A printer driver, also known as a print processor, is a software component that enables a computer to communicate with a printer. It converts the data to be printed into a format that the printer can understand. The purpose of printer drivers is to allow applications to print without being aware of the technical details of each printer model. Essentially, the print driver allows you to press print within an application, and your computer doesn’t need to worry about the technical specifications of your printer. The print driver takes care of that.

Each operating system is a different language, so each OS might need a different driver to talk to the printer. The purpose of the print driver is to provide a seamless interface between your computer’s operating system and the printer. There are two common categories of print drivers: Printer Control Language (PCL) and PostScript (PS) . PCL is most often used for everyday text printing, including legacy applications, mainframe printing, and some vector graphics.

Printers can technically function with a generic driver, but it is a complicated process that involves a USB connection and an in-depth understanding of computer logistics. You’ll need a printer driver for each type of printer you have in your office because each type of printer communicates differently with the computer. Also, because the driver is responsible for translating data from the computer between the printer, and each operating system uses a different language, you’ll need to make sure the printer driver is compatible with your operating system.

In summary, a printer driver is a piece of software that allows a computer to interact with a printer and convert data from the computer into a printable format. It is essential for printing documents and ensuring that the printer can understand the data being sent to it.