pnm2ppa
Convert PNM images to HP PPA printer format
TLDR
Convert PNM to PPA
$ pnm2ppa [options] [input.pnm] > [output.ppa]
Print directly$ cat [image.pnm] | pnm2ppa | lpr
Specify paper size$ pnm2ppa --paper [a4] [input.pnm] > [output.ppa]
SYNOPSIS
pnm2ppa [options] [file]
DESCRIPTION
pnm2ppa converts PNM images to HP PPA (Printer Performance Architecture) format used by certain HP DeskJet inkjet printers (700/800 series). These printers lack standard PCL or PostScript support and require a host-based driver to render pages.
The tool generates the raw printer data stream, which can be sent directly to the printer device or piped through the print spooler. Paper size and resolution options control the output formatting.
PARAMETERS
FILE
Input PNM file.--paper SIZE
Paper size.--dpi DPI
Resolution.--gamma VALUE
Gamma correction.--help
Display help.
CAVEATS
HP DeskJet specific. Legacy printer support.
HISTORY
pnm2ppa was created for HP PPA printers lacking standard driver support.