PUB: Windows 95 PostScript File Larger than Windows 3.1 PostScript File (140564)

SYMPTOMS

If you print a Publisher publication to a PostScript file from Windows 3.1, the size of the file may be smaller than if you print the same publication from Windows 95.

CAUSE

By default, the Windows 3.1 PostScript driver uses bitmap compression. The Windows 95 PostScript driver, on the other hand, does not. If your publication contains bitmapped images (such as imported .tif, .bmp, .pcx or .gif files), the print file is smaller if you print from Windows 3.1 unless you change the default printer driver configuration.

RESOLUTION

There are simple ways to enable and disable bitmap compression in Windows 95.

To enable bitmap compression in Windows 95:

Run Control Panel and double-click the Printers icon.
With the right mouse button, click the printer you want to modify. Click Properties on the menu that appears.
Click the PostScript tab and click the Advanced button.
In the Bitmap Compression section, select the Compress Bitmap Images button.
Click OK.
Click OK to exit Properties.

To disable bitmap compression under Windows 3.1:

Run Control Panel and double-click the Printers icon.
Select the printer you want to modify from the list of installed printers.
Click Setup.
Click Options.
Click Advanced.
Clear the Compress Bitmaps check box.
Click OK, then click OK again. Click OK once more to return to the Printers dialog box.

MORE INFORMATION

If bitmap compression is turned on, bitmaps in your publication are compressed using a simple data compression algorithm. While this does make your PostScript print file smaller, it can also make the file take longer to print. In addition, there is a chance that a compressed bitmap will not print properly to certain types of PostScript printers.

If you are planning to send your PostScript file to a commercial imagesetter, ask them how their equipment handles compressed bitmaps.