PPD files, or PostScript Printer Description files are used by PostScript printer drivers to print to PostScript devices. PPDs contain printer-specific postscript commands that are used to control printer features, such as duplexing, stapling and sub-set stapling, tray calls and more. PPDs can be specific to a certain printer model, to a model line, or to a manufacturer. Generic all-purpose PPDs are provided with PlanetPress Suite and contain commands that should be understood by a large number of printers, but using the appropriate PPD is always better.
PPDs are only used when printing through Optimized PostScript Stream or Printer-Centric mode. They are completely ignored when using Windows Driver output.
The PPD, along with the sample data file you associate with the document and the emulation you select define how your document handles its input data, and consequently determine the accuracy of the output the document produces with the data stream it receives at runtime.
Document setup also involves giving the document a name, setting default printer options for the document, associating one or more attachments with the document if necessary, setting any binding margins you want the document to use, and adjusting options that can improve the document performance at runtime.
Normally the default PPD can be used. However, if the default PPD fails, it is recommended you search for one made available by the manufacturer. You can modify any of the document setup settings at any point during the document creation process. If you change or modify the PPD associated with the document, you should verify the change does not compromise the accuracy of the output the document produces.