Setting PostScript information options for printing


    If your printer driver and printer support PostScript Language 2 or 3, you can use the Graphics options of the Print dialog box to specify how PostScript information is sent to the printer. These options enable you to optimize printing of mesh objects and other complex artwork. (See Printing gradients, mesh objects, and color blends.)

    Note that you must be printing a PostScript, Acrobat Distiller (Acrobat 5), or Adobe PDF (Acrobat 6) file to use these options. (See Using the Print dialog box.)

    You can set the following Graphics options in the Print dialog box:

    PostScript(R)

    Lists levels of compatibility with the interpreters in PostScript output devices.

    • Level 2 improves the printing speed and output quality of graphics printed on a PostScript Level 2 or greater output device.
    • Level 3 provides the best speed and output quality on a PostScript 3 device.

    Note: Illustrator automatically selects the PostScript level of your output device.

    Data Format

    Is available if you choose Adobe PostScript® File as the printer, and lists how Illustrator sends the image data from your computer to a printer:

    • Binary exports the image data as binary code, which is more compact than ASCII but may not be compatible with all systems.
    • ASCII exports the image data as ASCII text, which is compatible with older networks and parallel printers and is usually the best choice for graphics used on multiple platforms. It is also usually the best choice for documents used only on Mac OS systems.