Generating postscript from Microsoft Word

Microsoft default postscript printer settings use an "optimize for speed" format which produces problems when generating a postscript file. To avoid this problem you need to setup a "Vanilla PostScript" printer which uses the "optimize for portability - ADSC" format.

To install a Vanilla PostScript printer in Windows 95 follow these steps:

1. Select Start -> Settings -> Printers.
2. Double click on Add Printer.
3. Follow the Add Printer Wizard and add the Apple LaserWriter printer. For the Printer name: write Vanilla PostScript. You may be asked for your Windows 95 CDROM in order to install the appropriate drivers.
4. Right click over the Vanilla PostScript printer icon and select Properties. Click on the PostScript tab. For PostScript Output Format select PostScript (optimize for portability - ADSC).

To install a Vanilla PostScript printer in Windows XP follow these steps:

1. Select Start -> Settings -> Printers and Faxes.
2. Double click on Add Printer -> Next -> Select "Local printer atached to this computer" -> Next -> Use the following port: FILE: (Print to File) -> Next -> Manufacturer: Apple, Printers: Apple LaserWriter 12/640 PS -> Next -> Select "Keep existing driver (recommended)" -> Next -> Printer Name: Vanilla PostScript, Default printer? No -> Next -> Do you want to print a test page? No -> Next -> Finish.
3. Right click over the Vanilla PostScript printer icon and select Properties. -> Click on the General tab. -> Click on Printing Preferences... -> Click on Advanced... -> Click on + next to Postscript Options -> PostScript Output Option: Optimize for Portability -> OK -> OK -> OK.

To generate postscript from Microsoft Word documents follow these steps:

1. In the document bring up the Print menu (Ctrl+P).
2. Select the Vanilla PostScript printer.
3. Click on "OK".
4. Click on "Save".
5. Change the output file name from Output.prn to filename.ps where filename is the name of your file.


Last update 13 Dec 2004. email: steven@spri.levels.unisa.edu.au