Tech Talk: What is a Print Driver?

The printer is an essential tool that demands reliability and constant upkeep to ensure daily operations run smoothly.  One equally important, and often overlooked, component of how effective your printers are functioning is the print driver.

To put it simply, the print driver is a software program that facilitates communication between your computer and your printer. This component translates information every single time you send a document to print. In other words, the print driver converts language sent from your computer in a way your printer will understand, allowing documents to be printed accurately and successfully. Without the driver’s ability to translate digital language, your computer and your printer can’t “talk” to each other, resulting in errors and failed printing attempts. 

Let’s break this down even further:

There are three ways your print driver works to ensure printing accuracy and success.

1. Conversion: Every time you send a document to print, the print driver takes that file and converts it into a language your printer can read and understand – like Printer Command Language (PCL) or PostScript.
2. Communication: Once the language has been successfully translated, your driver sends this converted data to the printer, along with any specific instructions related to printing commands – like paper size and number of copies.
3. Delivery: Upon receipt of converted data and printing commands, your printer processes these instructions and produces the final document.

While print drivers are effectively operating behind the scenes, keeping these components updated properly is critical. Failure to oversee the update and configuration of print drivers can lead to a host of issues, including compatibility problems, reduced efficiency, or worse…increased costs through wasted resources.

Print driver software will vary by device and manufacturer. Some of the most common printer brands that DOCUmation works with include Richoh, Lexmark, Kyocera, HP, and Canon.

Investing in a high-quality printing infrastructure is key to running your business efficiently, all while increasing productivity and reliability. This powerful component can lead to some very big gains, improving your business’s overall ecosystem.

DOCUmation is a family-owned technology solutions provider specializing in IT, print, and software-managed services across Texas. With locally-led offices designed to minimize red tape, our centrally located office in Arlington, Texas, is ready to assist in updating and maintaining your business operations and IT infrastructure.