The OutputBinsPDE project demonstrates how to write a Cocoa PDE that supports |
PPD features and that runs on Mac OS X versions 10.5 and later. This version |
does not contain code that demonstrates proper runtime handling in Mac OS X |
version 10.4; the Leopard Developer Tools contains such a version. |
INSTALLATION |
To build and install debug 3-way fat: |
sudo xcodebuild -configuration Debug DSTROOT=/ UNSTRIPPED_PRODUCT=YES \ |
install RC_ARCHS="ppc i386 x86_64" |
To build and install release 3-way fat: |
sudo xcodebuild -configuration Release DSTROOT=/ \ |
install RC_ARCHS="ppc i386 x86_64" |
Either of these installs the OutputBinsPDE plugin and a PPD file that |
references it. The PPD is for a generic printer model called "OutputBins PDE |
test". This is a PPD for a PostScript printer but there is no reason it has to |
be. |
To test the OutputBinsPDE you have to create a print queue for it. Browse to a |
PostScript printer and assign this PPD manually. Just choose the printer and select |
"Select Printer Software..." from the "Print Using:" popup to choose a PPD by model. |
You can find the relevant PPD by typing "Output" into the text search field below |
the title of the PPDPicker window. This will show you the PPD for the "PostScript Printer |
Manufacturer OutputBins PDE test" printer model. Click on that PPD and choose Add. |
NOTES |
When designing your own PDEs, please follow the HI guidelines published by |
Apple to ensure that your user interface looks and behaves like the native |
system user interfaces. These guidelines are available online at: |
http://developer.apple.com/documentation/UserExperience/Conceptual/AppleHIGuidelines |
PDEs should be designed so they are no larger than 420 pixels wide and 320 |
lines high. Larger panes will cause unnecessary resizing and may be clipped |
on systems with smaller displays - remember to test your user interfaces on |
displays set to a resolution of 1024x768! |
Finally, make sure that your UI controls use the same strings as your PPD |
files, since many auto-generated error messages use the PPD strings. If the |
user interface and PPD file do not use the same strings, users may become |
confused and/or frustrated! |
Last updated: 2009-10-09