Why do printers need software?
Printing has evolved significantly over the years and is now an extremely important aspect of today’s world and industries. There was a time when printing was done on 2d paper and while that is still largely the case, phenomenon like printing on 3d surfaces have also set an industry benchmark. All of this has been made possible only because of the technological advancements in the printing industry. However even with such modern advancements one question that often evolves in the minds of people is whether or not a printer software is necessary to facilitate printing in its most modern form. This blog aims to answer that question only.
The History of Print.
Ever since the 15th century, when printing technology was invented, it has certainly come a long way. Today one can easily get their hands on multiple types of printers available in the market. There are types like inkjet, laser, thermal and special printers for 3d printing etc. To basically answer the elephant in the room. Yes all these printers require software to work, and even more they require different and specific types of software.
Why are Softwares needed by printers?
The main purpose of a software in layman’s terms is that is serves as a translator. Users give the computer, to which a printer is attached, an input command. Since the core composition of a printer and a computer is different, a printer cannot read and hence produce an output by the command the computer gives it. This is where a software comes in. A software acts as a translator and translates the command entered by the computer into a format which is readable and understandable by the printer. Without this software in between a printer cannot produce an output and hence is rendered worthless.
Types of printing softwares
Today the world is not restricted to the plain old and monotonous black and white printing methods. There are many options, including custom printing, which makes use of web to print available. When explained in simple terms, the process goes as follows.
Different types of printers have different components. Hence naturally they need commands to be input into them in different ways. One software cannot cater to every printer and it’s composition. While most software may be able to receive the input from a computer, they may not be able to translate it into an understandable language for the printer, without which the entire process is useless. Each type of printer and even a print order management system requires it’s own type of software.
It is a common misconception that by simply installing the latest print machinery that the market has to offer, you can establish a successful printing business or even utilise printing services. However making this mistake can cost you more than your precious time as an entrepreneur but also prove to be extremely expensive. If you are someone who is looking to employ a print management system or even simply install a printer in your home or office space, make sure you have a software that is compatible with it.
