foo2hbpl2

foo2hbpl2 [OPTIONS] [FILE]

FILE: The PostScript input file. If omitted, foo2hbpl2 reads from standard input.
OPTIONS: Various options to control printing parameters, typically used by CUPS or for testing.

-r <resolution>
    Sets the desired printing resolution (e.g., 600, 1200 dpi).

-d <duplex_mode>
    Enables duplex (double-sided) printing. Common modes: 1 (long edge), 2 (short edge).

-c <color_mode>
    Specifies the color mode. Typically cmyk for color, grayscale for monochrome.

-m <media_size>
    Defines the media (paper) size (e.g., Letter, A4, Legal).

-t
    Activates toner save mode, reducing toner consumption at the expense of print quality.

-s <source_type>
    Selects the paper source or tray.

-L <level>
    Sets the debug level for verbose output, useful for troubleshooting.

foo2hbpl2 is an open-source printer driver that translates PostScript input into the proprietary HBPL2 (HP Bi-directional Printer Language 2) data format used by certain Hewlett-Packard LaserJet printers. It is part of the foo2zjs project, a suite of drivers designed to support printers that employ various custom data streams, including ZJS, QPD, HBPL1, and HBPL2. This utility functions primarily as a filter within the Common Unix Printing System (CUPS) pipeline. When a user prints a document, CUPS typically converts it to PostScript, which foo2hbpl2 then processes. The driver handles the conversion of vector graphics, text, and raster images into the specific commands and data structures understood by HBPL2-compatible printers. It allows Linux and Unix-like systems to print to a range of HP LaserJet devices that would otherwise lack native driver support, enabling features like resolution control, duplex printing, and media size selection.

Requires: A PostScript interpreter like Ghostscript (gs) to be installed, as it processes PostScript input.
Compatibility: Only supports specific HP LaserJet printers that utilize the HBPL2 language.
Limitations: Full printer functionality (e.g., advanced finishing options) might not be exposed or supported by the driver.
Configuration: May require manual configuration within CUPS for optimal performance or specific features.

The foo2hbpl2 driver is part of the foo2zjs project, initiated by Rick Richardson. This project emerged to provide open-source support for a range of Hewlett-Packard and Samsung printers that use proprietary page description languages (PDLs) instead of standard PostScript or PCL. Development began as reverse-engineering efforts to understand these proprietary protocols, including HP's HBPL2. The foo2zjs suite, including foo2hbpl2, became an essential component for enabling Linux and Unix-like systems to utilize these printers, filling a significant gap left by official vendor driver support. It has been continually updated to support new printer models and improve compatibility.

cups(8), gs(1), lpr(1), lp(1), foo2zjs(1), foo2hp(1)