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# PCL Font Support Document

This document describes how to print PCL (HP's Printer Command Language) fonts to a PCL compatible printer. PCL fonts can be used on any operating system that can send files to a PCL compatible printer in binary mode. In MS DOS, this is performed by using the COPY command with the /B switch. More information about PCL issues may also be obtained in IDAutomation's PCL Support & Tutorial Document.

VERTICAL INDEX

When using PCL fonts with stacked barcode types such as DataBar Stacked and Expanded Stacked, an adjustment to the vertical motion index may be necessary to close or expand gaps between rows. To set the vertical motion index, issue the command before printing with the font. The code for the vertical motion index command is escape "<Ec>" + "&" + lowercase L "l" + Number Index + Capital "C". For example, when using the 12 point font named DB34-12.SFP, the vertical motion index of 17.8 is used as demonstrated in the TEST print for 12 point font.BAT file.

# FONT NAMING

NOTE: Sample fonts start with DBS instead of DB. Order Now to purchase the fully functional version.

All IDAutomation PCL fonts are 300 DPI. The syntax for naming the PCL fonts is as follows:
Font Type + height + point size + .SFP
For example, DB34-12.SFP is the DataBar font at 34(x) height and at 12 points.

### PCL FONT PRINTING EXAMPLE

Printing and testing the font from the command line is demonstrated in the TEST print for 12 point font.BAT file. The example file provided below is only one method of printing with PCL fonts. IDAutomation provides this example to test the PCL fonts and ensure they are compatible with the printer. The actual implementation will need to perform similar commands to copy the escape sequences and fonts to the printer as a single string of data. IDAutomation cannot perform consulting services to help with the implementation in your specific application because it is beyond the scope of our support policy with PCL fonts.

More Information:

PCL defines a standard set of commands that enable programs to communicate with PCL or PCL compatible printers. If you need further information about PCL commands, you may want to obtain the Technical Reference Manual set, part number 5021-0377. Order the manual set from HP's Support Materials Organization.

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