iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
In printing software, a “printer description file” usually means a PostScript Printer Description file, or PPD. It is a text file that tells a printing system which features and settings a printer supports. If you saw the term near CUPS, macOS, PostScript, or a .ppd filename, PPD is probably what it means.
What a PPD file describes
A PPD lists a printer’s capabilities and the options a user can select. Depending on the printer, those can include paper sizes, page orientation, resolution, color output, built-in fonts, and default settings. Apple’s archived PPD overview explains how keywords describe features and their choices, while Adobe’s help page gives examples of device information recorded in a PPD (Apple’s PPD overview; Adobe’s PostScript printer description help, last updated March 8, 2023).
Printing software can use that description to show appropriate settings and, in traditional PostScript workflows, to select or provide printer-specific instructions. A PPD is configuration and description data: it is not the printer itself, a supply such as ink or toner, or necessarily a complete driver. Historically, CUPS driver setups paired PPD files with filters that converted standard print formats into output a printer could understand (CUPS PPD specification; OpenPrinting).
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Do you need to install a PPD?
Not necessarily. A compatible printer may work through driverless printing, so you can add it without choosing a PPD manually. CUPS documents setup for IPP Everywhere queues, and OpenPrinting’s CUPS 3 overview describes support for AirPrint and IPP Everywhere printers as well as local or network printers served through Printer Applications (CUPS network printing; OpenPrinting’s CUPS 3 overview).
#1 Best Overall
- BEST FOR SMALL BUSINESSES – Engineered for extraordinary productivity, the Brother DCP-L2640DW Monochrome (Black & White) 3-in-1 combines laser printer, scanner, copier in one compact footprint and delivers high-quality black & white prints
- FAST PRINTER WITH EFFICIENT SCANNING – Produces documents quickly with print speeds up to 36 ppm(2) and scan speeds up to 23.6/7.9 ipm(3) (black/color). A 50-page auto document feeder(4) allows for convenient, time saving multi-page scanning and copying
- FLEXIBLE CONNECTION OPTIONS – Easily navigate the changing demands of your business with secure multi-device connectivity via built-in dual-band wireless (2.4GHz / 5GHz) and Ethernet. Or connect locally to a single computer via USB interface
- BROTHER MOBILE CONNECT APP – Print, scan, and manage your wireless printer anytime, from almost anywhere from your mobile device. Order Brother Genuine Supplies, track toner usage, and complete more work on-the-go(5)
- CHOOSE BROTHER GENUINE TONER – When it’s time to replace your toner, be sure to choose Brother Genuine TN830 or TN830XL replacement toner. And with Refresh EZ Print Subscription Service, you’ll never worry about running out of toner again and you’ll enjoy savings of up to 50%(6) on Brother Genuine Toner. Get started with Refresh today with a Free Trial(1)
Whether that works depends on both the printer and the installed operating system. Check the printer’s documented support and the options offered when you add it. If the system asks for a PPD, or the printer is not supported by a driverless route, it may need a model-specific driver or a Printer Application. OpenPrinting says Printer Applications can bridge support for some older printers that still need driver software (OpenPrinting printer drivers and Printer Applications).
Why PPDs are considered a legacy approach in CUPS
OpenPrinting says CUPS printer drivers and PPD files are deprecated and are intended to lose support in a future feature release. The deprecation decision dates to CUPS 2.3 in 2019; that direction does not mean PPDs have already vanished from every CUPS installation, Linux distribution, or operating system. Check the documentation for the specific system and version you use (OpenPrinting printer drivers and Printer Applications).
Rank #2
- BEST FOR HOMES & HOME OFFICES – Engineered for consistent, premium print quality, the Brother HL-L2405W Monochrome (Black & White) Laser Printer delivers sharp, crisp prints at an affordable price. Prints one-sided documents at speeds up to 30ppm(2)
- COMPACT, CONNECTED PRINTER – Flexible connection options make this an ideal printer for home use and at-home offices. Securely connect to multiple devices with built-in dual-band wireless (2.4GHz/5GHz) or locally to a single computer via USB interface
- BROTHER MOBILE CONNECT APP – Manage your printer remotely and print from your mobile device anytime, from almost anywhere. Order Brother Genuine Supplies, track toner usage, and complete more work on-the-go(3)
- VERSATILE PAPER HANDLING – Enjoy seamless, reliable everyday printing with the 250-sheet paper tray(4) and a manual feed slot that enables printing on envelopes and specialty pape
- BROTHER IS AT YOUR SIDE – Backed by Brother with a 1-year limited warranty and free online, call, or live chat support for the life of your printer
One reason for the shift is that a static PPD has limits when describing newer printer capabilities and changing device state, such as the media currently loaded or consumables. OpenPrinting says driverless IPP printers continue to work without change; older devices that still need software support may use Printer Applications instead.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- FROM AMERICA'S MOST TRUSTED PRINTER BRAND – Perfect for small teams printing professional-quality black & white documents and reports. Perfect for 1-3 people
- WORLD'S SMALLEST LASER IN ITS CLASS – Precision laser printing that fits anywhere
- FAST PRINT SPEEDS – Up to 21 black-and-white pages per minute single-sided
- WIRELESS WITH SELF-RESET – Helps you stay connected
- PRINT FROM ANY DEVICE – Wireless printing from any mobile device, PC or tablet. Works with Microsoft, Mac, AirPrint, Android, Chromebook and more
Rank #4
- BEST FOR HOME OFFICES & SMALL TEAMS – Engineered for consistent, premium print quality, the Brother HL-L2460DW Monochrome (Black & White) Laser Printer produces documents that are clear, crisp, and easy to review and share, all at an affordable price
- COMPACT, CONNECTED, EXCEPTIONALLY EFFICIENT– Connect with built-in dual-band wireless (2.4GHz/5GHz), Ethernet, or to a single computer via USB interface. Prints at speeds up to 36ppm(2), plus automatic duplex printing saves time and reduces paper waste
- BROTHER MOBILE CONNECT APP – Manage your wireless printer remotely and print from your mobile device anytime, from almost anywhere. Order Brother Genuine Supplies, track toner usage, and complete more work on-the-go(3)
- VERSATILE PAPER HANDLING – Tackle high-volume black & white printing with the 250-sheet capacity paper tray.(4) The manual feed slot enables printing on envelopes and specialty paper
- BROTHER IS AT YOUR SIDE – Backed by Brother with a 1-year limited warranty and free online, call, or live chat support for the life of your printer
Rank #3
- FAST PRINT SPEEDS: Print up to 19 pages per minute.
- COMPACT DESIGN: Space-saving, compact design fits anywhere in your home, school or small office.
- WIRELESS CONNECTIVITY: Print from almost anywhere in your workspace using your compatible mobile device.
- PAPER CAPACITY: Up to 150 sheets.
- SUSTAINABILITY: Uses less than 2 watts in Energy Saver mode.
How to interpret the term
- Near CUPS, macOS, PostScript, or a
.ppdfile: it almost certainly refers to a PostScript Printer Description. - In another context: “printer description file” may be a broader reference to device metadata. The phrase alone does not establish that the file is a PPD.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
