Frequently Asked Questions
This page will be constantly changing and expanding. You can help to make it even more useful by EMailing questions to Paul Norman.
- Why do EPS or PDF files sometimes seem to be corrupted when extracted from a Stuffit archive?
- What printer drivers do I use to create PostScript files from my Windows95 applications?
- What PostScript Printer Description (PPD) files should I use to create PostScript files that can be used for demand printing and high quality offset printing?
- How do I set up a Windows95 printer driver so I can create good PostScript files?
- Is there a real Adobe PostScript printer driver for Windows NT?
- How can I find out what's wrong with my PostScript files?
- How can I be sure that my PDF files are print-ready?
Why do EPS or PDF files sometimes seem to be corrupted when extracted from a Stuffit archive?
MacWEEK Online issued an answer to this question on March 5, 1998 in Volume 12 Issue 10. Aladdin Systems has reported a problem in Stuffit Deluxe 4.5. EPS or PDF files may seem corrupted when extracted from a Stuffit archive when they are actually OK.
Aladdin promises to fix this in the next release, but there is a workaround. Set the preferences in Stuffit Deluxe, Stuffit Expander and Magic Menu to never convert text files to Macintosh format.
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What printer drivers do I use to create PostScript files from my Windows95 applications?
Use AdobePS 4.1 or AdobePS 4.2.3.
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You need to pick a PPD that allows print resolutions of 2400dpi or greater. It should be for a PostScript Level 2 imagesetter with 35 fonts. We have created a customized PPD file that meets these criteria. You can download SSB.PPD from our Downloads page. There are versions for Macintosh and Windows. You will need Stuffit Deluxe or Stuffit Expander to unpack the Macintosh version. WinZip or PKZIP will be needed for the Windows version.
You can get PPD files free from the Web sites of the major printer and imagesetter manufacturers. One of the best places to find them is on the Adobe Systems Customer Support Web page. Follow the links for Printer Drivers.
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How do I set up a Windows95 printer driver so I can create good PostScript files?
Download the PDF file from our Downloads page. Look for Creating a Windows95 Driver for PostScript Production.
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Is there a real Adobe Postscript printer driver for Windows NT?
Yes! Finally, Adobe has released Adobe PS5 for Windows NT 4.0. You can download it for free from the Adobe CustomerFirst Support site. Bear in mind that it will not work with Level 1 PostScript printers. It will, however, give you full access to all the features of Level 2 and Level 3 printers including:
- Faster RIP speeds (especially with Level 3 printers)
- Proper handling of both PostScript and the dreaded TrueType fonts.
- Easier addition of new printers to your system. Just add the PPD file for the new printer and run the setup program included in the PS5 installation.
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How can I find out what's wrong with my PostScript files?If you have access to a Macintosh and an Adobe PostScript Level 2 printer, we have just the application for you. It's called the DSCVerifier and you can get it from our Downloads page. The DSCVerifier diagnoses PostScript errors, shows you what's in your PostScript files, let's you download PostScript files properly to a specific printer and even fixes some common PostScript problems.
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How can I be sure that my PDF files are print-ready?We have created a plug-in for Adobe Acrobat Distiller V3.0 called StickyNotes. It updates Distiller settings for print. It also reports fonts that are required, included in the file and absent by adding colored notes to your PDF file. The colors of the notes (red, yellow and green) let you know bad your font problems are. It works on any platform on which Acrobat Distiller V3.0 runs including Macintosh, Windows95, Windows NT and UNIX. You can get StickyNotes from our Downloads page.
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