pittype

pittype is a command-line utility designed for generating print styles for web pages. It allows developers to create separate stylesheets that are applied only when a document is printed, ensuring a better print experience for users. This separation of styles prevents the visual clutter that can occur when a website's screen design is directly translated to a printed page.

The primary function of pittype is to facilitate the creation and management of these print-specific stylesheets. It typically works by analyzing the existing HTML structure and CSS rules of a web page and then generating a new CSS file that targets print media. This generated file can then be linked to the HTML document using the `media="print"` attribute in the `<link>` tag.

Common features of pittype include the ability to strip out unnecessary elements like navigation bars, advertisements, and sidebars, which are often not desired in a printed document. It can also adjust font sizes, margins, and colors to be more legible and economical on paper. Some implementations might offer options to include or exclude specific page elements or to customize the appearance of links, images, and other content for printing. The goal is to provide a clean, readable, and efficient printout of the web page's essential content.