Written by: Paul H. Yoshimune March 21, 1994
For most platforms, there are basically two versions of Image Alchemy - the non-PostScript and PostScript versions. Both have the same output capabilities; and, for the most part, both have the same input capabilities. The only difference is that the PostScript version can also read, interpret, and render PostScript files. This capability includes raster, vector, text, and font information. Alchemy only supports the raster portions of other meta-files (files containing both raster and vector information) such as HP PCL and Macintosh PICT.
Often people think that the PostScript version means that a PostScript device is required; quite the contrary. The PostScript version will allow you to convert PostScript files created by other applications into a format your device can understand. A good example is converting PostScript to HP PCL. If you are working with an application on a Macintosh which can only output PostScript files, but have a non-PostScript device on a PC (such as a Hewlett-Packard LaserJet 4), you can use Alchemy to convert the Mac file to PCL for output on the LaserJet. All font information will be preserved assuming you either have the PostScript fonts available on the PC, or you embed them in the PostScript file itself.
This has far-reaching ramifications: with Alchemy PS, you can now convert the output of any Windows or Macintosh application, regardless of what drivers the device provides. Simply choose a PostScript device as your print driver, and print to a file. That file can then be converted to another format for use in another application or output to an unsupported device.