Tag Archives: PCL

How to Convert PDF to PCL

When preparing one or more PDF documents for print on a device that uses the Printer Command Language, converting to PCL is be the best solution. Compared to PDFs, PCLs files are faster to print and generally offer better accuracy for both fonts and graphics. PCL files are created for a particular printing hardware and shape the image data so as to best fit its requirements. This makes the printing process work quicker and generally be more effective.

Though initially created only for Hewlett-Packard printers, PCLs are now widely supported by many other brands as well, being considered a de facto printing standard, together with PostScript (PS).

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Converting Multipage PCL Files

Multipage PCL

PCL (Printer Control Language) is currently considered a standard format for documents that are prepared for printing. Although it was initially designed only for Hewlett-Packard inkjet printers at its release in the 1980s, the PCL format was gradually adopted by other brands as well and nowadays it is compatible with most laser-jet printers.

PCL is a great alternative to PostScript, not only because it is more widely adopted in the industry, but also because it is simpler, faster to operate and cheaper. The PCL format is based on an open language and it is “printer-ready” — it can be operated even from DOS or UNIX. This gives more advantages to PCL than to other similar formats such as PDF or TIFF, making it a reliable and convenient extension for archiving printable documents.

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How to Automate PCL to PDF Conversion Using Watch Folders

From folder PLCs to folder PDFs

The PCL (Printer Command Language) format was first used in the 1980s by Hewlett-Packard inkjet printers for creating digital copies of printed documents and developed in time as an industry standard. It now continues to be used by various models of printers, including laser-jets. Files with this extension are somewhat similar with PostScript (PS), though they offer less features and are more difficult to open.

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How to Convert Documents into PCL Files

HP PCL

The PCL (Printer Command Language) format was initially designed only for Hewlett-Packard inkjet printers in the 1980s, but in time it became a standard applied all over the printing industry. Though similar to PostScript in terms of features, PCL works faster and simpler. It is also less expensive, being an open language used almost universally by laser-jet printers.

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