PCL


 * This is about the printer command language; for the unrelated TOPS-20 PCL see Programmable Command Language.

PCL (Printer Command Language) is a popular page description language used to control printers. It was developed by Hewlett-Packard.

PCL is often claimed to stand for Printer Control Language, but that appears to be incorrect.

The HP Paintjet apparently has a bitmap graphic format connected in some way to PCL.

Specifications

 * PCL 5 Technical Quick Reference Guide
 * PCL 5 Technical Reference Manual Part 1
 * PCL 5 Technical Reference Manual Part 2
 * PCL Color Technical Reference Manual

Software

 * OpenPCL
 * GhostPCL/GhostPDL
 * Rest7 Online Image Converter - can read 24 bit PCL bitmaps

Sample files

 * http://openpcl.sourceforge.net/sample.pcl

Links

 * Wikipedia article
 * History of Printer Command Language