grops
Display a user's group memberships
SYNOPSIS
grops [-acCefghinprsuvzCGJNw] [-F dir] [-I dir] [-m name] [-p paper] [files…]
PARAMETERS
-a
Produce output for all pages, even empty.
-c
Suppress comments in PostScript output.
-C
Enable color output.
-e
Enable compatibility mode with historical troff.
-F dir
Search dir for device/font files (overrides default devps).
-g
Use grayscale shading instead of color.
-I dir
Add dir to prologue search path.
-m name
Process name.ps prologue file.
-p papersize
Set paper size (e.g., a4, letter, legal).
-s
Don't output final trailer (for piping).
-v
Print version information.
-z
Omit PostScript setpagedevice operator.
DESCRIPTION
grops is a device driver within the GNU groff document formatting system. It converts device-independent output from troff or groff (specified with -Tps) into high-quality PostScript code suitable for PostScript printers or further processing (e.g., to PDF).
Normally invoked indirectly via groff -Tps, grops can process pre-generated intermediate files directly. It embeds fonts using Type 1 metrics, supports shading, color, and advanced features like rotated text and graphics from preprocessors (pic, eqn, tbl).
The output adheres to Document Structuring Conventions (DSC), ensuring compatibility with PostScript interpreters. Font substitution uses AFM files in devps directories. For modern use, pair with ps2pdf from Ghostscript for PDF generation.
grops excels in typesetting mathematical and technical documents, preserving kerning, ligatures, and precise positioning.
CAVEATS
Expects device-independent troff input (groff -Tps -Z); direct text input may fail. Font metrics must be installed. Large documents can produce verbose output.
INPUT PREPARATION
Generate input with groff -Tps -Z file.ms | grops.
FONT DOWNLOAD
Uses devps AFM/PFM files; download with afm2pl.
PROLOGUES
Custom prologs in /usr/share/groff/1.22.4/font/devps enhance features like color.
HISTORY
Developed by Dean Allen for GNU groff (1990s), succeeding Unix AT&T troff's PostScript driver. Maintained by groff developers; latest enhancements in groff 1.23+ support better PDF workflows.
