Abstract: Filing the documents prepared by a computer (HOST) without a detour via a computer printout, by virtue of the fact that, as in the case of driving a printer, the printing data (SPDS) which can be retrieved via a printer connection interface (CH) of the computer (HOST) is converted into a pixel data stream (PIX-DAT). In parallel therewith text information and bar codes are filtered out of the printing data stream and neutralized and converted into an index data stream (IND-DAT). The two data streams are then logically synchronized and fed to the filing data carrier (ARCHIV). Designing the apparatus as a self-contained apparatus (APALINK) or as a combined apparatus having a printer (PRINTER) and an ancillary device (PC), it also is possible for the ancillary device to be an integral component of the printer. Furthermore, it is possible for the filing to be performed in parallel with printing out or without simultaneous printing out.