Free PDF to PostScript Converter
This free tool converts a PDF into a PostScript file (.ps) using Ghostscript. PostScript is the page description language many print shops, RIPs and older publishing programs still expect. Upload a PDF up to 20 MB, download the .ps file and open it in your print software. Your upload is deleted from our server right after.
PDF to PostScript
PDF Tools
About this tool
PostScript is the language that PDF grew out of. Many professional printers, label systems and older publishing workflows still take PostScript rather than PDF, and some command line tools only accept .ps input. Converting a PDF to PostScript lets a modern document enter those systems.
The conversion uses the ps2write device of Ghostscript, which keeps text as text, embeds the fonts and preserves vector artwork, so the output stays sharp at any print size. The page sizes of the PDF are carried over. The resulting file is usually larger than the PDF, because PostScript is plain text and has weaker compression, so allow for that when sending it.
Some PDF features have no PostScript equivalent: interactive form fields, links, comments and bookmarks are dropped, and transparency is flattened. Check the result in your print software before sending a job. Uploads can be up to 20 MB and the job must finish within 30 seconds. Password protected PDFs need the Unlock PDF tool first.
Frequently asked questions
Why is the PostScript file bigger than my PDF?
PostScript is a text language with limited compression, while PDF compresses images and data well. A larger file is normal. If size is a problem, compress the PDF first, or send the PDF if your printer accepts it.
Are fonts and vector graphics preserved?
Yes. Fonts are embedded and vector artwork stays vector, so the output prints sharply at any size. Pictures are kept at their stored resolution.
What is lost in the conversion?
Interactive parts such as form fields, links, comments and bookmarks do not exist in PostScript and are dropped. Transparency effects are flattened. Check the result in your print software before a large print job.
Which programs open a .ps file?
Ghostscript, GSview, many print RIPs, and viewers such as Preview on macOS. Most modern programs prefer PDF, so this format is mainly for print workflows and older tools.
Is my file stored?
No. Your file is written to a private temporary folder, processed for the length of the request and deleted straight after, whether the job worked or not. We do not keep copies, build a library of uploads or read the content of your documents.