an arrangement is provided wherein a printer used with a host device is operated to generate print batch separator pages using the same blank sheets as are used to print respective pages of successive print jobs . the printer is directed to print a visually distinctive graphic indicator , such as a separator border , trim , header , visible banner or other visual indicator or markings . this eliminates the need for an additional printer separator page tray . usefully , a host device is operated to generate a separator command in a specified pdl language . a printer control device receives the page separator pdl command , and software contained in the printer control converts the pdl command into a printer readable format . a printer component responsive to the prf command then operates the printer to print the specified separator page .