What is "Print To File" used for?

OMG! Thanks so much for the person who asked this question and thanks Leo, for choosing this question to answer. I have tried to find an answer to this and never came up w/ anything I could understand. Everytime I see it...I think what the heck does that mean? And it bug me that I never knew, but now I do. Thanks again!

>COPY FILENAME.PRN PRN

Does not work. You also need /B flag. I still could never even get that to work right, either.

Nowadays, as you say, just stick to printing to PDF and XPS and ignore the "print to file" option.

I'm not sure, but... perhaps "Print to file" is also useful when a given app is not available? For instance, you print a CorelDRAW ".cdr" file to file and take it on a USB thumb drive to another computer where CorelDRAW is not present, so you can – given all other stuff allow you to – print the .cdr file there?

I'm interested in this "Print to PDF" option. I don't remember seeing that. Where is it available?

Also, what is "XPS"?

Check out CutePDF Writer at http://go.ask-leo.com/cutepdf - it's a printer driver that you install that then allows you to "print" to PDF. XPS is Microsoft's attempt at similar functionality, I believe, but it's not nearly as widely compatible as PDF.

24-May-2011

I highly recommend "CutePDF", a free print to PDF file program which has worked very well for me. It installs itself as another printer which can be used with any program to create a .pdf file instead of printed output.

Print to file or save to file is used quiet often to create a post script file, especially when using graphics applications that can then be opened or converted by using acrobat distiller to create a .pdf file. This type of file can contain all of the notes and information used to create the original file and is helpful when sending the file to another printer or service bureau. The original printer selected must use the post script language.

I use print to file when I run out of ink and my printer won't work; I can print the file later. Also when I order online and want to keep a copy of the receipt, just print to file and when the order comes in okay, just delete the file. It's maybe not the most useful little tool out there, but I wouldn't go so far as to call it a relic since I do
still use it on a regular basis.

I'd strongly recommend print-to-PDF instead. That will work today and next year when your original printer is no longer available and your print-to-file file no longer works with your new printer. :-)

24-May-2011

CutePDF is a free "print-to-PDF" product - works very well - highly recommended.

Nick,

XPS is "XML Paper Specification", which is basically (AFAICT) Microsoft's attempt to replace PDF.

http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/hardware/gg463373

The "Print" facilities to a PDF File such as CutePDF above, are extremely useful for creating files recording transactions such as Flight Ticket Receipts, Boarding Passes etc.

I do a fair amount of business flying (been "retired 12 years!); and this is an easy way of keeping track of costs, times etc, for submitting Expenses Claims at a later date.