Does anyone know how to read a .ps file?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around methods and tools for reading PostScript (.ps) files. Participants explore various software options, conversion methods, and potential online resources for accessing these files.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest using Ghostscript as a free program to read .ps files.
  • One participant mentions that Google can convert PostScript files to HTML, although the formatting may be compromised.
  • Another participant recommends using the built-in "Preview" program on macOS, noting it is slow.
  • There are suggestions to use Notepad or Notepad++ for viewing .ps files, although some participants argue this does not meet the original request for reading .ps files.
  • Another option mentioned is using ps2pdf to convert .ps files to PDF format.
  • Participants also mention gsview and ghostview as additional tools for viewing PostScript files.
  • An online viewer for PDF, PostScript, and Word files is provided as a resource.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There is no consensus on the best method to read .ps files, with multiple competing views on suitable software and approaches. Some participants agree on the utility of Ghostscript, while others debate the effectiveness of text editors like Notepad++ for this purpose.

Contextual Notes

Some suggestions may depend on the operating system being used, and the effectiveness of certain methods may vary based on the specific .ps file being accessed.

twotaileddemon
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My computer can't read these files and I was wondering if you know a safe site I can download a program to read them? thanks..

(sorry I posted this in the sub-form, thought it would get more responses here)
 
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twotaileddemon said:
My computer can't read these files and I was wondering if you know a safe site I can download a program to read them? thanks..

(sorry I posted this in the sub-form, thought it would get more responses here)

I use Ghostscript. You can google it and download it for free

EDIT: www.ghostscript.com
 
If I remember correctly Google knows how to convert postscript to html, so if you can find a .ps file which is indexed by google (or maybe if you just type its url into the google search box) you may be able to read a converted version of the .ps file on google.com. However formatting will be all messed up...

The built in "Preview" program on mac os x can open postscript files but it is very slow at it.
 
char00les said:
Better yet, use notepad. If you want a better editor I would suggest Notepad++. Work's with everything. Download here: http://notepad-plus.sourceforge.net/uk/download.php

You must have posted the wrong thread; Notepad++ is a text editor; NOT what the OP asked about.

I agree with nrqed, download Ghostscript and Ghostview (you'll need both).
Adobe Acrobat can also read postscript files, although it does it by first converting them to PDF files.
 
You can also use something like ps2pdf to convert, but like some others said, many use ghostscript to view.
 
f95toli said:
You must have posted the wrong thread; Notepad++ is a text editor; NOT what the OP asked about.
Well he did ask if anything could read .ps not render it ;-)

Notepad++ will do syntax highlighting of a ps file
 

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