How to use GhostScript with Print Distributor to create PDF files

Print Distributor has strong links built into it to use Adobe Acrobat to create PDF files however if you are looking for a cheaper solution it is possible to use GhostScript. GhostScript is an interpreter for a language called PostScript which is a common format for larger laser printers. We will use a PostScript driver to create an interim file format then call GhostScript to create the PDF files.

To call GhostScript we will use the Run Program action which requires Print Distributor version 3.1 or later.

The first stage is to install a PostScript printer driver, Windows comes with many standard PostScript drivers and you may be able to use one of these but our preference is to install the generic PostScript driver from Adobe, you can download it from here.

Next you need to download and install GhostScript, we ran our tests with version 8.61, look for the file gs###w32.exe where ### is the version number here.

Finally we can add a new printer using the wizard in Print Distributor using the PostScript driver. When you get to the list of actions we need to add a Run Program action. Use the Browse button to select the gswin32.exe program in the folder you installed GhostScript to and add the following parameters:

You can change the OutputFile parameter to where you need to save the PDF but first make sure the folder does exist, Print Distributor won't create the folder for you.

Now print a document and you should produce a PDF file.