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Interpreters

The Ghostscript family of interpreters offers native rendering of all major page description languages. In addition to rendering to raster, Ghostscript offers the capability of high-level conversion through our Output API.

The Ghostscript Output API provides pathways to retain the object-level information. Converting from one format to another, in order to keep the file small and to have searchable/linkable text, Ghostscript retains these objects whenever possible. For example, when PostScript is converted to PDF, fonts and text are retained and are searchable in the resulting PDF file. In addition, vector graphics are retained as well, resulting in a small PDF file with searchable and linkable text.

PDF Interpreter

Ghostscript feature advantages include:

  • Fully compatible with the Adobe Portable Document Format for PDF 2.0, including PDF 1.4 transparency support
  • Alpha channel transparency
  • DeviceN color support (6+ colors at 8 bits)
  • One-step rendering for viewing or printing without the need for intermediate PostScript conversion
  • Portable to almost any computing environment
  • Tested for conformance using the appropriate QualityLogic (formerly Genoa) test suite(s)
  • Full source code availability

PostScript 3 Interpreter

Ghostscript feature advantages include:

  • Conversion capability for PostScript to PDF conversion
  • Anti-aliased text and graphics on continuous-tone devices
  • Alpha value for displays
  • ICC-based color support
  • DeviceN color support (64 colors)
  • Band-at-a-time rendering for hi-resolution printers (this has been available in our products since 1991)
  • Additional data compression and decompression filters
  • High-quality Type 1 scalable fonts
  • Portable to almost any computing environment
  • Tested for conformance using the appropriate QualityLogic (formerly Genoa) test suite(s)
  • Full source code availability

PCL Interpreter

Ghostscript feature advantages include:

  • Supports all variants of PCL: PCL5e, PCL5c, PCLXL 3.0
  • Support for HP-GL, HP-GL/2, and HP RTL
  • Compatible with AGFA font solutions
  • Unlimited resolution capability
  • Optimized for embedded applications
  • Streamlined, simplified command language
  • Fully resolution‑ and orientation‑independent text, graphics, and images
  • Band‑at‑a‑time rendering (display list)
  • Compatible with e (enhanced) PCL5 extensions (LaserJet 5/6 compatible)
  • Compatible with c (color) PCL5 extensions (Color LaserJet 4700)
  • Support for HP-GL2 and HP/RTL
  • Consistent handling of color, gray, and black‑and‑white data across monochrome and color printers
  • Ability to use complex paths (polygons and beziers) for filling, stroking, and clipping
  • Bezier curve processing
  • Portable to almost any computing environment
  • Tested for conformance using the appropriate QualityLogic (formerly Genoa) test suite(s)
  • Full source code availability

XPS Interpreter

Ghostscript feature advantages include:

  • Common graphics library with all of Ghostscript
  • Converts XPS to PDF at a high level
  • Support for transparency
  • Unlimited resolution capability
  • Optimized for embedded applications
  • Band-at-a-time rendering (display list)
  • Portable to almost any computing environment
  • Tested for conformance using the appropriate QualityLogic (formerly Genoa) test suite(s)
  • Full source code availability

Download the latest version of Ghostscript
Ghostscript interpreters diagram