# PCL Font Support
How To Print PCL Fonts to a PCL Printer

NOTE: This sample Code 128 bar code font should only be used for testing and evaluation purposes because some of the characters contain the text "DEMO" in them which can cause scan errors. For testing purposes, a successful scan can be obtained by scanning the lower 25% of the barcode that does not contain any "DEMO" text in it. Also, in the evaluation version, human readable fonts are provided for character sets B and C but only at the "c" height. After you order the fully functional version, each of these is also supplied in the 6 different heights for a total of 90 different Code 128 PCL fonts. In addition, if you order a multi-user, corporate or distribution license for a product, we will be glad to create custom PCL fonts for you. Just forward your receipt to us with the Point Size, DPI and Orientation you need. PCL fonts have .SFP or .SFL extensions.

The syntax for naming the PCL fonts is as follows: Symbology + height + DPI "-" point size ".SFP". For example, C1C3-16.SFP is Code 128, size "C", 300 DPI at 16 points.

This document describes how to print PCL (HP's Printer Command Language) fonts to 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.

In the example below, the Ec represents the escape character for your software. In DOS Edit, Ec is represented by holding down the CTRL key and pressing the letter P, Releasing both keys and then press the ESC key.

## PCL PRINTING EXAMPLE

To download a font to your printer and assign it an ID number of 70 you would send the following commands to the printer:

    <Ec>*c70D  (tells the printer it will receive a soft font and to assign it an id of 70)
    Copy the font file to the printer
    <Ec>*c70D  (tells the printer it is finished receiving a soft font with an id of 70)
    <Ec>*c5F   (tells the printer to make this a permanent font)

    Next, to select this font we now need to send the following command to the printer:
    <Esc>(70X

After this command is sent, the characters of the font may be sent to create output.

With this example, we have created test files for you to do this from DOS using the MICR font. To perform the commands above do the following at the DOS prompt in the directory where you copied the PCL fonts to. NOTE: this example assumes you have a PCL printer attached to LPT1 port of a PC.

    COPY /B D1 LPT1

    COPY /B C1C3-16.SFP LPT1

    COPY /B D1 LPT1

    COPY /B D2 LPT1

    COPY /B PCLTEST LPT1

After you perform these binary copies to the printer, your printer should print out a sample of the font. View the files L1, L2 and PCLTEST with a standard text editor to view the commands in the files.

PCL defines a standard set of commands enabling 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.