ARCHIVED: In Mac OS, how do I make a PostScript file?

Note: This document assumes you are using Mac OS 7.1 or later and version 7 or later of the LaserWriter driver. If you are using Mac OS X, see ARCHIVED: In Mac OS X, how do I convert a document to PostScript?

You can create a PostScript file out of any document using the LaserWriter printer driver. Whether you actually have a LaserWriter printer or not, you can still use this driver to print to the disk, creating a PostScript document. To do so:

1. From the Apple menu, select Chooser. In the window that appears, look for a LaserWriter or LaserWriter 8 icon. If you can't find one, you can download the LaserWriter driver installer from the Laser Writer directory on Apple's Software Updates site.
   
   From the directory, select the four links titled LW_8.2.3f_Installer-XofX.img.bin. Numbers will replace X, indicating the sequence number out of the four-image set of files. You must download and install all four files.
   
   
2. In the Chooser window, click the LaserWriter 8 icon.
   
   
3. Next to "AppleTalk", make sure that Active is selected. Even if your computer isn't on an AppleTalk network, as long as the AppleTalk software is installed, you will be able to turn it on.
   
   
4. Open the document you want to turn into a PostScript file, and from the File menu, select Print.
   
   
5. The LaserWriter dialog box will open. Depending on the version of the LaserWriter driver, you will have either a pull-down menu or radio buttons. For "Destination", select File or PostScript File.
   
   
6. The Print button will change to a Save button. When you click Save, a standard dialog box will open and you will be able to save the PostScript file onto your disk.

Also see:

• With Mac OS or Mac OS X, what can I do to make sure my document looks the same when I use a different printer?
• For Mac OS X, where can I download freeware, shareware, commercial software, and software updates?