UNIX Plotting Instructions

Overview

This document contains some basic instructions for printing to the large-format printers from the UNIX/Linux operating systems.

Procedures

Use the UNIX command lpr to send a Postscript file to a plotter, specifying “vcp7100”, “vcp7100g”, or “vcp7100cf” in the -P option. For example, to send the file “mygraphic.ps” to vcp7100, the command would be:

• lpr -Pvcp7100 mygraphic.ps

By default, output is color with “normal” or “standard” print quality. You can choose grayscale or specify a print quality (“pq”) and paper size by using the -X option on the lpr command. The -X options are:

• grayscale
• pq=fast   (or pq=draft)
• pq=normal
• pq=best
• paper=‹width›x‹height›
  • i.e., “paper=20x30” means 20 inches wide by 30 inches high.

For example, to choose grayscale and “best” print quality on vcp7100, the UNIX command would be:

• lpr -Pvcp7100 -Xgrayscale,pq=best filename.ps

Note that the “paper” option is rarely needed because the application normally sets the paper size. If the application doesn't set the size, you can use the “paper” option to set it or accept the default paper size of 36″×17″.

Last Reviewed: 27-Jul-2018