A method for processing print data is disclosed. A particular data type for a print data stream is determined, based on data contained in the print data stream, from among a plurality of defined data types. It is determined whether there exists, within a plurality of printer drivers, a particular printer driver that is associated with the particular data type that was selected for the print data stream. If the plurality of printer drivers comprises a particular printer driver that is associated with the particular data type, then the print data stream is passed to the particular printer driver. The particular printer driver passes the print data stream toward a printing device without rendering the print data stream. The printing device is capable of understanding and processing the print data stream without such rendering being performed by any printer driver.