grolbp

grolbp [options] [files...]

-b num
    Specifies the number of buffers to use for buffering raster images. Defaults to 1.

-d resolution
    Specifies the resolution in dots per inch (dpi). Common values are 300 and 600. Defaults to 300.

-e
    Enable error messages. (This is usually the default.)

-l num
    Specifies the line thickness in points (1/72 inch). Defaults to 0.

-m num
    Specifies the margin width in points. Defaults to 0.

-n num
    Specifies the number of copies to print. Defaults to 1.

-o list
    Specifies the pages to print as a comma-separated list. For example, 1,3,5-7 prints pages 1, 3, 5, 6, and 7.

-p
    Preview the output on the screen before printing.

-r num
    Rotate the output by num degrees. Values are typically 0, 90, 180, or 270.

-T dev
    Specifies the device type (e.g., 'lbp8' for a Canon LBP-8 printer). This is often unnecessary.

-v
    Be verbose and print debugging information.

-V
    Show version information.

The grolbp command is a groff driver that translates the output of the troff typesetting system into a format suitable for Canon CAPSL (Canon Advanced Printing Solutions Language) laser printers. It acts as a bridge between the device-independent output of troff (usually generated by groff -T ps and similar) and a specific printer model. grolbp reads the troff output, interprets the formatting commands, and generates the corresponding CAPSL code. This CAPSL code can then be sent directly to the printer, enabling the printing of documents formatted with troff. This allows users to leverage the typesetting capabilities of troff, while producing output compatible with Canon's printer language.
Note: CAPSL is an older printing language, and grolbp is likely useful only for supporting older Canon laser printers.

grolbp is primarily useful for older Canon laser printers that support the CAPSL language. Modern printers often use PostScript or PCL, making grolbp less relevant. Its usefulness depends on printer compatibility.

The GROFF_FONT_PATH environment variable can be used to specify the directory where grolbp searches for font files.

grolbp was developed as part of the GNU groff typesetting system to provide support for Canon CAPSL laser printers. It facilitated the printing of documents formatted using troff on these printers, enabling users to create high-quality output. Over time, with the rise of more standardized printer languages like PostScript and PCL, the usage of grolbp has diminished, as newer printers often support these more universal standards.

groff(1), troff(1), grops(1), lpr(1)