pdf2ps

converts PDF files to PostScript

TLDR

Convert PDF to PostScript

$ pdf2ps [input.pdf] [output.ps]

Convert specific pages

$ pdf2ps -f [1] -l [5] [input.pdf] [output.ps]

Convert for a Level 2 PostScript printer

$ pdf2ps -level2 [input.pdf] [output.ps]

Specify paper size

$ pdf2ps -paper [A4] [input.pdf] [output.ps]

Pipe output directly to a printer

$ pdf2ps [input.pdf] - | lpr

SYNOPSIS

pdf2ps [options] input.pdf [output.ps]

DESCRIPTION

pdf2ps converts PDF files to PostScript. PostScript is needed for certain printers and print workflows. The output quality and compatibility depend on the PostScript level selected.

PARAMETERS

-f num

First page to convert (default: 1).

-l num

Last page to convert (default: last page of document).

-level1, -level2, -level3

Set PostScript language level for output. Level 1 is most compatible, Level 2 adds color and compression, Level 3 supports the latest features.

-paper size

Set paper size (e.g., letter, A4, legal).

-r dpi

Set resolution in dots per inch for rasterized content.

-q

Quiet mode. Suppress routine Ghostscript messages.

POSTSCRIPT LEVELS

$ Level 1 - Most compatible
Level 2 - Color, compression
Level 3 - Latest features

EXAMPLE

$ # Basic conversion
pdf2ps document.pdf document.ps

# Print via PostScript
pdf2ps document.pdf - | lpr

CAVEATS

Output files can be large. Level affects compatibility. Consider pdftops from Poppler for better output.

HISTORY

pdf2ps is part of Ghostscript, the PostScript/PDF interpreter originally developed by Artifex Software.