What Are Print Drivers? A Guide to Types, Features, and Best Uses

A print driver is software that translates data from your device (computer, laptop, mobile, etc.) into a format the printer can understand. Some print drivers are tailored for everyday office needs while others are tailored for high quality graphics. The type of print driver you need will vary based on print needs and usage, but there are 4 basic print drivers. 

1. PCL (printer control/command language) print drivers are the most common and they are dependent on devices to function properly.
2. PS (postscript) print drivers are independent from devices (meaning they don't need a computer or phone to operate) and are made for high quality graphics but run a bit slower than PCLs. 
3. Universal print drivers simplifies driver management, especially in multi-brand environments, but can affect the features available when printing. 
4. Manufactured specific drivers are made by the same manufacturer, meant to enhance features and print quality. 

Importance:

• Compatibility/communication with devices and printers.
• Advanced features (stapling, duplex, etc.)
• Optimization of resolution and color settings.
• Managing print options with preview, scaling, or page preference. 

The most important feature of a print driver is the communication between printers and devices. Most universal print drivers can communicate with printer and device regardless of device or printer brand, but not all print drivers can. For example, downloading a Xerox print driver to print on an HP printer can compromise the accuracy and quality of the print job. Print drivers also need regular updates. If you are ever having issues getting advanced features assigned to a print job, you likely just needed to update your print driver. 

Which Print Driver is the Best?

While there is not a perfect print driver coined as the "best" there are certain industries that would benefit more using a specific print driver. For example, a lawyer's office will likely need a manufactured print driver to have access to all of their advanced features (using legal paper, stapling, configurations). A hybrid workplace where employees use their personal printers will need to be a universal print driver, due to the variety of printer brands and lack of control. Any kind of graphic design, print advertisement, or creative company will need a postscript print driver. 

Cloud-Based Print Drivers

Cloud printing allows users to send print jobs to printers connected to a cloud service, regardless of their location. With the rise of remote workers and hybrid office spaces, the cloud printing demand has increased as well. Cloud printing requires a cloud service, which relies on the internet and utilizes the cloud infrastructure to optimize print jobs. There are a variety of cloud-based print drivers available on the market today including Microsoft's Universal Driver, Google's Cloud Print, and RICOH's CloudStream. 

Benefits:

• Increased accessibility and mobility.
• Simplified setup and maintenance.
• Enhanced collaboration and productivity.
• Cost and resource saving. 

Challenges:

• Data privacy and security concerns.
• Reliability of internet connection.
• Bandwidth and network requirements.
• Compatibility and integration with systems.

RICOH CloudStream

Need to deploy a streamlined print solution effortlessly? RICOH's CloudStream has a variety of features to unleash your hybrid workforce potential.

1. Strengthen security with compliant and zero-trust authentication features (ISO & IEC27001 certified and approved).
2. Streamline print environment and reduce the strain on IT departments.
3. Unify device management with one cloud-based solution, optimized work and costs.
4. Empower remote flexibility by enhancing efficiency and reducing downtime.
5. Manage cloud devices and minimize environmental impacts.

Contact Crew-Tech today to learn more!