InterpressToPostScript (IPtoPS) [output ← ] input [-option]
 options include:
  encapsulate: produce encapsulated PostScript
  compact:  at the loss of some legibility of the PostScript document,
    make the document compact.

This program converts a binary Interpress master to an ASCII PostScript file. Both Interpress and PostScript are page description languages that specify text and graphics for the displayed or printed page. Interpress masters are normally printed on Interpress printers; PostScript files may be printed on PostScript printers.

PostScript has roots in the Interpress language and many of the functions are translated without difficulty. The two do not correlate exactly, however, and some functions may not execute as expected. Problems encountered with the PostScript output may be examined using the Ghostscript program.

For justified text, the Interpress master specifies the inter-word spacing, on a line by line (and, within a line, on a font by font) basis. Because commerically available PostScript fonts do not match Interpress fonts, it is not possible for the Interpress master to properly specify inter-word spacing for justified text printed on a PostScript printer. This inter-word spacing can be set during the translation process, assuming the translator has access to PostScript fonts.

This program does not assume such fonts may be accessed. Instead, it instructs the PostScript printer itself to determine the inter-word spacing. Unfortunately, this results in larger PostScript files and some delay in the printing or displaying of the PostScript file. The file expansion and printing delay, however, appear acceptable.