A PCL printer is a printer that understands and uses the Printer Control Language (PCL) to process and print documents sent from a computer or other device.
Understanding the Printer Control Language (PCL)
PCL stands for Printer Control Language. It is a common and widely used printing language that serves as a standard way for software applications and operating systems to communicate instructions to a printer. Initially developed by the Hewlett-Packard Company (PCL is a trademark of HP), its use has spread extensively across the printing industry.
Here's why PCL is so prevalent:
- Manufacturer Adoption: PCL is not exclusive to HP printers. As noted in information from 12-Jun-2020, it is used widely by many different printer manufacturers. This broad support means that devices from various companies can utilize this common language.
- Operating System Compatibility: PCL is supported by many different operating systems. This includes major platforms like Windows, macOS, and various Linux distributions.
- Environmental Flexibility: Due to its widespread support across manufacturers and operating systems, PCL allows for the same printer to work in many different environments. This simplifies setup and ensures compatibility in diverse IT infrastructures.
When you send a document to a PCL printer, your computer's operating system or the printing software translates the document into a series of PCL commands. The printer then interprets these commands to correctly render the text, images, and formatting onto the page.
Key Aspects of PCL Printers
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Language | Printer Control Language (PCL) |
| Developer | Hewlett-Packard Company (Trademark holder) |
| Usage | Common standard for computer-printer communication |
| Compatibility | Supported by many different printer manufacturers and operating systems |
| Benefit | Enables printers to work in many different environments |
PCL is known for being efficient for typical office printing tasks, making it a popular choice for general-purpose printers. Its strong compatibility across diverse systems is a significant advantage in environments with mixed technology.
