The output queue works similarly to a job queue in that it schedules output to be printed. Both the printer output and the output queue carry attributes that are used to print the information.
Printer output holds output data that is waiting to be processed, such as information waiting to be printed. Printer output also holds important information that is used to schedule when it will be printed. Printer output attributes include the output queue in which the printer output will reside, the priority, the status and the schedule of the printer output.
The output queue contains attributes of its own that determine the order in which the printer output files are processed. It also contains the authority that is needed to make changes to the printer output and the output queue.
When the printer output is ready to be sent to the printer it is picked up by a writer job. The writer job takes the data from the printer output and prepares it to be printed.