PCL (Printer Control Language) is the language Hewlett-Packard printers use for MS-DOS/Window print jobs. You use PCL escape codes for printer instructions such as changing the default paper tray or page size. On Apple LaserWriter printers, you can only use PCL when you are printing from MS-DOS or Windows. You cannot use PCL from a Macintosh computer.
PCL codes are used within the application you are using, or you can create a file that contains the PCL code and send it to printer before you send a print job to the printer.
To enter <esc>, press the Ctrl-P keys followed by the Esc key.
Note: You must use an ASCII text editor like DOS EDIT. You cannot enter the <esc> character in some Windows-based editors like Notepad.
Changing Paper Trays
The HP PCL escape code sequence for selecting paper trays is:
<esc>&l#h
<esc> = escape character
l = lowercase L
# = refer to following values below:
0 - source current (default)
1 - 250 sheet cassette
2 - Multipurpose tray
4 - 500 sheet cassette
6 - Envelope Feeder
For example: To use the 500 sheet cassette, you use this escape code: <esc>&l4h
Changing Page Size
The HP PCL escape command for selecting the page size is:
<esc>&l#A
<esc> = escape character
l = lower case L
# = refers to the following page sizes:
2 - letter
3 - legal
1 - executive
26 - A4
80 - Monarch Envelope
81 - Comm. 10 Envelope
For example: To print on a legal-sized page, you send this escape code: <esc>&l3A
This article was published in the "Information Alley": Volume I, Issue 24, Page 14