.ps

What does .ps mean?

.ps is a file extension commonly associated with PostScript files. PostScript is a page description language (PDL) developed by Adobe Systems in the early 1980s. It is a high-level, interpreted language used for describing the appearance and layout of printed pages.

PostScript files contain a sequence of commands that define the page’s contents, including text, graphics, images, and page layout information. These commands are interpreted by a PostScript interpreter, which rasterizes the page into a Bitmap image that can be printed or displayed on a computer screen.

.ps files are important in technology today because they provide a platform-independent way of describing the appearance of printed pages. They can be opened and interpreted by a wide variety of software applications and hardware devices, ensuring that documents maintain their intended appearance regardless of the output Device or operating system.

Applications

.ps files are primarily used for high-quality printing applications. They are commonly employed in industries such as:

• Graphic design: PostScript is the preferred file format for Professional graphic designers, as it provides precise control over text, graphics, and color reproduction.
• Publishing: .ps files are used in Desktop publishing applications to create brochures, magazines, books, and other printed materials.
• CAD/CAM: PostScript is also utilized in computer-Aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) for generating high-quality technical drawings and blueprints.

Beyond printing, .ps files also play a role in:

• Document management: .ps files can be archived and stored for long-term document retention purposes.
• Web publishing: .ps files can be converted into other file formats, such as PDF, for web distribution.
• Data visualization: PostScript can be used to create interactive and dynamic graphs and charts.

History

The development of PostScript can be traced back to the late 1970s, when John Warnock and Charles Geschke, co-founders of Adobe Systems, were researching ways to improve the way computers communicate with printers. At the time, most printers relied on proprietary languages that were limited in their capabilities.

In 1982, Warnock and Geschke developed the initial version of PostScript. The language was designed to be device-independent, meaning it could be used with a variety of printers and output devices. PostScript quickly gained popularity among graphic designers and printers, as it provided a powerful and flexible way to create high-quality printed pages.

Over the years, PostScript has undergone several revisions and updates. In 1986, Adobe Systems released PostScript Level 2, which added support for color and transparency. In the early 1990s, PostScript 3 introduced features such as font embedding and the ability to create interactive documents.

Today, PostScript continues to be widely used in printing and publishing industries. It is also an important file format for document management and long-term document retention.