This page is here to assist you with various aspects of PCL code
 
 

1.  What does all this mean to me?

In most cases, the customer prints to our printers with a printer driver.  The driver sends the interprets the Print job and sends the correct PCL code to the printer.
In some cases however, (Dos, AS/400, Unix...) a specific Canon driver is not available.
In these situations, the customer must manually create their print jobs with correctly inserted PCL code for their specific requirements.
All Canon Black and White printers are based on HP PCL5e language (HP LaserJet 4si).  In most cases these codes are all the customer requires.
In some cases, PCL code specific to the Canon printer may be needed.
Canon supplies PCL code in user manuals and by electronic distribution.
It is up to the customer to create their print jobs with the supplied PCL code.  In most cases, a PCL programmer will be required.
Please ensure the customer is aware that Canon will not supply PCL programming services.

2.  How can I use the information in this page?

1.    Use the links on this page to learn about PCL code technology.
2.    Then get the PCL code specific to your requirements.
3.    If you are unsure of the exact code you need, sometimes printing from a Windows printer driver to "file" and viewing the code can give you clues.
4.    Now that you know the required PCL code, it must be included (Inserted or appended) with the customers print job.  It must be in the beginning of the job.
       (You will need to refer to the Customers Admin. or programmer for this step)
5.    Links in this page provide you with PCL viewers that make testing your code really easy and paper free.
6.    Send the code to the printer and hope all goes well.

3.  How can I obtain the PCL escape codes for my Canon printer?
 

*PDF's available for Faxing/E-mailing
**PCL escape codes location in back of User's printer documentation

I'm not to sure about products not yet in this chart.

4.  I'd like the PCL codes for a standard HP PCL 5 printer
5.  I need references for PCL 5 and PCL 6 technology
 
 
 

Here is a chart outlining links to PCL technology
 
 

6.  I need a PCL viewer to see PCL jobs or view PCL code data

Here are some links to some PCL viewers and tools.  These tools can be used to view PCL print jobs (Printed to File) as they would appear on the printed page.
Some of the tools allow you to see the interpreted raw PCL code in an easy to read format.
 
 

7.  I need the escape codes for Paper Source for my GP/iR product.

We get this question alot.  Here is a quick reference for you.
 

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If you find an error or wish to comment please let me know.