Gutenprint (formerly Gimp-Print) is a collection of free software printer drivers for use with UNIX spooling systems, such as CUPS, lpr and LPRng. These drivers provide printing services for UNIX systems (including GNU/Linux), Mac OS X, RISC OS and Microsoft Windows.[1]
It was originally developed as a plug-in for the GIMP, but later became a more general tool for use by other programs and operating systems(Apple and Windows). When Apple Computer introduced Mac OS X, it omitted printer drivers, claiming that it was the printer manufacturer's task to produce these. Many of them did not update their drivers, and since Apple had chosen to use CUPS as the core of its printing system, Gimp-Print filled the void.
GutenPrint has more than 1,300 high quality drivers for: Apollo, Apple, Brother, Canon, Citizen, Compaq, Dai Nippon, DEC, Epson, Fujifilm, Fujitsu, Gestetner, HP, IBM, Infotec, Kodak, Kyocera, Lanier, Lexmark, Minolta, NEC, NRG, Oki, Olivetti, Olympus, Panasonic, PCPI, Raven, Ricoh, Samsung, Savin, Seiko, Sharp, Shinko, Sony, Star, Tally, Tektronix and Xerox printers.[2] These drivers are often better than the default printer drivers supplied by printer manufacturers. From GutenPrint, you are able to control ink density and print resolution. Default drivers often do not really allow you to print at the published resolutions.
Gutenprint is not only available as plug in for GIMP Windows, it is also available as a plug in for Photoshop on Windows. Another free software that is based on Gutenprint is PhotoPrint for Windows. PhotoPrint is a standalone program that enables you to tap the functionality and power of GutenPrint (although you need to install +GTK).
Many users incorrectly called it Gimp, so the software was renamed Gutenprint to clearly distinguish it from the GIMP. The name Gutenprint recognizes Johannes Gutenberg, the inventor of the movable type printing press.