b)
   (setq pr-ps-printer-alist
         '((lps_06b "lpr" nil "-P" "lps_06b")
           (lps_07c "lpr" nil nil  "lps_07c")
           (lps_08c nil   nil nil  "lps_08c")
           ))
   (pr-update-menus t)		; update now printer and utility menus


NOTE 1: Don't forget to download and install ghostscript utilities (see
        Utilities section).

NOTE 2: The `printer-name' and `ps-printer-name' variables don't need to be
        set, as they are implicit set by `pr-ps-printer-alist' and
        `pr-txt-printer-alist'.

NOTE 3: The duplex feature will only work on PostScript printers that
        support this feature.
        You can check if your PostScript printer supports duplex feature
        by checking the printer manual.  Or you can try these steps:
        1. Open a buffer (or use the *scratch* buffer).
        2. Type:
           First line (on first page)
           ^L
           Second line (on second page)
        3. Print this buffer with duplex turned on.
        If it's printed 2 (two) sheets of paper, then your PostScript
        printer doesn't have duplex feature; otherwise, it's ok, your
        printer does have duplex feature.

NOTE 4: See Tips section.


Tips
----

1. If you have a local printer, that is, a printer which is connected
   directly to your computer, don't forget to connect the printer to your
   computer before printing.

2. If you try to print a file and it seems that the file was printed, but
   there is no paper in the printer, then try to set `pr-delete-temp-file'
   to nil.  Probably `printing' is deleting the temporary file before your
   local system can get it to send to the printer.

3. Don't try to print a dynamic buffer, that is, a buffer which is
   modifying while `printing' tries to print.  Eventually you got an error
   message.  Instead, save the dynamic buffer to a file or copy it in
   another buffer and, then, print the file or the new static buffer.
   An example of dynamic buffer is the *Messages* buffer.

4. When running Emacs on Windows (with or without cygwin), check if your
   printer is a text printer or not by typing in a DOS window:

      print /D:\\host\printer somefile.txt

   Where, `host' is the machine where the printer is directly connected,
   `printer' is the printer name and `somefile.txt' is a text file.

   If the printer `\\host\printer' doesn't print the content of
   `somefile.txt' or, instead, it returns the following message:

      PostScript Error Handler
      Offending Command = CCC
      Stack =

   Where `CCC' is whatever is at the beginning of the text to be printed.

   Therefore, the printer `\\host\printer' is not a text printer, but a
   PostScript printer.  So, please, don't include this printer in
   `pr-txt-printer-alist' (which see).

5. You can use gsprint instead of ghostscript to print monochrome PostScript
   files in Windows.  The gsprint utility documentation says that it is more
   efficient than ghostscript to print monochrome PostScript.

   To print non-monochrome PostScript file, the efficiency of ghostscript
   is similar to gsprint.

   Also the gsprint utility comes together with gsview distribution.

   For more information about gsprint see
   `https://www.cs.wisc.edu/~ghost/gsview/gsprint.htm'.

   As an example of gsprint declaration:

   (setq pr-ps-printer-alist
         '((A "gsprint" ("-all" "-twoup") "-printer " "my-b/w-printer-name")
           (B "gsprint" ("-all" "-twoup") nil "-printer my-b/w-printer-name")
           ;; some other printer declaration
           ))

   The example above declares that printer A prints all pages (-all) and two
   pages per sheet (-twoup).  The printer B declaration does the same as the
   printer A declaration, the only difference is the printer name selection.

   There are other command line options like:

   -mono	Render in monochrome as 1bit/pixel (only black and white).
   -grey	Render in greyscale as 8bits/pixel.
   -color	Render in color as 24bits/pixel.

   The default is `-mono'.  So, printer A and B in the example above are
   using implicitly the `-mono' option.  Note that in `-mono' no gray tone
   or color is printed, this includes the zebra stripes, that is, in `-mono'
   the zebra stripes are not printed.

   See also documentation for `pr-ps-printer-alist'.


Using `printing'
----------------

To use `printing' insert in your init file:

   (require 'printing)
   ;; ...some user settings...
   (pr-update-menus t)

During `pr-update-menus' evaluation:
  * On Emacs 20:
     it replaces the Tools/Print menu by Tools/Printing menu.
  * On Emacs 21:
     it replaces the File/Print* menu entries by File/Print menu.
Please, see section Menu Layout below for menu explanation.

To use `printing' utilities you can use the Printing menu options, type M-x
followed by one of the commands below, or type a key associated with the
command you want (if there is a key binding).

`printing' has the following commands:

   pr-interface
   pr-ps-directory-preview
   pr-ps-directory-using-ghostscript
   pr-ps-directory-print
   pr-ps-directory-ps-print
   pr-ps-buffer-preview
   pr-ps-buffer-using-ghostscript
   pr-ps-buffer-print
   pr-ps-buffer-ps-print
   pr-ps-region-preview
   pr-ps-region-using-ghostscript
   pr-ps-region-print
   pr-ps-region-ps-print
   pr-ps-mode-preview
   pr-ps-mode-using-ghostscript
   pr-ps-mode-print
   pr-ps-mode-ps-print
   pr-ps-file-preview
   pr-ps-file-up-preview
   pr-ps-file-using-ghostscript
   pr-ps-file-print
   pr-ps-file-ps-print
   pr-ps-file-up-ps-print
   pr-ps-fast-fire
   pr-despool-preview
   pr-despool-using-ghostscript
   pr-despool-print
   pr-despool-ps-print
   pr-printify-directory
   pr-printify-buffer
   pr-printify-region
   pr-txt-directory
   pr-txt-buffer
   pr-txt-region
   pr-txt-mode
   pr-txt-fast-fire
   pr-toggle-file-duplex
   pr-toggle-file-tumble
   pr-toggle-file-landscape
   pr-toggle-ghostscript
   pr-toggle-faces
   pr-toggle-spool
   pr-toggle-duplex
   pr-toggle-tumble
   pr-toggle-landscape
   pr-toggle-upside-down
   pr-toggle-line
   pr-toggle-zebra
   pr-toggle-header
   pr-toggle-lock
   pr-toggle-region
   pr-toggle-mode
   pr-customize
   lpr-customize
   pr-help
   pr-ps-name
   pr-txt-name
   pr-ps-utility
   pr-show-ps-setup
   pr-show-pr-setup
   pr-show-lpr-setup

The general meanings of above commands are:

   PREFIX:
   `pr-interface'	buffer interface for printing package.
   `pr-help'		help for printing package.
   `pr-ps-name'	interactively select a PostScript printer.
   `pr-txt-name'	interactively select a text printer.
   `pr-ps-utility'	interactively select a PostScript utility.
   `pr-show-*-setup'	show current settings.
   `pr-ps-*'		deal with PostScript code generation.
   `pr-txt-*'	deal with text generation.
   `pr-toggle-*'	toggle on/off some boolean variable.
   `pr-despool-*'	despool the PostScript spooling buffer.
   `pr-printify-*'	replace nonprintable ASCII by printable ASCII
			representation.

   SUFFIX:
   `*-customize'		customization.
   `*-preview'		preview a PostScript file.
   `*-using-ghostscript'	use ghostscript to print.
   `*-fast-fire'		fast fire command (see it for documentation).
   `*-print'			send PostScript directly to printer.
   `*-ps-print'		send PostScript directly to printer or use
				ghostscript to print.  It depends on
				`pr-print-using-ghostscript' option.

   INFIX/SUFFIX:
   `*-directory*'	process a directory.
   `*-buffer*'	process a buffer.
   `*-region*'	process a region.
   `*-mode*'		process a major mode (see explanation below).
   `*-file-*'	process a PostScript file.
   `*-file-up-*'	process a PostScript file using a filter utility.

Here are some examples:

   `pr-ps-buffer-using-ghostscript'
	 Use ghostscript to print a buffer.

   `pr-ps-file-print'
	 Print a PostScript file.

   `pr-toggle-spool'
	 Toggle spooling buffer.

So you can preview through ghostview, use ghostscript to print (if you don't
have a PostScript printer) or send directly to printer a PostScript code
generated by `ps-print' package.

Besides operating one buffer or region each time, you also can postpone
previewing or printing by saving the PostScript code generated in a
temporary Emacs buffer.  This way you can save banner pages between
successive printing.  You can toggle on/off spooling by invoking
`pr-toggle-spool' interactively or through menu bar.

If you type, for example:

   C-u M-x pr-ps-buffer-print RET

The `pr-ps-buffer-print' command prompts you for a n-up printing number and
a file name, and save the PostScript code generated to the file name instead
of sending to printer.

This behavior is similar with the commands that deal with PostScript code
generation, that is, with `pr-ps-*' and `pr-despool-*' commands.  If
spooling is on, only `pr-despool-*' commands prompt for a file name and save
the PostScript code spooled in this file.

Besides the behavior described above, the `*-directory*' commands also
prompt for a directory and a file name regexp.  So, it's possible to process
all or certain files on a directory at once (see also documentation for
`pr-list-directory').

`printing' has also a special way to handle some major mode through
`*-mode*' commands.  So it's possible to customize a major mode printing,
it's only needed to declare the customization in `pr-mode-alist' (see
section Options) and invoke some of `*-mode*' commands.  An example for
major mode usage is when you're using gnus (or mh, or rmail, etc.) and
you're in the *Summary* buffer, if you forget to switch to the *Article*
buffer before printing, you'll get a nicely formatted list of article
subjects shows up at the printer.  With major mode printing you don't need
to switch from gnus *Summary* buffer first.

Current global keyboard mapping is:

   (global-set-key [print]     'pr-ps-fast-fire)
   (global-set-key [M-print]   'pr-ps-mode-using-ghostscript)
   (global-set-key [S-print]   'pr-ps-mode-using-ghostscript)
   (global-set-key [C-print]   'pr-txt-fast-fire)
   (global-set-key [C-M-print] 'pr-txt-fast-fire)

As a suggestion of global keyboard mapping for some `printing' commands:

   (global-set-key "\C-ci"  'pr-interface)
   (global-set-key "\C-cbp" 'pr-ps-buffer-print)
   (global-set-key "\C-cbx" 'pr-ps-buffer-preview)
   (global-set-key "\C-cbb" 'pr-ps-buffer-using-ghostscript)
   (global-set-key "\C-crp" 'pr-ps-region-print)
   (global-set-key "\C-crx" 'pr-ps-region-preview)
   (global-set-key "\C-crr" 'pr-ps-region-using-ghostscript)


Options
-------

Below it's shown a brief description of `printing' options, please, see the
options declaration in the code for a long documentation.

`pr-filename-style'		Specify which filename style to use for external
				commands.

`pr-path-alist'		Specify an alist for command paths.

`pr-txt-name'		Specify a printer for printing a text file.

`pr-txt-printer-alist'	Specify an alist of all text printers.

`pr-ps-name'			Specify a printer for printing a PostScript
				file.

`pr-ps-printer-alist'	Specify an alist for all PostScript printers.

`pr-temp-dir'		Specify a directory for temporary files during
				printing.

`pr-ps-temp-file'		Specify PostScript temporary file name prefix.

`pr-file-modes'		Specify the file permission bits for newly
				created files.

`pr-gv-command'		Specify path and name of the gsview/gv
				utility.

`pr-gs-command'		Specify path and name of the ghostscript
				utility.

`pr-gs-switches'		Specify ghostscript switches.

`pr-gs-device'		Specify ghostscript device switch value.

`pr-gs-resolution'		Specify ghostscript resolution switch value.

`pr-print-using-ghostscript'	Non-nil means print using ghostscript.

`pr-faces-p'			Non-nil means print with face attributes.

`pr-spool-p'			Non-nil means spool printing in a buffer.

`pr-file-landscape'		Non-nil means print PostScript file in
				landscape orientation.

`pr-file-duplex'		Non-nil means print PostScript file in duplex
				mode.

`pr-file-tumble'		Non-nil means print PostScript file in tumble
				mode.

`pr-auto-region'		Non-nil means region is automagically detected.

`pr-auto-mode'		Non-nil means major-mode specific printing is
				preferred over normal printing.

`pr-mode-alist'		Specify an alist for a major-mode and printing
				function.

`pr-ps-utility'		Specify PostScript utility processing.

`pr-ps-utility-alist'	Specify an alist for PostScript utility
				processing.

`pr-menu-lock'		Non-nil means menu is locked while selecting
				toggle options.

`pr-menu-char-height'	Specify menu char height in pixels.

`pr-menu-char-width'		Specify menu char width in pixels.

`pr-setting-database'	Specify an alist for settings in general.

`pr-visible-entry-list'	Specify a list of Printing menu visible
				entries.

`pr-delete-temp-file'	Non-nil means delete temporary files.

`pr-list-directory'		Non-nil means list directory when processing a
				directory.

`pr-buffer-name'		Specify the name of the buffer interface for
				printing package.

`pr-buffer-name-ignore'	Specify a regexp list for buffer names to be
				ignored in interface buffer.

`pr-buffer-verbose'		Non-nil means to be verbose when editing a
				field in interface buffer.

To set the above options you may:

a) insert the code in your ~/.emacs, like:

	 (setq pr-faces-p t)

   This way always keep your default settings when you enter a new Emacs
   session.

b) or use `set-variable' in your Emacs session, like:

	 M-x set-variable RET pr-faces-p RET t RET

   This way keep your settings only during the current Emacs session.

c) or use customization, for example:
	 click on menu-bar *Help* option,
	 then click on *Customize*,
	 then click on *Browse Customization Groups*,
	 expand *PostScript* group,
	 expand *Printing* group
	 and then customize `printing' options.
   Through this way, you may choose if the settings are kept or not when
   you leave out the current Emacs session.

d) or see the option value:

	 C-h v pr-faces-p RET

   and click the *customize* hypertext button.
   Through this way, you may choose if the settings are kept or not when
   you leave out the current Emacs session.

e) or invoke:

	 M-x pr-customize RET

   and then customize `printing' options.
   Through this way, you may choose if the settings are kept or not when
   you leave out the current Emacs session.

f) or use menu bar, for example:
	 click on menu-bar *File* option,
	 then click on *Printing*,
	 then click on *Customize*,
	 then click on *printing*
	 and then customize `printing' options.
   Through this way, you may choose if the settings are kept or not when
   you leave out the current Emacs session.


Menu Layout
-----------

The `printing' menu (Tools/Printing or File/Print) has the following layout:

       +-----------------------------+
A   0  |   Printing Interface        |
       +-----------------------------+       +-A---------+     +-B------+
I   1  |   PostScript Preview       >|-------|Directory >|-----|1-up    |
    2  |   PostScript Print         >|---- A |Buffer    >|-- B |2-up    |
    3  |   PostScript Printer: name >|---- C |Region    >|-- B |4-up    |
       +-----------------------------+       |Mode      >|-- B |Other...|
II  4  |   Printify                 >|-----\ |File      >|--\  +--------+
    5  |   Print                    >|---\ | |Despool... |  |
    6  |   Text Printer: name       >|-\ | | +-----------+  |
       +-----------------------------+ | | | +---------+   +------------+
III 7  |[ ]Landscape                 | | | \-|Directory|   | No Prep... | Ia
    8  |[ ]Print Header              | | |   |Buffer   |   +------------+ Ib
    9  |[ ]Print Header Frame        | | |   |Region   |   |   name    >|- C
    10 |[ ]Line Number               | | |   +---------+   +------------+
    11 |[ ]Zebra Stripes             | | |   +---------+   |   1-up...  | Ic
    12 |[ ]Duplex                    | | \---|Directory|   |   2-up...  |
    13 |[ ]Tumble                    | \--\  |Buffer   |   |   4-up...  |
    14 |[ ]Upside-Down               |    |  |Region   |   |   Other... |
    15 |   Print All Pages          >|--\ |  |Mode     |   +------------+
       +-----------------------------+  | |  +---------+   |[ ]Landscape| Id
IV  16 |[ ]Spool Buffer              |  | |  +-C-------+   |[ ]Duplex   | Ie
    17 |[ ]Print with faces          |  | \--|( )name A|   |[ ]Tumble   | If
    18 |[ ]Print via Ghostscript     |  |    |( )name B|   +------------+
       +-----------------------------+  |    |...      |
V   19 |[ ]Auto Region               |  |    |(*)name  |
    20 |[ ]Auto Mode                 |  |    |...      |
    21 |[ ]Menu Lock                 |  |    +---------+   +--------------+
       +-----------------------------+  \------------------|(*)All Pages  |
VI  22 |   Customize                >|--- D  +-D------+    |( )Even Pages |
    23 |   Show Settings            >|-------|printing|    |( )Odd Pages  |
    24 |   Help                      |       |ps-print|    |( )Even Sheets|
       +-----------------------------+       |lpr     |    |( )Odd Sheets |
                                             +--------+    +--------------+

See `pr-visible-entry-list' for hiding some parts of the menu.

The menu has the following sections:

A. Interface:

   0. You can use a buffer interface instead of menus.  It looks like the
	 customization buffer.  Basically, it has the same options found in the
	 menu and some extra options, all this on a buffer.

I. PostScript printing:

   1. You can generate a PostScript file (if you type C-u before activating
	 menu) or PostScript temporary file for a directory, a buffer, a region
	 or a major mode, choosing 1-up, 2-up, 4-up or any other n-up printing;
	 after file generation, ghostview is activated using the file generated
	 as argument.  This option is disabled if spooling is on (option 16).
	 Also, if you already have a PostScript file you can preview it.
	 Instead of previewing each buffer, region or major mode at once, you
	 can save temporarily the PostScript code generated in a buffer and
	 preview it later.  The option `Despool...' despools the PostScript
	 spooling buffer in a temporary file and uses ghostview to preview it.
	 If you type C-u before choosing this option, the PostScript code
	 generated is saved in a file instead of saving in a temporary file.
	 To spool the PostScript code generated you need to turn on the option
	 16.  The option `Despool...' is enabled if spooling is on (option
	 16).

	 NOTE 1: It's possible to customize a major mode printing, just declare
		 the customization in `pr-mode-alist' and invoke some of
		 `*-mode*' commands or select Mode option in Printing menu.  An
		 example for major mode usage is when you're using gnus (or mh,
		 or rmail, etc.) and you're in the *Summary* buffer, if you
		 forget to switch to the *Article* buffer before printing,
		 you'll get a nicely formatted list of article subjects shows
		 up at the printer.  With major mode printing you don't need to
		 switch from gnus *Summary* buffer first.

	 NOTE 2: There are the following options for PostScript file
		 processing:
		 Ia. Print the file *No Preprocessing*, that is, send it
		     directly to PostScript printer.
		 Ib. PostScript utility processing selection.
		     See `pr-ps-utility-alist' and `pr-setting-database' for
		     documentation.
		 Ic. Do n-up processing before printing.
		 Id. Toggle on/off landscape for PostScript file processing.
		 Ie. Toggle on/off duplex for PostScript file processing.
		 If. Toggle on/off tumble for PostScript file processing.

	 NOTE 3: Don't forget to download and install the utilities declared on
		 `pr-ps-utility-alist'.

   2. Operate the same way as option 1, but it sends directly the PostScript
	 code (or put in a file, if you've typed C-u) or it uses ghostscript to
	 print the PostScript file generated.  It depends on option 18, if it's
	 turned on, it uses ghostscript; otherwise, it sends directly to
	 printer.  If spooling is on (option 16), the PostScript code is saved
	 temporarily in a buffer instead of printing it or saving it in a file.
	 Also, if you already have a PostScript file you can print it.  Instead
	 of printing each buffer, region or major mode at once, you can save
	 temporarily the PostScript code generated in a buffer and print it
	 later.  The option `Despool...' despools the PostScript spooling
	 buffer directly on a printer.  If you type C-u before choosing this
	 option, the PostScript code generated is saved in a file instead of
	 sending to printer.  To spool the PostScript code generated you need
	 to turn on the option 16.  This option is enabled if spooling is on
	 (option 16).  See also the NOTE 1, NOTE 2 and NOTE 3 on option 1.

   3. You can select a new PostScript printer to send PostScript code
	 generated.  For selection it's used all PostScript printers defined
	 in `pr-ps-printer-alist' variable (see it for documentation).
	 See also `pr-setting-database'.

II. Text printing:

   4. If you have control characters (character code from \000 to \037) in a
	 buffer and you want to print them in a text printer, select this
	 option.  All control characters in your buffer or region will be
	 replaced by a printable representation.  The printable representations
	 use ^ (for ASCII control characters) or hex.  The characters tab,
	 linefeed, space, return and formfeed are not affected.  You don't need
	 to select this option if you use any option of section I, the
	 PostScript engine treats control characters properly.

   5. If you want to print a directory, buffer, region or major mode in a
	 text printer, select this option.  See also the NOTE 1 on option 1.

   6. You can select a new text printer to send text generated.  For
	 selection it's used all text printers defined in
	 `pr-txt-printer-alist' variable (see it for documentation).
	 See also `pr-setting-database'.

III. PostScript page toggle options:

   7. If you want a PostScript landscape printing, turn on this option.

   8. If you want to have a header in each page in your PostScript code,
	 turn on this option.

   9. If you want to draw a gaudy frame around the header, turn on this
	 option.  This option is enabled if print header is on (option 8).

   10. If you want that the line number is printed in your PostScript code,
	  turn on this option.

   11. If you want background zebra stripes in your PostScript code, turn on
	  this option.

   12. If you want a duplex printing and your PostScript printer has this
	  feature, turn on this option.

   13. If you turned on duplex printing, you can choose if you want to have
	  a printing suitable for binding on the left or right (tumble off), or
	  to have a printing suitable for binding at top or bottom (tumble on).
	  This option is enabled if duplex is on (option 12).

   14. If you want a PostScript upside-down printing, turn on this option.

   15. With this option, you can choose if you want to print all pages, odd
	  pages, even pages, odd sheets or even sheets.
	  See also `ps-even-or-odd-pages'.

IV. PostScript processing toggle options:

   16. If you want to spool the PostScript code generated, turn on this
	  option.  To spool the PostScript code generated use option 2.  You
	  can despool later by choosing option 1 or 2, sub-option `Despool...'.

   17. If you use colors in your buffers and want to see these colors on
	  your PostScript code generated, turn on this option.  If you have a
	  black/white PostScript printer, these colors are displayed in gray
	  scale by PostScript printer interpreter.

   18. If you don't have a PostScript printer to send PostScript files, turn
	  on this option.  When this option is on, the ghostscript is used to
	  print PostScript files.  In GNU or Unix system, if ghostscript is set
	  as a PostScript filter, you don't need to turn on this option.

V. Printing customization:

   19. If you want that region is automagically detected, turn on this
	  option.  Note that this will only work if you're using transient mark
	  mode.  When this option is on, the `*-buffer*' commands will behave
	  like `*-region*' commands, that is, `*-buffer*' commands will print
	  only the region marked instead of all buffer.

   20. Turn this option on if you want that when current major-mode is
	  declared in `pr-mode-alist', the `*-buffer*' and `*-region*' commands
	  behave like `*-mode*' commands.

   21. If you want that Printing menu stays open while you are setting
	  toggle options, turn on this option.  The variables
	  `pr-menu-char-height' and `pr-menu-char-width' are used to guess the
	  menu position, so don't forget to adjust these variables if menu
	  position is not ok.

VI. Customization:

   22. Besides all options in section III, IV and V, you can customize much
	  more PostScript options in `ps-print' option.  Or you can customize
	  some `lpr' options for text printing.  Or customize `printing'
	  options.

   23. Show current settings for `printing', `ps-print' or `lpr'.

   24. Quick help for printing menu layout.


Option Settings
---------------

Below it's shown only the main options that affect all `printing' package.
Check all the settings below *BEFORE* running `printing' commands.

* Example of setting for GNU or Unix system:

   (require 'printing)
   (setq pr-path-alist
	    '((unix      "." "~/bin" ghostview mpage PATH)
	      (ghostview "$HOME/bin/gsview-dir")
	      (mpage     "$HOME/bin/mpage-dir")
	      ))
   (setq pr-txt-name      'prt_06a)
   (setq pr-txt-printer-alist
         '((prt_06a "lpr" nil "prt_06a")
           (prt_07c nil   nil "prt_07c")
           ))
   (setq pr-ps-name       'lps_06b)
   (setq pr-ps-printer-alist
         '((lps_06b "lpr" nil "-P" "lps_06b")
           (lps_07c "lpr" nil nil  "lps_07c")
           (lps_08c nil   nil nil  "lps_08c")
           ))
   (setq pr-temp-dir      "/tmp/")
   (setq pr-gv-command    "gv")
   (setq pr-gs-command    "gs")
   (setq pr-gs-switches '("-q -dNOPAUSE -I/usr/share/ghostscript/5.10"))
   (setq pr-gs-device     "uniprint")
   (setq pr-gs-resolution 300)
   (setq pr-ps-utility    'mpage)
   (setq pr-ps-utility-alist
	    '((mpage "mpage" nil    "-b%s" "-%d" "-l" "-t" "-T" ">" nil)
	      (psnup "psnup" ("-q") "-P%s" "-%d" "-l" nil  nil  " " nil
		     (inherits-from: . no-duplex))
	      ))
   (setq pr-setting-database
	    '((no-duplex
	       nil nil nil
	       (pr-file-duplex . nil)
	       (pr-file-tumble . nil))
	      ))
   (pr-update-menus t)		; update now printer and utility menus

* Example of setting for Windows system:

   (require 'printing)
   (setq pr-path-alist
	    '((windows   "c:/applications/executables" PATH ghostview mpage)
	      (ghostview "c:/gs/gsview-dir")
	      (mpage     "c:/mpage-dir")
	      ))
   (setq pr-txt-name      'prt_06a)
   (setq pr-txt-printer-alist
         '((prt_06a  "print"     nil "/D:\\\\printers\\prt_06a")
           (prt_07c  nil         nil "/D:\\\\printers\\prt_07c")
           (PRN      ""          nil "PRN")
           (standard "redpr.exe" nil "")
           ))
   (setq pr-ps-name       'lps_06b)
   (setq pr-ps-printer-alist
         '((lps_06a  "print"     nil "/D:" "\\\\printers\\lps_06a")
           (lps_06b  "print"     nil nil   "\\\\printers\\lps_06b")
           (lps_07c  "print"     nil ""    "/D:\\\\printers\\lps_07c")
           (lps_08c  nil         nil nil   "\\\\printers\\lps_08c")
           (b/w      "gsprint" ("-all" "-twoup") "-printer " "b/w-pr-name")
           (LPT1     ""          nil ""    "LPT1:")
           (PRN      ""          nil ""    "PRN")
           (standard "redpr.exe" nil ""    "")
           ))
   (setq pr-temp-dir      "C:/WINDOWS/TEMP/")
   (setq pr-gv-command    "c:/gs/gsview/gsview32.exe")
   (setq pr-gs-command    "c:/gs/gswin32.exe")
   (setq pr-gs-switches '("-q -dNOPAUSE -Ic:/gs/gs5.50;c:/gs/gs5.50/fonts"))
   (setq pr-gs-device     "mswinpr2")
   (setq pr-gs-resolution 300)
   (setq pr-ps-utility    'psnup)
   (setq pr-ps-utility-alist
	    '((psnup "c:/psutils/psnup" ("-q") "-P%s" "-%d" "-l" nil nil " "
		     nil (inherits-from: . no-duplex))
	      ))
   (setq pr-setting-database
	    '((no-duplex
	       nil nil nil
	       (pr-file-duplex . nil)
	       (pr-file-tumble . nil))
	      ))
   (pr-update-menus t)		; update now printer and utility menus

NOTE: Don't forget to download and install the utilities declared on
	 `pr-ps-utility-alist'.


Utilities
---------

`printing' package has the following utilities:

   `pr-setup'	Return the current `printing' setup.

   `lpr-setup'	Return the current `lpr' setup.

   `pr-update-menus'	Update utility, PostScript and text printer menus.

   `pr-menu-bind'	Install `printing' menu in the menubar.


Below are some URL where you can find good utilities.

* For GNU or Unix system:

   gs, gv         `https://www.gnu.org/software/ghostscript/ghostscript.html'
   enscript       `https://people.ssh.fi/mtr/genscript/'
   psnup          `http://www.knackered.org/angus/psutils/'
   mpage          `https://www.mesa.nl/pub/mpage/'

* For Windows system:

   gswin32, gsview32
                  `https://www.gnu.org/software/ghostscript/ghostscript.html'
   gsprint        `https://www.cs.wisc.edu/~ghost/gsview/gsprint.htm'.
   enscript       `https://people.ssh.fi/mtr/genscript/'
   psnup          `https://gnuwin32.sourceforge.net/packages/psutils.htm'
   redmon         `http://www.ghostgum.com.au/software/redmon.htm'


Acknowledgments
---------------

Thanks to Stefan Monnier  for GNU Emacs and XEmacs
printing menu (in `pr-menu-spec') merging suggestion.

Thanks to Lennart Borgman  for gsprint
suggestion (see tip 5 in section Tips).

Thanks to Drew Adams  for suggestions:
   - directory processing.
   - `pr-path-alist' variable.
   - doc fix.
   - a lot of tests on Windows.

Thanks to Fred Labrosse  for XEmacs tests.

Thanks to Klaus Berndl  for invaluable help/debugging
and for suggestions:
   - even/odd pages printing.
   - ghostscript parameters for `pr-ps-printer-alist'.
   - default printer name.
   - completion functions.
   - automagic region detection.
   - menu entry hiding.
   - fast fire PostScript printing command.
   - `pr-filename-style' variable.

Thanks to Kim F. Storm  for beta-test and for suggestions:
   - PostScript Print and PostScript Print Preview merge.
   - Tools/Printing menu.
   - replace *-using-preview by *-using-ghostscript.
   - printer selection.
   - extra parameters for `pr-ps-printer-alist'.

Thanks to:
   Frederic Corne 		print-nt.el
   Tom Vogels 			mh-e-init.el
   Matthew O. Persico 		win32-ps-print.el
   Volker Franz 	ps-print-interface.el
And to all people who contributed with them.


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Dependencies

Reverse dependencies