Chapter 16Writing File Filters for CUPS

This chapter describes how to write a file filter for CUPS, which forms the backbone of the CUPS printing process. An example TeX DVI filter is provided, and the HP-GL/2 filter is explained.

What Are File Filters?

File filters are programs that convert files from one or more MIME types to other types. Filters use a common command-line and environment interface that enables them to be joined as needed to print files of any type and to any printer. Printer drivers, which are covered in the next chapter, are special types of filters. Figure 16.1 shows the relationship between print files, filters, printer drivers, and backends.

Figure 16.1 File filters in a print job.

CUPS provides many filters for converting ...

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