Printer Control Language (PCL): Comprehensive Guide

A comprehensive overview of Printer Control Language (PCL), a popular page description language developed by Hewlett-Packard, including its definition, types, special considerations, examples, historical context, applicability, related terms, FAQs, and references.

Printer Control Language (PCL) is a page description language (PDL) developed by Hewlett-Packard (HP) for controlling printers. PCL defines both the layout and appearance of the printed page, detailing how images, text, and graphics should be printed. It is widely adopted in laser and inkjet printers, including various non-HP brands, making it a prominent standard in the printing industry.

History and Development

PCL was first introduced in 1980 with the release of HP’s first inkjet printer, the HP-2680. Initially, PCL was intended to simplify printer management and offer a consistent printing experience. Over time, it has evolved through various versions, each adding more functionality and support for more complex printing tasks.

Evolution of PCL Versions

• PCL 1: Provided basic features for simple text printing.
• PCL 2: Included enhancements for office documents.
• PCL 3: Supported dot matrix printers and introduced simple graphics.
• PCL 4: Added support for raster graphics.
• PCL 5: Introduced scalable fonts.
• PCL 6: Enhanced for GUI-based operating systems, better performance, and improved graphics.

Types of PCL

PCL 5

PCL 5 is known for its robust and versatile features, including support for scalable fonts and enhanced graphics rendering. It is backward compatible with previous PCL versions.

PCL 6

Also known as PCL XL, PCL 6 was designed to optimize print job transfer efficiency and processing speed. It includes enhanced imaging features, color management, and support for graphical applications.

Key Features and Functionality

• Device Independence: PCL abstracts the printing process from specific hardware implementations.
• Scalability: Supports scalable fonts which enable high-quality, consistent printing across different devices.
• Graphics: Provides extensive support for raster and vector graphics.
• Performance: Optimized for fast data processing, reducing print job latency.

Comparison with PostScript

PostScript, a page description language developed by Adobe, is often compared with PCL:

• Complexity: PostScript is a full programming language, more complex than PCL, allowing for advanced graphical renderings.
• Performance: PCL is generally faster and less resource-intensive, making it suitable for office environments.
• Quality: PostScript often provides higher quality for complex graphics and text layouts, making it preferred for publishing and high-end graphics industries.

Applicability and Usage

PCL is used in various contexts:

• Office Printing: Preferred for its speed and efficiency.
• Embedded Systems: Utilized in printers where resource optimization is crucial.
• Cross-Platform Compatibility: Employed across different operating systems and printer brands.

Special Considerations

Considering PCL’s widespread adoption, compatibility is a key factor for enterprises investing in printing infrastructure. Additionally, understanding the specific version of PCL applicable to one’s printing needs can greatly enhance efficiency and output quality.

Examples

To initiate a simple print job in PCL, a user might send the following command sequence to the printer:

ESC E

This resets the printer. Additional commands manage text, graphics, and page layouts.

Related Terms

• Printer Description Language (PDL): General term for languages defining page layout for printing.
• PostScript (PS): Another PDL, widely used in desktop publishing.
• ESC/P: Epson Standard Code for Printers, another popular PDL.

FAQs

What is PCL used for?

PCL is used to define how text and graphics should appear on printed pages, controlling printer functions to ensure consistent, high-quality output.

Is PCL better than PostScript?

It depends on the use case. PCL is typically faster and more efficient for standard office environments, while PostScript offers higher quality for complex graphical tasks.

Is PCL compatible with all printers?

While PCL is widely supported across many printers, not all devices may support every version of PCL. It’s essential to check printer specifications.

References

1. Hewlett-Packard. (n.d.). Printer Command Language (PCL). Retrieved from HP Official Site.
2. Adobe Systems. (2009). PostScript Language Reference. Addison-Wesley.

Summary

Printer Control Language (PCL) is a versatile and efficient page description language developed by Hewlett-Packard. Its evolution through various versions has continually enhanced its features, maintaining its relevance in modern printing environments. Whether for office settings or more technically demanding applications, understanding PCL is crucial for optimizing printing tasks and ensuring high-quality outputs.