foo2slx-wrapper

foo2slx-wrapper [-p papersize] [-n copies] [-P] [-z dpi] [-L] [-X xoff] [-Y yoff] [-m mode] [-c] [-s sheetsize] [-t] [ foo2slx-opts ] [--debug] < input.pcl

-p papersize
    Set paper size (e.g., letter, a4, legal). See foo2slx(1).

-n copies
    Number of copies per page. Default: 1.

-P
    Prettyprint input for debugging.

-z dpi
    Set resolution (300 or 600).

-L
    Landscape mode (swap portrait/landscape).

-X xoff
    Left margin offset in points.

-Y yoff
    Top margin offset in points.

-m mode
    Duplex: 0=none, 1=long-edge, 2=short-edge.

-c
    Disable compression.

-s sheetsize
    Override sheet size (pixels).

--debug
    Enable debug output and preserve temp files.

The foo2slx-wrapper is a filter program used primarily with CUPS (Common Unix Printing System) for printers that require the proprietary SLX format, such as certain Lexmark inkjet models (e.g., X4650, X4660). It acts as a frontend to the core foo2slx converter, which translates standard PostScript/PCL input into SLX raster data suitable for these devices.

This wrapper handles common printing options like paper size, copies, resolution, margins, and duplexing, passing specialized parameters directly to foo2slx. It reads print jobs from standard input (typically PCL or PS) and outputs SLX to standard output, which is then sent to the printer via USB or network.

Part of the open-source foo2zjs driver suite, it enables Linux support for non-HP ZjStream-compatible printers lacking official drivers. Usage involves configuring CUPS PPD files that invoke the wrapper with model-specific defaults. Debug mode aids troubleshooting by prettyprinting the job stream.

Options not recognized by wrapper are passed to foo2slx; test with --debug. Requires foo2zjs package installed. Limited to specific Lexmark models; USB printing may need usblp module.

Lexmark X4650, X4660, P4350, Z1420. Check foo2slx(1) for full list and resolutions.

Install foo2zjs package and run getweb foo2slx to fetch firmware. Configure CUPS with provided PPD files.

Developed in the early 2000s as part of the foo2zjs project by OpenPrinting.org to reverse-engineer ZjStream/SLX formats for Linux printing support. Integrated into major distros via foo2zjs package; actively maintained until official drivers superseded some models.

foo2slx(1), foo2zjs-wrapper(1), lp(1), cups(1)