Initial Query

I have a .ps file that I want to print from my mac. I'm trying to use lpr. But every time I print it all I get is the actual bytes just printed with like hundreds of pages and this is not what I want. I want the printer to just print the ps directly. What command should I use to make this work?

LLM Generation

Query

Output

When printing a PostScript (`.ps`) file using the `lpr` command on your Mac, it's essential to ensure that the file is sent to the printer as raw data. If it's not, the printer might interpret the PostScript commands as plain text, resulting in gibberish output spread across many pages. To achieve this, you should use the `-o raw` option with the `lpr` command. This option tells the printer to handle the file without any modification or processing, allowing it to interpret the PostScript commands correctly. **Here's the command you should use:**

lpr -o raw yourfile.ps

**Explanation of the Command:** - `lpr`: The standard command-line utility for printing files. - `-o raw`: This option specifies that the file should be sent to the printer without any filtering or processing, meaning it will be treated as raw PostScript data. - `yourfile.ps`: Replace this with the actual path to your PostScript file. **Steps to Execute:** 1. **Open Terminal:** You can find Terminal in `Applications` > `Utilities` > `Terminal`. 2. **Navigate to the Directory Containing the .ps File (Optional):**

   cd /path/to/your/file
   

Replace `/path/to/your/file` with the actual directory path. 3. **Execute the Print Command:**

   lpr -o raw yourfile.ps
   

Replace `yourfile.ps` with the name of your PostScript file. **Additional Tips:** - **Verify Printer Compatibility:** Ensure that your printer supports PostScript. Most PostScript printers are designed to interpret `.ps` files correctly when sent as raw data. - **Check Available Printers:** If you have multiple printers connected, you can specify which printer to use with the `-P` option:

  lpr -P printer_name -o raw yourfile.ps
  

Replace `printer_name` with the name of your printer. - **View Printer Options:** To see all available printing options, you can use:

  lpoptions -l
  

By using the `-o raw` option, you ensure that the PostScript file is sent directly to the printer without any unintended alterations, resulting in the correct printed output. **Example:**

lpr -o raw document.ps

This command sends `document.ps` directly to the printer, allowing it to process the PostScript data correctly. **References:** - [CUPS Manual](https://www.cups.org/doc/options.html) - `man lpr` in Terminal for more detailed information about `lpr` options. Use the `lpr` command with the “raw” option, for example: lpr -o raw yourfile.ps

Check if any of the following conditions are true:

Substring Evaluation

Testing if the previous output contains the string -l: False

Substring Evaluation

Testing if the previous output contains the string -o raw: True

Final Answer: True

Initial Query

LLM Generation

Query

Output

To ensure your `.ps` (PostScript) file is sent directly to the printer without any interpretation or modification by the print system, you should use the `-o raw` option with the `lpr` command. This option tells the CUPS (Common Unix Printing System) to send the file as-is, allowing your printer to handle the PostScript commands correctly. **Here’s the command you should use:**

lpr -o raw filename.ps

**Replace `filename.ps` with the actual name of your PostScript file.** ### Explanation: - **`lpr`**: The line printer command used to submit print jobs. - **`-o raw`**: This option specifies that the file should be sent to the printer without any processing or filtering. It ensures that the printer receives the raw PostScript data, allowing it to render the document as intended. ### Additional Tips: 1. **Check Printer Compatibility**: Ensure that your printer supports PostScript. If it doesn't, sending raw PostScript data won't work and might result in the behavior you're experiencing. 2. **Verify Printer Configuration**: Make sure your printer is correctly set up on your Mac. You can check this in **System Preferences > Printers & Scanners**. 3. **Use CUPS Web Interface**: For more advanced configurations, you can access the CUPS web interface by navigating to `http://localhost:631` in your web browser. This allows you to manage printers, print jobs, and configurations in more detail. 4. **Alternative Commands**: While `lpr` is commonly used, you can also use the `lp` command with similar options:

   lp -o raw filename.ps
   

By using the `-o raw` option, you instruct the printing system to bypass any intermediate processing, ensuring that your PostScript file is printed correctly by the printer's own PostScript interpreter. **Example Usage:**

lpr -o raw mydocument.ps

This command will send `mydocument.ps` directly to the default printer without any alterations. --- If you continue to experience issues after using the `-o raw` option, consider checking your printer's driver settings or consulting the printer's manual to ensure it's configured to handle PostScript files properly. **References:** - [CUPS Printing on macOS](https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/print-linux-mac-command-line-mh40583/mac) - [`lpr` Manual Page](https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/lpr-command-linux-examples/) Use `lpr` with the “raw” option, for example:   lpr -o raw filename.ps

Check if any of the following conditions are true:

Substring Evaluation

Testing if the previous output contains the string -l: False

Substring Evaluation

Testing if the previous output contains the string -o raw: True