This document is news about the most recent Ghostscript release. For earlier versions, see the history documents:
History of Ghostscript versions 8.n
History of Ghostscript versions 7.n
History of Ghostscript versions 6.n
History of Ghostscript versions 5.n
History of Ghostscript versions 4.n
History of Ghostscript versions 3.n
History of Ghostscript versions 2.n
History of Ghostscript versions 1.n
For other information, see the Ghostscript overview.
This is the fifth scheduled release in the stable Ghostscript 8.6x series.
Approximately 100 bugs have been fixed since the 8.63 release.
Of particular note in this release are improvements to overprint and spot color support in documents with transparency, improvements to PDF and PS output, proper handling of PDF-specific text rendering modes and support for reading AES-encrypted PDF documents.
Also improved is handling of CJK text, especially in vertical writing modes, memory footprint processing some files at high resolution and support for using the system's default paper size on unix.
The interpreter's handling of color spaces has been moved from PostScript code to C.
A number of the included printer drivers and cups wrappers have been updated to support a PDF-based workflow. Also fixed are several long-standing bugs in the pcl drivers with respect to duplex, resolution and paper tray selection.
The following bugs were open at the time of the last release:
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In this release the C source files have been split into two new directories. Interpreter source files are now in psi and the graphics library and output devices are now in base. Previously everything was in src. This may cause problems with existing references in external build files or when applying patches generated against an older version.
The compiled in font set in Resource/Fonts has been updated to the version from the 8.11 release. This is the same set which was recommended prior to the 8.63.
See the history file for complete log of changes.
Copyright © 2005-2009 Artifex Software, Inc. All rights reserved.
This software is provided AS-IS with no warranty, either express or implied. This software is distributed under license and may not be copied, modified or distributed except as expressly authorized under the terms of that license. Refer to licensing information at http://www.artifex.com/ or contact Artifex Software, Inc., 7 Mt. Lassen Drive - Suite A-134, San Rafael, CA 94903, U.S.A., +1(415)492-9861, for further information.
Ghostscript version 8.64, 3 February 2009