When printing, print data is sent from the computer to the printer. However, for printing to occur, the data must first be in a form that the printer can recognize.

A printer driver is the software that converts print data to a form recognizable to a printer. In the past, application developers also distributed printer drivers, limiting the printers that could output data from an application. Nowadays, operating system developers and printer manufacturers distribute printer drivers, and the drivers are managed by operating systems. This change has made it possible to print using numerous application software.

A Page Description Language (PDL) is a printer language that describes data at a high level, enabling advanced layout and programming. Data comprised of information regarding the location, size, and orientation of text and graphics can be processed pages at a time, making PDL ideal for printing jobs of multiple sets/sheets.

Examples of PDL:

The PS printer driver is well-suited for printing from Adobe Systems software, and offers superior performance for printing high-quality text and graphics.

The PCL5c, PCL5e, and PCL6 printer drivers can be used with most kinds of business application software. The PCL5c printer driver is for color printers, the PCL5e printer driver is for black-and-white printers, and the PCL6 printer driver is for both color and black-and-white printers. PCL6 is an advanced version of PCL5c and PCL5e, and offers superior printing quality and speed. The PCL5e printer driver is provided as standard with black-and-white printers.

Using the UFR II printer driver, the various data processing tasks conventionally executed within the printer are appropriately divided between the host computer and the printer to greatly reduce the overall printing time. The workload can be delegated to match the output data, thus realizing a significant increase in speed through optimization.

PostScript is a PDL developed by Adobe Systems. It is widely used by printing and design businesses for its accuracy processing the colors and various objects used in DTP application software. PostScript is also implemented on computers using old operating systems such as UNIX with standard printer drivers (filters), mainly for development purposes. PostScript Level 1 was introduced in 1984, PostScript Level 2 was introduced in 1990 with improvements to functions, color handling and speed, and PostScript 3 was released in 1996 with PDF capability and improved speed.

Compatible PS provides a PS print environment for networks comprised of computers using different operating systems, such as Windows, Mac OS, and Unix. It can provide for offices requiring a simple PS print environment or offices with application software that only supports PS print. Compatible PS can be used with UFR II and PCL, as well as Department ID Management, Booklet, Mail Box, and other functions.

Direct Print enables you to directly output data to a printer without using a printer driver. You can specify PDF files, TIFF/JPEG image files, XPS files, and EPS/PS files from the Remote UI, or use LPR command to forward data to the printer and perform Direct Print. Using this convenient function, you can print a file without opening it on a computer.

DIAS refers to the Canon Driver Information Assist Service.

When obtaining device information from a client computer via the print server, the print server requires DIAS for exchanging data.