M Series Label Printer

Models M48, M412, and M88

Programmer’s Reference Guide

Advancing the way the world prints labels…

2013 Revision 2.1

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Copyright 1998-2013
IntelliTech International Inc.
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All Rights Reserved
Contents

Preface ............................................................................................................................. xi
Abbreviations .................................................................................................................. xiii

Section 1 PCL Background

Page Characteristics ........................................................................................................ 1-1
Addressable Area ..................................................................................................... 1-1
PCL Coordinate System ........................................................................................... 1-1
Printable Area.................................................................................................................. 1-2
Orientation ............................................................................................................... 1-3
Range ................................................................................................................ 1-4
PCL Portrait Orientation Print Area ................................................................. 1-5
Landscape Orientation Print Area ..................................................................... 1-5
Character Clipping ............................................................................................ 1-6
Raster Graphic Clipping ................................................................................... 1-7

Section 2 IntelliBar Extensions to HP PCL Commands

Print and Format Command Extensions ......................................................................... 2-1
Variable Form Length .............................................................................................. 2-2
Setting Variable Form Length .......................................................................... 2-2
Disabling Variable Form Length ...................................................................... 2-4
Print Speed ............................................................................................................... 2-4
Print Density ............................................................................................................ 2-5
Print and Tear ........................................................................................................... 2-5
Print and Cut ............................................................................................................ 2-6
Pcl Bar Code Command Extensions ............................................................................... 2-6
Set Bar Code Type ................................................................................................... 2-7
Supported Bar Codes ........................................................................................ 2-7
Set Bar Code Height (Decipoints) ........................................................................... 2-7
Set Bar Code Height (Dots) ..................................................................................... 2-8
Set Bar Code Width (Dots) ...................................................................................... 2-8
Set Bar Code Ratio (Code 39, Extended 3 of 9, and Interleaved 2 of 5) ................. 2-8
Set Bar Code 128 Subset Mode ............................................................................... 2-8
Set UPC-E Bar Code Method .................................................................................. 2-9
iv Contents

Print Human-Readable Text .................................................................................... 2-9

Human-Readable Positioning with Bar Code ................................................... 2-9
Positioning after Printing a Bar Code ............................................................... 2-9
Printing in Notched Bar Code ........................................................................... 2-10
Calculate Optional Check Digit ............................................................................... 2-10
PDF417 Bar Code .................................................................................................... 2-11
Print Bar Code.......................................................................................................... 2-12
Auto Incrementing/Decrementing Fields ................................................................. 2-12
Bar Code Generation Example ................................................................................ 2-14

Section 3 HP PCL Print Commands

Reset ................................................................................................................................ 3-1
Number of Copies ........................................................................................................... 3-1
Long-Edge (Left) Offset Registration ............................................................................. 3-2
Short-Edge (TOP) Offset Registration ............................................................................ 3-2

Section 4 HP PCL Page Format Commands

Page Size ......................................................................................................................... 4-1
Page LENGTH ................................................................................................................ 4-2
Paper Source.................................................................................................................... 4-4
Orientation....................................................................................................................... 4-4
Print Direction ................................................................................................................. 4-5
Left Margin ..................................................................................................................... 4-6
Right Margin ................................................................................................................... 4-7
Top Margin...................................................................................................................... 4-7
Clear Horizontal Margins ................................................................................................ 4-8
Text Length ..................................................................................................................... 4-9
Perforation Skip .............................................................................................................. 4-9
Horizontal Motion Index ................................................................................................. 4-10
Vertical Motion Index ..................................................................................................... 4-10
Line Spacing.................................................................................................................... 4-11

Section 5 HP PCL Cursor Position Commands

Absolute/ Relative Position ............................................................................................. 5-1
Cursor Addressing Units ................................................................................................. 5-2
Horizontal Control (Columns) ........................................................................................ 5-3
 Contents v

Horizontal Control (Decipoints) ..................................................................................... 5-3

Horizontal Control (Dots) ............................................................................................... 5-4
Horizontal Control (Control Codes) ............................................................................... 5-4
CR – Carriage Return............................................................................................... 5-4
SP – Space................................................................................................................ 5-4
BS – Backspace........................................................................................................ 5-4
HT – Horizontal Tab ................................................................................................ 5-5
Vertical Control (Rows) .................................................................................................. 5-5
Vertical Control (Decipoints) .......................................................................................... 5-6
Vertical Control (Dots)) .................................................................................................. 5-6
Half-Line Feed) ............................................................................................................... 5-7
Vertical Control (Control Codes). ................................................................................... 5-7
LF – Line Feed ......................................................................................................... 5-7
FF – Form Feed ........................................................................................................ 5-7
Line Termination). .......................................................................................................... 5-7
Push/Pop Control). .......................................................................................................... 5-8

Section 6 HP PCL Font Characteristics

Font Selection By Characteristic ..................................................................................... 6-1
Priority of Characteristics ........................................................................................ 6-2
Location ................................................................................................................... 6-2
Orientation ............................................................................................................... 6-2
Number of Fonts ...................................................................................................... 6-3
Font Specification .................................................................................................... 6-3
Primary and Secondary Fonts.......................................................................................... 6-4
Symbol Set ...................................................................................................................... 6-4
Iso Symbol Sets ............................................................................................................... 6-6
Spacing ............................................................................................................................ 6-7
Pitch ................................................................................................................................ 6-8
Set Pitch Mode ................................................................................................................ 6-9
Height .............................................................................................................................. 6-9
Style................................................................................................................................. 6-10
Stroke Weight.................................................................................................................. 6-10
Typeface .......................................................................................................................... 6-12
Orientation....................................................................................................................... 6-13
Font Selection Example .................................................................................................. 6-13
Selection of the Default Font .......................................................................................... 6-15
vi Contents

Transparent Print Data .................................................................................................... 6-15

Underline Command ....................................................................................................... 6-16
HPGL/2 Font Selection ................................................................................................... 6-16
Primary Font (FI) ..................................................................................................... 6-16
Secondary Font (FN) ................................................................................................ 6-17
Scalable or Bitmap Fonts (SB)................................................................................. 6-18
Select Standard Font (SS) ........................................................................................ 6-19
Select Alternate Font (SA) ....................................................................................... 6-19
Absolute Direction (DI) ........................................................................................... 6-19
Relative Direction (DR) ........................................................................................... 6-21
Absolute Character Size (SI).................................................................................... 6-21
Relative Character Size (SR) ................................................................................... 6-22
Character Slant (SL)................................................................................................. 6-23
Extra Space (ES) ...................................................................................................... 6-24
Standard Font Definition (SD) ................................................................................. 6-25
Alternate Font Definition (AD)................................................................................ 6-26
Character Fill Mode (CF) ......................................................................................... 6-27
Label Origin (LO) .................................................................................................... 6-28
Label (LB) ................................................................................................................ 6-29
Define Label Terminator (DT) ................................................................................. 6-30
Character Plot (CP) .................................................................................................. 6-30
Transparent Data (TD) ............................................................................................. 6-31
Define Variable Text Path (DV) .............................................................................. 6-32

Section 7 HP PCL Font Management and Soft Font Downloading

Downloading Soft Fonts ................................................................................................. 7-1
Temporary/ Permanent Fonts .......................................................................................... 7-2
Font Control .................................................................................................................... 7-2
Font Selection By Id ........................................................................................................ 7-3

Section 8 HP PCL Soft Font Design

Coordinate System .......................................................................................................... 8-1
Font Descriptor Format ................................................................................................... 8-2
Font Descriptor Size (UI) ......................................................................................... 8-4
Font Type (UB) ........................................................................................................ 8-4
Descriptor Format .................................................................................................... 8-4
Baseline Distance (UI) ............................................................................................. 8-5
 Contents vii

Cell Width (UI) ........................................................................................................ 8-5

Cell Height (UI) ....................................................................................................... 8-5
Orientation (UB) ...................................................................................................... 8-5
Spacing (B) .............................................................................................................. 8-5
Symbol Set (UI) ....................................................................................................... 8-5
Pitch (UI).................................................................................................................. 8-7
Height (UI) ............................................................................................................... 8-8
x#Height (UI) ........................................................................................................... 8-8
Width Type (SB) ...................................................................................................... 8-8
Style (UB) ................................................................................................................ 8-8
Stroke Weight (SB) .................................................................................................. 8-8
Typeface ................................................................................................................... 8-9
Serif Style (UB) ....................................................................................................... 8-9
Underline Distance (SB) .......................................................................................... 8-9
Underline Height (UB)............................................................................................. 8-10
Text Height (UI)....................................................................................................... 8-10
Text Width (UI) ....................................................................................................... 8-10
Pitch Extended (UB) ................................................................................................ 8-10
Height Extended (UB) ............................................................................................. 8-10
Font Name (ASC16) ................................................................................................ 8-10
FONT Descriptor (Font Header) COMMAND ............................................................... 8-10
CHARACTER DESCRIPTOR AND DATA FORMAT......................................... 8-12
Format (UB) ............................................................................................................. 8-13
Continuation (B) ...................................................................................................... 8-13
Descriptor Size (UB)................................................................................................ 8-14
Class (UB) ................................................................................................................ 8-14
Orientation (UB) ...................................................................................................... 8-14
Left Offset (SI) ......................................................................................................... 8-14
Top Offset (SI) ......................................................................................................... 8-14
Character Width (UI) ............................................................................................... 8-14
Character Height (UI) .............................................................................................. 8-14
Delta X (SI) .............................................................................................................. 8-15
Character Data.......................................................................................................... 8-15
Character Code ................................................................................................................ 8-16
Download CHARACTER ............................................................................................... 8-16
viii Contents

Section 9 HP PCL Graphics Commands

Raster Graphics ............................................................................................................... 9-1
Raster Graphics Resolution...................................................................................... 9-3
Raster Graphics Presentation ................................................................................... 9-3
Raster Height Command .......................................................................................... 9-4
Raster Width Command........................................................................................... 9-5
Start Raster Graphics ............................................................................................... 9-5
Raster Y Offset Command ....................................................................................... 9-6
Set Compression Method Command ....................................................................... 9-6
Transfer Raster Data ................................................................................................ 9-7
End Raster Graphics ................................................................................................ 9-7
Raster Graphics Example ................................................................................................ 9-8
Fill Graphics .................................................................................................................... 9-10
Horizontal Rectangle Size (Decipoints)................................................................... 9-10
Horizontal Rectangle Size (Dots) ............................................................................ 9-11
Vertical Rectangle Size ............................................................................................ 9-11
Vertical Rectangle Size (Dots) ................................................................................. 9-11
Area Fill (Pattern ID) ............................................................................................... 9-12
Fill Rectangle Area .................................................................................................. 9-15
Rectangle Area Fill Examples.................................................................................. 9-15
Pcl Print Model ............................................................................................................... 9-18
Select Source Transparency Mode ........................................................................... 9-19
Select Pattern Transparency Mode........................................................................... 9-20
Select Pattern Command .......................................................................................... 9-20
Vector Graphics .............................................................................................................. 9-20
HPGL/2 Plot Horizontal Size................................................................................... 9-20
HPGL/2 Plot Vertical Size ....................................................................................... 9-21
Set Picture Frame Anchor Point .............................................................................. 9-21
Picture Frame Horizontal Size (Decipoints) ............................................................ 9-22
Picture Frame Vertical Size (Decipoints) ................................................................ 9-23
HPGL/2 Graphics ............................................................................................................ 9-23
Enter HPGL/2 Mode ................................................................................................ 9-24
Enter PCL Mode ...................................................................................................... 9-24
Line and Fill Attributes Group ................................................................................. 9-24
Line Type (LT).................................................................................................. 9-24
Line Attributes (LA) ......................................................................................... 9-25
 Contents ix

Number of Pens (NP)........................................................................................ 9-26

Pen Width (PW)................................................................................................ 9-26
Pen Width Unit Selection (WU) ....................................................................... 9-26
Select Pen (SP) ................................................................................................. 9-27
Symbol Mode (SM) .......................................................................................... 9-28
Fill Type (FT) ................................................................................................... 9-29
Anchor (AC) ..................................................................................................... 9-30
Raster Fill Definition (RF)................................................................................ 9-30
User Defined Line Type (UL) ........................................................................... 9-31
Screened Vectors (SV)...................................................................................... 9-32
Transparency Mode (TR) .................................................................................. 9-33
Vector Group Commands ........................................................................................ 9-34
Arc Absolute (AA)............................................................................................ 9-34
Arc Relative (AR) ............................................................................................. 9-35
Absolute Arc Three Point (AT) ........................................................................ 9-35
Plot Absolute (PA) ............................................................................................ 9-36
Plot Relative (PR) ............................................................................................. 9-36
Pen Down (PD) ................................................................................................. 9-37
Pen Up (PU) ...................................................................................................... 9-37
Relative Arc Three Point (RT).......................................................................... 9-38
Polyline Encoded (PE) ...................................................................................... 9-39
Polygon Group Commands ...................................................................................... 9-40
Circle (CI) ......................................................................................................... 9-40
Edge Rectangle Absolute (EA) ......................................................................... 9-41
Fill Rectangle Absolute (RA) ........................................................................... 9-41
Fill Rectangle Relative (RR)............................................................................. 9-42
Edge Rectangle Relative (ER) .......................................................................... 9-43
Fill Wedge (WG) .............................................................................................. 9-43
Edge Wedge (EW) ............................................................................................ 9-44
Polygon Mode (PM) ......................................................................................... 9-44
Fill Polygon (FP) .............................................................................................. 9-45
Edge Polygon (EP) ............................................................................................ 9-46
Configuration and Status Group .............................................................................. 9-46
Scale (SC) ......................................................................................................... 9-46
Input Window (IW) .......................................................................................... 9-47
Input Relative P1 and P2 (IR) ........................................................................... 9-48
Default Values (DF).......................................................................................... 9-49
x Contents

Initialize (IN) .................................................................................................... 9-50

Rotate Coordinate System (RO) ....................................................................... 9-51
Advance Full Page (PG) ................................................................................... 9-52
Replot (RP) ....................................................................................................... 9-53

Section 10 HP PCL Macro Commands and Programming Hints

Creating a Macro ............................................................................................................. 10-1
Controlling a Macro ........................................................................................................ 10-1
Temporary/Permanent Macros ........................................................................................ 10-2
Macro Id .......................................................................................................................... 10-3
Macro Control ................................................................................................................. 10-3
Macro Example ............................................................................................................... 10-4
Programming Hints ......................................................................................................... 10-5
End of Line Wrap ..................................................................................................... 10-5
Display Functions Mode .......................................................................................... 10-5

Section 11 IntelliBar SAP Device Types

SAP Printing with IntelliBar PCL Command Extensions............................................... 11-1
IntelliBar SAP Device Types .......................................................................................... 11-1
Installation of IntelliBar SAP Device Types ................................................................... 11-1
IntelliBar ABAP List and SAPScript Format Types ....................................................... 11-2
SAP Standard Bar Code Print Controls .......................................................................... 11-3
IntelliBar SAP Device Type Print Control Commands................................................... 11-5

Index

Figures
1-1 PCL Coordinate System.................................................................................... 1-2
1-2 Printable Area ................................................................................................... 1-3
1-3 Orientation Examples ....................................................................................... 1-4
1-4 PCL Portrait Orientation Print Area ................................................................. 1-5
1-5 Landscape Orientation Print Area ..................................................................... 1-6
1-6 Character Clipping ............................................................................................ 1-6
1-7 Raster Graphic Clipping ................................................................................... 1-7

2-1 Internal Bar Code Example............................................................................... 2-14

 Contents xi

4-1 Orientation Features .......................................................................................... 4-5

4-2 Top Margin Cursor Position ............................................................................. 4-8

5-1 Cursor Positioning ............................................................................................ 5-2

8-1 Physical Coordinate System ............................................................................. 8-1

8-2 Character Cell ................................................................................................... 8-2
8-3 Character Descriptor and Data Format ............................................................. 8-12
8-4 Character Descriptors/Data Continuation Block .............................................. 8-13
8-5 Portrait Character Example............................................................................... 8-15
8-6 Landscape Character Example .......................................................................... 8-16
8-7 Portrait Character Data Example ...................................................................... 8-18
8-8 Landscape Character Data Example ................................................................. 8-20

9-1 Star-Shaped Raster Image ................................................................................. 9-2

9-2 Dot Translation ................................................................................................. 9-3
9-3 Raster Graphics Presentation ............................................................................ 9-4
9-4 Example of Raster Graphic Image Data ........................................................... 9-9
9-5 Example of Raster Graphic ImageTransfer ...................................................... 9-10
9-6 Shading Levels .................................................................................................. 9-13
9-7 Fill Patterns ....................................................................................................... 9-14
9-8 Solid Fill Example ............................................................................................ 9-16
9-9 Shaded Fill Example ......................................................................................... 9-17
9-10 Patterned Fill Example ..................................................................................... 9-18
9-11 Print Model Imaging ......................................................................................... 9-19

11-1 IntelliBar Initialization Format Types............................................................... 11-1

11-2 IntelliBar Device Type Variable Form Length Command Values ................... 11-2
11-3 IntelliBar Device Type Default Print Speed Command Values ....................... 11-3
11-4 Standard SAP Bar Code Commands ................................................................ 11-4
11-5 PCL Command Cross Reference to SAP Z Print Control Command Codes.... 11-5
Preface

This IntelliBar M Series Programmer’s Reference Guide contains programming and

hardware interface information written for programmers who want to generate labels from
a data stream.*
An understanding of the HP PCL language, ASCII coding, hexadecimal numbers, and
BASIC programming is useful when referencing several of the sections in this manual.
The manual is organized as follows:
A list of the abbreviations used in this manual follows the preface.
Section 1 HP PCL Background describes page characteristics, the HP PCL coordinate
system, and the printable area of a label.
Section 2 IntelliBar M Series Extensions to HP PCL Commands describes print and
format command extensions and bar code generation command extensions.
Section 3 HP PCL Print Commands describes standard HP PCL commands you can use
to control the printing operation.
Section 4 HP PCL Page Format Commands describes page format commands you can
use to set page length, margins, orientation, and other features.
Section 5 HP PCL Cursor Position Commands explains commands you can use to set
the active print position (or cursor position) in the printable area of the label.
Section 6 HP PCL Font Characteristics discusses the characteristics of a font and the
commands you can use to select a font for printing. It also describes primary and
secondary fonts.
Section 7 HP PCL Font Management and Soft Font Downloading describes the
commands you use to download soft fonts to the printer’s virtual memory, as well as
commands for deleting a font.
Section 8 HP PCL Soft Font Design explains the commands and criteria you use to
design a soft font.
Section 9 HP PCL Graphics Commands provides the commands you use to create raster
images and fill (or shade) graphics.
Section 10 HP PCL Macro Commands and Programming Hints explains how you can
create and control temporary and permanent macros to make more efficient use of your
printer. This appendix also contains information useful for PCL software development.
Section 11 IntelliBar M Series SAP Device Types a reference for programming the
custom SAP device types for IntelliBar M Series printers.
xxii Preface

RELATED DOCUMENTS
The following documents provide detailed information about the IntelliBar M Series
printer and PCL 5:
 IntelliBar M Series User’s Guide
describes the operation of the IntelliBar M Series printer. Available from
IntelliTech International, Inc.
 PCL Printer Language Technical Reference Manual
describes the PCL 5 language codes and escape sequences for experienced users
and programmers. Available from Hewlett-Packard (Part number 5961-0509)
 Printer Job Language Technical Reference Manual
describes the printer job language (PJL) for experienced users and programmers
Available from Hewlett-Packard (Part number 5961-0509)
 PCL/PJL Technical Quick Reference Guide
Available from Hewlett-Packard (Part number 5961-0512)

NOTE: For updates on IntelliBar M Series

printer specifications and other information
about Intellitech International, Inc. products,
visit our Web site at http://www.intellitech-
intl.com.

*
"This information is subject to change without notice. This information is provided "as is" without either express or
implied warranty. IntelliTech International, Inc. disclaims any and all warranties with regard to this information.
IntelliTech shall not be liable in any event for any special, indirect or consequential damages or any damages whatsoever
 Preface xxiii

resulting from loss of data, profits or use, for any reason or in any action, arising out of or in connection with the use or
performance of this information. "
Section 1

PCL Background
PAGE CHARACTERISTICS
This section describes the system and page characteristics. The IntelliBar printer defines a
label (or page) by using the HP PCL coordinate system.*

Addressable Area
The addressable area describes the area within which the active printing position (or cur-
sor) can move to print. By using the cursor positioning commands (see Section 4), you can
move the cursor to different locations within the addressable area. You cannot move the
cursor outside the area.

PCL Coordinate System

The PCL coordinate system uses an x-y axis with its origin (point 0,0) on the left edge and
at the top margin of the addressable area. Figure 1-1 shows the coordinate system. The po-
sition of the origin can change if the top margin position is changed through a printer
command.
1-2 PCL Background

Figure 1-1 PCL Coordinate System

Points within the PCL coordinate system can be expressed in dots, decipoints, columns (for
the x-axis) and rows (for the y-axis).
The dot represents the smallest printable point with a size equal to 1/300 inch. Printer reso-
lution refers to the number of dots per inch.

PRINTABLE AREA
The printable area refers to that part of the label where printing is possible. Within the area,
the printer can position at least one dot. Figure 1-2 shows the printable area.
 PCL Background 1-3

4.625 Inches (117.475 mm) maximum

web width (Model 48 and 412)
9.625 Inches (244.475 mm) maximum
web width (Model 88)
Printable widths:

4.5 Inches
(114.3 mm) maximum
(Model 48 and 412)
.08 Inches (2mm)
Unprintable Area 8.75 Inches
Top and Bottom
(222.25 mm) maximum
AAAAAAA.......................................AAAA
(Model 88)

.08 Inches
(2mm) Min. gap
for die-cut labels
.52 Inches (13mm)
Min. Label Length
for die-cut labels
98.8 Inches (2.51m)
Max. Label Length
for die-cut labels

Label Web Width

Figure 1-2 Printable Area

Orientation
The printable area defined in PCL can have either of two standard orientations: portrait or
landscape. The relationship between the printable area and the two orientations is shown in
following figures. Portrait orientation can be used for most printing applications. Land-
scape orientation is useful for printing larger labels.
1-4 PCL Background

Range
The IntelliBar printer can print in four different orientation ranges:
 portrait (0 degrees rotation)
 landscape (90 degrees rotation)
 reverse portrait (180 degrees rotation)
 reverse landscape (270 degrees rotation).

This range of orientations provides tremendous versatility for printing complex label de-
signs. Figure 1-3 provides an example of each orientation.

Figure 1-3 Orientation Examples

 PCL Background 1-5

PCL Portrait Orientation Print Area

Figure 1-4 shows the PCL portrait orientation print area.

Figure 1-4 PCL Portrait Orientation Print Area

Landscape Orientation Print Area

Figure 1-5 shows the landscape orientation print area.
1-6 PCL Background

Figure 1-5 Landscape Orientation Print Area

Character Clipping
The printable area has tightly defined boundaries. If any part of a character falls outside of
the printable area, it will not print. The printer will treat the character as a space (see
Figure 1-6).

Release Paper Edge

Resulting Print

Figure 1-6 Character Clipping

 PCL Background 1-7

Raster Graphic Clipping

If raster graphics or rules are being printed and the cursor is initially positioned within the
printable area, only that portion of the image that is outside the printable area will be
clipped (see Figure 1-7).

Figure 1-7 Raster Graphic Clipping

*
"This information is subject to change without notice. This information is provided "as is" without either express or
implied warranty. IntelliTech International, Inc. disclaims any and all warranties with regard to this information.
IntelliTech shall not be liable in any event for any special, indirect or consequential damages or any damages whatsoever
resulting from loss of data, profits or use, for any reason or in any action, arising out of or in connection with the use or
performance of this information. "
Section 2

IntelliBar M Series Extensions to HP

PCL Commands
This section describes IntelliBar M Series HP PCL print and format command extensions
and bar code generation command extensions.*

PRINT AND FORMAT COMMAND EXTENSIONS

The following print and format extension commands have been added to the existing
IntelliBar HP PCL5 command set to take full advantage of features found in the printer.

NOTE: If you are using multiple print and

format extension commands to control the
printer, the IntelliBar M Series PCL5 Extension
Commands should be sent in the following
order.

 Variable Form Length— defines printable area on labels longer or shorter than 11
inches, clarifies label length and character clipping
 Print Speed — controls the IntelliBar M Series printing speed
 Density — controls print density (lightness/darkness of printed image)
 Print and Tear — executes the tear command
 Print and Cut — controls the operation of the optional cutter bar

You can easily control printer operation using these five extension commands (plus the
standard HP PCL reset, number of copies, and text position commands described in
Section 3).
In the following sections, the name of the command is followed by the escape sequence, its
decimal and hex formats, and a description of how to use the command.
2-2 IntelliBar M Series Extensions to HP PCL Commands

Variable Form Length

ESC !f1Z
Decimal: 027 033 102 049 090
Hex: 1B 21 66 31 5A
Use the Variable Form Length command to define the size of printable area on the label,
clarify the label length, and eliminate character clipping.
This command enables variable form length and sets the job (page) size to the last selected
value (Letter, Executive, A4, Legal, COM-10, Monarch C5, or DL).
Variable Form Length consists of a command group used to define labels longer or shorter
than 11-inches. The command group includes
 Setting Variable Form Length
 Disabling Variable Form Length

In all cases, the top of the logical page corresponds to the top of the printable area.
If “Ignore Margins” is set using the control panel menu buttons, or if a host command is
received to set the top margin to zero (0), the vertical cursor position of 0 is printable as the
first printable scan line on the page. (Vertical cursor positioning in PCL is relative to the
top margin). The exact location of this scan line varies with the setting of the Print Position
command in the Adjustment Menu (+ 3 mm).
See “Left Margin,” “Right Margin,” and “Top Margin” in Section 3 for information on
margin settings for standard label sizes.
Use the following software command group to define the printable area of labels larger or
smaller than 11 in. The allowable range of values is 0.5 in. to 99 in.

Setting Variable Form Length

This command is used to define labels longer or shorter than 11-inches. The allowable
range is 0.5 inches to 99 inches.
ESC !f#Z
Decimal: 027 033 102 #..# 090
Hex: 1B 21 66 #..# 5A
#: 1 = enables variable form length and sets job (page) size to the last selected value.
# = enables variable form length and sets page length to #, where # is the form
length in printer scan lines. There are 300 scan lines per inch.
0 = disables the variable form feature
This command sets the form length by measuring the length of the label and multiplying by
300. For example, a five-inch label has 1500 scan lines (5 x 300).
 IntelliBar M Series Extensions to HP PCL Commands 2-3

Continuous Media
For continuous media, setting the Variable Form Length command causes a soft engine
reset to be executed with the label pitch length set to the form length +2 mm gap.
Therefore, the logical paper length (bitmap size) and the paper movement are always
synchronized.
If Variable Form Length is not set, or the form length is set to 0, or a reset (ESC E) is
received, the logical paper length and paper movement are set from the control panel using
the “Operator Panel” parameter under “Label Menu.”

NOTE: Under “Label Menu”, there exists a

“Label Measurement” selection that contains
three choices: “Automatic”, “Fixed,” or
“Operator Panel.” This selection determines how
the printer synchronizes form length and label
length. For example, when set to “Automatic,”
the printer advances a certain number of die-cut
labels during power-up in order to calculate label
and label gap lengths. When set to “Fixed,” the
value calculated from the last “Automatic”
measurement is stored and used at power-up.
This prevents feeding of blank labels. When set
to “Operator Panel,” you must manually enter
the label length and label gap length into
NVRAM for use during power-up calculations.
“Operator Panel” is primarily used for
continuous label, ticket, or tag media.

Die Cut Media

For die-cut media, the Variable Form Length command changes the logical paper length
(bitmap size) to the specified length. However, the pitch length in the printer remains as
“Measured” (read by the “Fixed” control panel setting) or it can be set using the “Operator
Panel” parameter under “Label Menu.” If the specified form length is less than the printer’s
value, white space shows in each label. If the specified form length is greater than the
printer’s value, the page will be formatted internally as specified, but all printing outside
the engine printable area will be clipped. This is consistent with the PCL command
language and allows relative movements from the bottom of the edge of the logical page to
position correctly.
Within “Label Menu” exists a “Label Measurement” selection that contains three choices:
“Automatic”, “Fixed”, and “Operator Panel”. These selections determine how the printer
synchronizes form length and label length.
2-4 IntelliBar M Series Extensions to HP PCL Commands

If no Variable Form Length command is received, or the form length is set to 0, or a reset
(ESC E) command is received, the logical paper length and the paper movement are
determined by the value measured by the control panel’s “Automatic” or “Fixed” or
“Operator Panel” parameters. (The self-test is printed under these conditions.)
In PCL, Line Feeds off the bottom of the logical page cause a form feed, but vertical cursor
positioning commands off the bottom of the logical page position the cursor to the logical
page limit without printing the page.

Disabling Variable Form Length

ESC!f0Z
Decimal: 027 033 102 048 090
Hex: 1B 21 66 30 5A
This command disables the Variable Form feature.

Print Speed
ESC !p###S
Decimal: 027 033 112 ### 83
Hex: 1B 21 70 ## 53
where ### is a number (mm) that represents increasing print speeds (see Table 2-1).
This command controls the IntelliBar M Series printing speed. For example, ESC !p15S
sets the printing speed to 15 mm/sec (0.6 in/sec).

Table 2-1 IntelliBar M Series Print Speed Command Codes

### Value Print Speed

15 15 mm/sec (0.6 in/sec)

20 20 mm/sec (0.8 in/sec)
30 30 mm/sec (1.2 in/sec)
40 40 mm/sec (1.6 in/sec)
60 60 mm/sec (2.4 in/sec)
80 80 mm/sec (3.1 in/sec)
100 100 mm/sec (3.9 in/sec)
120 120 mm/sec (4.7 in/sec)
150 150 mm/sec (5.9 in/sec)
200 200 mm/sec (7.9 in/sec)
250 250 mm/sec (9.8 in/sec)
300 300 mm/sec (11.8 in/sec)
 IntelliBar M Series Extensions to HP PCL Commands 2-5

Print Density
ESC !d##A
Decimal: 027 033 100 ## 65
Hex: 1B 21 64 ## 41
##: print head voltage adjustment value
This command lets you adjust the black/white contrast between the output and the label
(print density) by adjusting the temperature of the print head.
ESC!d##A sets the print density for all subsequent printing, where ## = -15 to +15 (default
is 0). Positive values for ## increase voltage and result in darker print; negative values
decrease voltage and result in lighter print.
For example, ESC!d-3 sets the print density to a value of -3.

Print and Tear

ESC !n##T
Decimal: 027 033 110 ## 084
Hex:: 1B 21 6E ## 54
where ## equals the tear-off frequency (1 to 99, default = 1)
This command instructs the printer to print (##) labels, and then the printer pauses (with
the “Tear Off Label” instruction appearing in the control panel LCD). The bottom of the
last printed label is positioned at the tear bar for easy tear off. After you tear off the label
stock, printing resumes automatically for the next ## labels.
For example, ESC !n3T issues a pause after every 3 labels.

NOTE: If the number of labels in the print job

is less than the tear-off frequency (##), the “Tear
Off Label” instruction is not displayed on the
control panel LCD, and the bottom of the last
printed label is not positioned at the tear bar.
For example, if the tear-off frequency is set to 15
(ESC!n15T) and the total number of labels to be
printed is 20, you are prompted to tear off labels
after the 15th label. After you have torn off the
label, the remaining five labels print to the
bottom of the 20th label positioned under the
print head, not the tear bar.
2-6 IntelliBar M Series Extensions to HP PCL Commands

Print and Cut

ESC !n##C
Decimal: 027 033 110 ## 067
Hex: 1B 21 6E ## 43
where ## equals the cut-off frequency (1 to 99, default = 1)
Use this command to control how many labels pass through the output slot before a cutting
action occurs. For example, ESC !n3C issues a cut after every 3 labels.

NOTE: If the number of labels in the print job

is less than the cut-off frequency (##), the last
printed label is not cut.
For example, if the cut-off frequency is set to 15
(ESC!n15C) and the total number of labels to be
printed is 20, cutting occurs after the 15th label.
The remaining five labels will print, but no
cutting occurs after the 20th label.

PCL BAR CODE COMMAND EXTENSIONS

Use the following command extensions to create bar codes with the printer’s internal bar
code capability. Familiarity with HP PCL is required.

NOTE: When using multiple bar code

commands, send them in the following order:
First command = Set Bar Code Type
Second command = Set Bar Code Height,
Width, etc. (specific order does not matter
Third command = Print Bar Code
 IntelliBar M Series Extensions to HP PCL Commands 2-7

Set Bar Code Type

ESC!b#C
Decimal: 027 033 098 # 067
where # is a number that sets the bar code type as follows:
0 only print text (default)
1 UPC-A
2 UPC-E
5 Code 39
12 Code 93
... etc (see below).

Supported Bar Codes

The type of bar code that you wish to produce is passed to Bar Code Library as a number in
the Bar Type parameter. The following is a list of numbers to use for each bar code type:
1 UPC-A
2 UPC-E
3 EAN/JAN-13 (with or without 2 or 5 digit supplements)
4 EAN/JAN-8 (with or without 2 or 5 digit supplements)
5 3 of 9 (Code 39)
6 Extended 3 of 9
7 Interleaved 2 of 5
8 Code 128
9 Codabar
10 Zip + 4 Postnet
11 MSI Plessey
12 Code 93
14 UCC-128
15 HIBC
16 UPC/EAN extension (2 or 5 digit supplemental)
17 PDF 417

Set Bar Code Height (Decipoints)

ESC!b#H
Decimal: 027 033 098 # 072
where # is a number that sets the bar code height in decipoints (1/720 inch)
Default = 720 decipoints (1 inch)
2-8 IntelliBar M Series Extensions to HP PCL Commands

Set Bar Code Height (Dots)

ESC!b#J
Decimal: 027 033 098 # 074
where # is a number that sets the bar code height in picture elements (pixels) (1/300 inch)
Default = 300 pixels (1 inch)

Set Bar Code Width (Dots)

ESC!b#N
Decimal: 027 033 098 # 078
where # is a number that sets the width of a narrow bar in dots (1/300 inch for IntelliBar)
Default = 2 dots
Range 1 to 6

Set Bar Code Ratio (Code 39, Extended 3 of 9, and Interleaved 2 of 5)

ESC!b#R
Decimal: 027 033 098 # 082
where # is a number that sets the ratio of wide to narrow bars as follows:
1 Ratio of 2 to 1
2 Ratio of 5 to 2 (narrow bar is double setting of width)
3 Ratio of 3 to 1 (default)

Set Bar Code 128 Subset Mode

ESC!b#S
Decimal: 027 033 098 # 083
where # is a number that sets subset mode for Code 128 bar codes as follows:
0 Automatic subset switching (default)
1 Subset A (upper case/control characters)
2 Subset A (upper and lower case characters)
3 Subset A (double density numbers)
 IntelliBar M Series Extensions to HP PCL Commands 2-9

Set UPC-E Bar Code Method

ESC!b#E
Decimal: 027 033 098 # 069
where # is a number that sets the UPC-E bar code method as follows:
0 Requires 11 digits to print 6 digit bar code (default)
1 System 0 (6 digit input string)
2 System 1 (6 digit input string)

Print Human-Readable Text

ESC!b#T
Decimal: 027 033 098 # 084
where # is a number that determines the position of human-readable text as follows
(printed with the currently selected font):
0 Disable (default)
1 Enable printing below barcode with check digit
2 Enable printing below bar code with check digit
3 Enable printing above bar code without check digit
4 Enable printing above bar code without check digit
5 Enable printing in NOTCHED bar code with check digit
6 Enable printing in NOTCHED bar code without check digit

The following symbologies print the human-readable check digit in the text (if enabled):
UPC-A Code 39 Interleaved 2 of 5
EAN/JAN-8 Extended 3 of 9 Codabar
EAN/JAN-13 Code 93 HIBC
UCC-128 Extended 93 MSI Plessey (Mod 10)

Human-Readable Positioning with Bar Code

The text is centered horizontally above or below the bar code. Text printed above the bar
code has a baseline at 1/4 of the vertical motion index (VMI) + 5 scan lines above the top
of the bar code. This leaves space for decenders and 5 blank scan lines. Text printed below
the bar code has a baseline at 1 VMI below the bottom of the bar code.

Positioning after Printing a Bar Code

The horizontal position is restored. The vertical position is at the scan line after the bottom
of the bar code if no text is printed or if the text is printed above the bar code. The vertical
position is a VMI (line feed) below the text if text is printed below the bar code.
2-10 IntelliBar M Series Extensions to HP PCL Commands

Printing in Notched Bar Code

The NOTCHED option only applies to UPC-A, UPC-E, EAN-8, and EAN-13 bar code
types (and only if 2 or 5 supplemental digit code is not included). If the supplemental digits
are included in these four bar code types, NOTCHED printing is ignored and printing
defaults to below the bar code.
It is important that the application selects an appropriate size font and set the vertical
motion index (VMI) accordingly when using the NOTCHED option. The depth of the
NOTCH is 1/2 of the VMI and the characters are printed with the baseline at 3/4 of the
VMI from the top of the notched area. The characters are evenly spaced within the notched
area.

Calculate Optional Check Digit

ESC!b#K
Decimal: 027 033 098 # 075
where # is a number that enables/disables optional check digit calculation as follows:
0 Disable(default)
1 Enable
2 Enable optional second check digit

The following symbologies print the human-readable check digit in the text (if enabled):
UPC-A Code 39 Interleaved 2 of 5
EAN/JAN-8 Extended 3 of 9 Codabar
EAN/JAN-13 Code 93 HIBC
UCC-128 Extended 93 MSI Plessey (Mod 10)

The following symbologies always calculate a checksum:

UPC-A Code 128
UPC-E UCC-128
EAN/JAN-8 MSI Plessey (Mod 10)
EAN/JAN-13 Zip+4 Postnet

The following symbologies calculate a checksum if Optional Check Digit is enabled:

Code 39 Extended 39
HIBC Code 93
Extended 93 Interleaved 2 of 5
Codabar (Mod 16) MSI Plessey 2 (Mod 10)
 IntelliBar M Series Extensions to HP PCL Commands 2-11

Setting the Optional Check Digit to 2 has the following effect:

Codabar calculates Mod 10 checksum.
MSI Plessey calculates 1 Mod 11 and Mod 10 checksum.

PDF417 Bar Code

PDF417 bar code capability is implemented with the following features.
Additional # for Bar Code Type selection:
ESC!b#c – Set Bar Code Type, where # is:
17 = PDF417 type bar code
Escape sequences:
ESC!b#B – Enable/disable Binary Only Mode, where # is:
0 – disable Binary Only Mode (default)
1 – enable Binary Only mode (determinant symbol size)
ESC!b#D – Set RESOLUTION for encoding data to printer.
Default = 100 DPI
Range: 75, 100, 150, 300
ESC!b#F – Enable/Disable TRUNCATED PDF symbols.
0 – disable Truncated Mode (default)
1 – enable Enable Truncated Mode
ESC!b#L – Set ECC (Error Correction Code) LEVEL
Default = 0 (i.e. Use Percentage command “ESC!b#P”).
Range: 0 through 8
ESC!b#P – Set ECC LEVEL as a PERCENTAGE of data code words
Default = 10 (10% of data code words).
Range: 0 through 400
ESC!b#Q – Set mode for stripping bits to compensate for bleeding.
0 – no reduction (default)
1 – reduce Bar Height (only valid if Y SCALE > 1)
2 – reduce Bar Width (only valid if X SCALE > 1)
3 – reduce both Bar Height and Bar Width(valid as above)
ESC!b#U – Set Row count used for sizing a PDF symbol.
Default = 0
Range: 0, 3 through 90
2-12 IntelliBar M Series Extensions to HP PCL Commands

ESC!b#V – Set Column count used for sizing the PDF symbol.
Default = 0
Range: 0 through 30
If both ROW and COLUMN count are defaulted to 0, the bar code aspect
ratio is set to 1:2, i. e., the bar code will be twice as wide as it is high
ESC!b#X – Set X Scale, also known as X Element Size (multiple of Resolution) in
mils (thousandths of an inch)
Default = 1
Range 1 through 20
An X Scale of 1 with a Resolution of 100 DPI generates an X Element Size of
10 mil.
ESC!b#Y – Set Y Scale (also known as module aspect ratio), which sets the row
height as an integer multiple of the X element size.
Default = 3
Range 1 through 10

Print Bar Code

ESC!b#W [data]
Decimal: 027 033 098 # 087
Prints the bar code for the given # of characters of ASCII data at the current position. Prints
only text if the Bar Code Type is 0.
If a bar code is being printed, the top, left corner of the bar code will be at the current
position. If only text is being printed, the left, baseline of the first character will be at the
current position. (The only reason for using this command to print only text is in order to
utilize the auto-incrementing option (see below).

Auto Incrementing/Decrementing Fields

This feature lets you automatically increment or decrement fields when multiple copies of a
page are requested. The following two extension commands are available:
ESC!b#I
where # is a number that increments/decrements subsequent bar code or string fields as
follows:
0 Disables incrementing fields (default)
1 to 32767 Increments field by the specified number
-1 to -32767 Decrements field by the absolute value of the specified number. The
field is scanned from right to left until a numeric character is
encountered to use as a starting value. The width of the field remains
constant. Therefore, leading spaces or zeroes should be used as place
holders for the largest number expected (see the following).
 IntelliBar M Series Extensions to HP PCL Commands 2-13

ESC!b#Z
where # is a number that enables/disables printing of leading zeroes in incrementing fields
as follows:
0 Disable (default). Use spaces as placeholders. When the field value is zero, the
final zero is not suppressed.
1 Enable (use zeroes as placeholders).

In addition, the following standard PCL macro commands must be used:

 Specify Macro ID
ESC&f0Y
027 038 102 # 089
 Start Macro Definition
ESC&f0X
027 038 102 048 088
 Stop Macro Definition
ESC&f1X
027 038 102 049 088
 Enable Macro for Automatic Overlay
ESC&f4X
027 038 102 052 088
The application must specify the Macro ID (see Section 10), download the entire page into
the macro, enable the macro for automatic overlay, set the copy count, and issue a form
feed. The first copy of the page will print the macro exactly as downloaded. Subsequent
copies will print with appropriately modified incrementing or decrementing fields within
the macro. Incrementing/decrementing fields is limited to 20 characters each, and the
number of auto-incrementing fields is limited to 10 per page.
2-14 IntelliBar M Series Extensions to HP PCL Commands

Bar Code Generation Example

The following programming example produces the label shown in Figure 2-1 using the
IntelliBar M Series Model 48 and 412 internal bar code fonts.
E&130&18D
3 of 95 to 2 Ratio
Ladder Bar Code
!b5C!b150J!b3N!b2R!b4W1234
x = 3 Dots
!b5C!b150J!b4N!b2R!b2W12
x = 4 Dots
Test

Figure 2-1 Internal Bar Code Example

*
"This information is subject to change without notice. This information is provided "as is" without either express or
implied warranty. IntelliTech International, Inc. disclaims any and all warranties with regard to this information.
IntelliTech shall not be liable in any event for any special, indirect or consequential damages or any damages whatsoever
resulting from loss of data, profits or use, for any reason or in any action, arising out of or in connection with the use or
performance of this information. "
Section 3

HP PCL Print Commands

You can easily control printer operation using four standard HP PCL print commands.*
These commands, or escape sequences, allow you to:
 restore user default settings (reset)
 select the number of copies needed for each label
 adjust text position across width of page (long-edge offset registration)
 designate text position across length of page (short-edge offset registration)

In the following sections, the name of the command is followed by the escape sequence, its
decimal and hex formats, and a description of how to use the command.
For information on the IntelliBar M Series extension commands used to control printer op-
eration, see Section 2.

RESET
ESC E
Decimal: 027 069
Hex: 1B 45
Use this command at the beginning and end of each print job. The command deletes any
temporary fonts and macros, prints any pages remaining in the printer buffer, and restores
user default settings. This allows the next job to start with the default settings as a known
base. Starting with the default environment at the beginning of each print job eliminates the
need to set every feature each time a job is run.
Do not perform a printer reset within a job.

NUMBER OF COPIES
ESC &l#X
Decimal: 027 038 108 #...# 088
Hex: 1B 26 6C #...# 58
#: number of copies (maximum = 32,767)
Use this command to set the number of copies printed for each page in a job. The com-
mand can occur anywhere on the page. Thus, it will be invoked for the current page and
remain in effect for subsequent pages. The factory default setting is 1 copy.
3-2 HP PCL Print Commands

LONG-EDGE (LEFT) OFFSET REGISTRATION

ESC&!#U
Decimal: 027 038 108 #...#085
Hex: 1B 26 6C #...# 55
#: number of decipoints (1/720 inch)
Default = 0
Range = -32767 to 32767
This command designates the position of the logical page across the width (short side) of
the physical page. This command can be used to adjust the text position on the page to
allow room for the page binding.
The value (#) is a signed number valid to 2 decimal places. The units are decipoints. Posi-
tive values cause the logical page, regardless of orientation, to move right along the width
of the physical page, except on the back side (duplex print) of sheets printed in long-edge
binding duplex mode, where positive values cause it to move left.
Negative values cause the logical page, regardless of orientation, to move left along the
width of the physical page, except on the back side of sheets printed in long-edge binding
duplex mode, where negative values cause it to move right.

SHORT-EDGE (TOP) OFFSET REGISTRATION

ESC&!#Z
Decimal: 027 038 108 #...#090
Hex: 1B 26 6C #...# 5A
#: number of decipoints (1/720 inch)
Default = 0
Range = -32767 to 32767
This command designates the position of the logical page across the length (long side) of
the physical page.
The value (#) is a signed number valid to 2 decimal places. The units are decipoints. Posi-
tive values cause the logical page, regardless of orientation, to move down along the length
of the physical page, except on the back side of sheets printed in short-edge binding duplex
mode, where positive values cause it to move up.
 Print Commands D-3

Negative values cause the logical page, regardless of orientation, to move up along the
length of the physical page, except on the back side of sheets printed in short-edge binding
duplex mode, where negative values cause it to move down.

*
"This information is subject to change without notice. This information is provided "as is" without either express or
implied warranty. IntelliTech International, Inc. disclaims any and all warranties with regard to this information.
IntelliTech shall not be liable in any event for any special, indirect or consequential damages or any damages whatsoever
resulting from loss of data, profits or use, for any reason or in any action, arising out of or in connection with the use or
performance of this information. "
Section 4

HP PCL Page Format Commands

In addition to using print commands to control printer operation, you can use page format
commands to set up all your labels.* These commands or escape sequences allow you to:
 select page size and length
 select the page source
 select orientation (portrait or landscape)
 select the print direction
 set margins and text length
 set row and column dimensions
 set line spacing
This section lists the page format commands by subsection. The name of the command is
followed by the escape sequence, its decimal and hex formats, and a description of how to
use the command.
For information on the IntelliBar M Series extension commands used to control printer op-
eration, see Section 2.

PAGE SIZE
ESC &l#A
Decimal: 027 038 108 # 065
Hex: 1B 26 6C # 41
#: Paper
1 = Executive (7.25 in. x 10.5 in.)
2 = Letter (8.5 in. x 11 in.)
3 = Legal (8.5 in. x 14 in.)
26 = A4 (210 mm x 297 mm)
Envelopes
80 = Monarch (Letter – 3 7/8 in. x 7 1/2 in.)
81 = Commercial 10 (Business – 4 1/8 in. x 9 1/2 in.)
90 = International DL (110 mm x 220 mm)
91 = International C5 (162 mm x 229 mm)
The page size command sets the page size installed in the printer. This also sets the size of
the addressable print area.
4-2 HP PCL Page Format Commands

NOTE: The IntelliBar M Series does not re-

spond to this command.

When the printer receives the page size command, it will print subsequent labels using the
user default settings for the top margin, text length, and left and right margins. The macro
overlay is disabled and the cursor position moves to the left edge of the addressable print
area on the top margin of the next label.
If a page size other than the size set by the command is installed, the printer shows an error
message on the control panel display.
The factory default setting is for letter-sized labels.

PAGE LENGTH
ESC &l#P
Decimal: 027 038 108 # 080
Hex: 1B 26 6C # 50

#: number of lines.
Use the page length command to set the number of lines on a page. The value field (#) sets
the length of the addressable print area in lines. The printer ignores the page length com-
mand if the command is set for a value greater than the maximum supported page size or if
the Vertical Motion Index (VMI) is set at 0.
If a page length other than the size set by the command is installed, the printer shows an er-
ror message on the control panel display.
When the printer receives the page length command, it prints subsequent pages using the
user default settings for the top margin, text length, and left and right margins. The macro
overlay is disabled, and the cursor position moves to the left edge of the addressable print
area on the top margin of the next page.
The factory default setting is for a letter-sized page.
Table 4-1 and Table 4-2 provide page length values for the standard page sizes in portrait
and landscape orientations.
Determine the number of lines per page by multiplying the line spacing setting (lines per
inch) times the length of the page in inches
 HP PCL Page Format Commands 4-3

Table 4-1 Page Lengths for Portrait Orientation

LINES PER INCH
Page Size 6 8

Letter 66 88
Legal 84 112
A4 70 93
Executive 63 84

Table 4-2 Page Lengths for Landscape Orientation

LINES PER INCH
Page Size 6 8

Letter 51 68
Legal – –
A4 49 66
Executive 43 58

You can print a legal-size page in landscape orientation by starting in portrait orientation
and setting the page length using ESC&l84P. Next, set the orientation to landscape using
ESC&l1O.
4-4 HP PCL Page Format Commands

PAPER SOURCE
ESC &l#H
Decimal: 027 038 108 # 072
Hex: 1B 26 6C # 48
#: 0 = print the current label
1 = feed paper from paper cassette
2 = feed paper from manual feed slot
Use this command to select either the paper cassette or the manual feed feature.

NOTE: The IntelliBar M Series does not re-

spond to this command.

ORIENTATION
ESC &l#O
Decimal: 027 038 108 48 079 (portrait)
027 038 108 49 079 (landscape)
027 038 108 50 079 (reverse portrait)
027 038 108 51 079 (reverse landscape)
Hex: 1B 26 6C 3# 4F
#: 0 = portrait orientation
1 = landscape orientation
2 = reverse portrait
3 = reverse landscape
Use this command to set the page orientation. The command sets user default values for
page length, top margin, text length, left and right margins, horizontal motion index (HMI),
and vertical motion index (VMI). Any data in the print buffer received before the command
will be printed, followed by a form feed and carriage return. The cursor moves to the left
edge of the top margin on the addressable print area of the next page.
The factory default setting is portrait orientation. You can select landscape orientation
through the control panel.

NOTE: You can use only one orientation per

page. To print multiple directions per page, use
the Print Direction command (see “Print Direc-
tion”).

The printer automatically rotates all fonts to the currently selected orientation.
Figure 4-1 shows the features of portrait and landscape orientation modes.
 HP PCL Page Format Commands 4-5

Figure 4-1 Orientation Features

PRINT DIRECTION
ESC &l#P
Decimal: 027 038 097 #...# 080
Hex: 1B 26 61 #...# 50
#: 0 = 0o rotation
90 = 90 o counterclockwise rotation
180 = 180o counterclockwise rotation
270 = 270o counterclockwise rotation
Default = 0
Range = 0, 90, 180, 270 (all other values ignored)
This command rotates the logical page coordinate system with respect to the current orien-
tation without performing a page eject. This rotation is performed in 90o degree increments
in a counterclockwise direction. This allows printing in four directions on the same page.
4-6 HP PCL Page Format Commands

Changing the print direction causes the following to occur:

 The print origin moves with the logical page rotation. For example, rotating a de-
fault page (Portrait orientation, 0o print direction) 90o causes data to print in the
landscape direction across the “portrait” page.
 The margins are translated (when the print direction changes by 90o, the left mar-
gin becomes the new top margin, the former top margin becomes the new right
margin, etc.)
 The cursor position remains at the same physical location.
 All subsequent printing (characters, area fill patterns, raster images) is rotated to
coincide with the new print direction.
 Any current raster graphics end when the print direction changes.

NOTE: This command does not affect HPGL/2

vector graphic images. HPGL/2 graphics can be
rotated only with the Orientation command (see
“Orientation”) or the HPGL/2 “RO” command.

 The Print Direction command does not default HMI.

LEFT MARGIN
ESC &a#L
Decimal: 027 038 097 #...# 076
Hex: 1B 26 61 #...# 4C
#: column number
Use the left margin command to set the left margin to the left edge of a column you speci-
fy.
The default first column is column 0, located at the left edge of the addressable print area.
If you specify a value greater than the current right margin, the printer ignores the escape
sequence.
The HMI sets the distance between columns. Because margins are a physical position, they
will not change once set even though the HMI may change.
If a new left margin is set within the existing left margin, the cursor shifts to the new left
margin.
Column 0 is the factory default setting for the left margin.
 HP PCL Page Format Commands 4-7

RIGHT MARGIN
ESC &a#M
Decimal: 027 038 097 #...# 077
Hex: 1B 26 61 #...# 4D
#: column number
Use the right margin command to set the right margin to the right edge of a column you
specify.
The maximum default right column is located at the right edge of the addressable print ar-
ea. If you specify a value greater than the right margin of the addressable print area, the
printer uses the right margin of the addressable print area. If you specify a column value
less than the left margin, the printer ignores the escape sequence.
The HMI sets the distance between columns. Because margins are physical positions, they
will not change when set even though the HMI may change.
If a new right margin is set to the right of the existing right margin, the cursor shifts to the
new right margin.
The factory default setting for the right margin is the right edge of the addressable print ar-
ea.

TOP MARGIN
ESC &l#E
Decimal: 027 038 108 #...# 069
Hex: 1B 26 6C #...# 45
#: number of lines
Use the top margin command to set the number of lines between the top of the addressable
print area and the top of the text area.
The printer ignores this escape sequence if you specify a value greater than the length of
the current addressable print area or if the current VMI is 0 (VMI sets the space between
lines of text). When the printer receives a valid top margin command, it resets the text
length according to the following equation:
Text length = addressable print area length (in inches) – top margin (in inches) – 1/2 inch.

Because the top margin is a physical position, it will not change once set, even though the
VMI or line spacing may change.
The current values of the top margin and VMI determine the vertical cursor position
through the following equation:
First line (in inches) = top margin (in inches) + (72/100 * VMI)
4-8 HP PCL Page Format Commands

This position will be at the baseline of a character to provide the correct character position
in a character cell. Figure 4-2 shows the relationship of the cursor position to the top mar-
gin and the VMI.

NOTE: The first line of the addressable print

area is 0.

Figure 4-2 Top Margin Cursor Position

CLEAR HORIZONTAL MARGINS

ESC 9
Decimal: 027 057
Hex: 1B 39
Use the clear horizontal margin command to reset the left and right margins. The printer
will set the left margin to the left edge (column 0) of the addressable print area and the
right margin to the right edge of the addressable print area.
 HP PCL Page Format Commands 4-9

TEXT LENGTH
ESC &l#F
Decimal: 027 038 108 #...# 070
Hex: 1B 26 6C #...# 46
#: number of lines
Use the text length command to set the number of lines available for printing text within
the addressable print area.
Text length in lines is set by the value field (#) starting from the top margin. If you specify
a value greater than the addressable print area minus the top margin, or if the VMI is 0, the
printer ignores the command. The default text length is used if values for orientation, page
length, page size, or top margin change.
The printer calculates the user default text length according to the following equation:
Text length (in lines) = Integer portion (of addressable print area (in inches) – top margin (in inch-
es) – 1/2 inch) x 48/VMI

The factory default is as follows:

Text length (in lines) = ((addressable print area length (in inches) – 1 inch) x 6).

You must select the user default VMI through software commands.

PERFORATION SKIP
ESC &l#L
Decimal: 027 038 108 # 076
Hex: 1B 26 6C # 4C
#: 0 = disable
1 = enable
Use the perforation skip command to move the cursor from the bottom line on the page to
the top of the text area on the following page.
The perforation region starts at the bottom of the text area on a page and ends at the top of
the text area on the next page. When the skip is enabled, a line feed or half-line feed moves
the cursor to the top of the text area on the following page. When the skip is disabled, a
line feed or half-line feed moves the cursor into the perforation region where printing will
continue.
4-10 HP PCL Page Format Commands

HORIZONTAL MOTION INDEX

ESC &k#H
Decimal: 027 038 107 #...# 072
Hex: 1B 26 6B #...# 48
#: number of 1/120 increments
Use the horizontal motion index (HMI) to set the distance between columns. You can spec-
ify a value from 0 to 840. Values can be set to four decimal places. No horizontal motion
will occur if the HMI is 0.
If you use fixed pitch fonts, all printable characters including the space and backspace
characters, are affected by the HMI. If you select proportional fonts, the HMI affects only
the control code space character.
The HMI defaults if any font characteristics change and if shift in and shift out are used to
switch between primary and secondary fonts.
The pitch value in the font header equals the default HMI value. The factory default font
HMI value is 12 to give 10 characters per inch (12/120 = 1/10).

VERTICAL MOTION INDEX

ESC &l#C
Decimal: 027 038 108 # 067
Hex: 1B 26 6C # 43
#: number of 1/48 inch increments between rows
Use the vertical motion index (VMI) to set the space between rows. You can specify a val-
ue from 0 to 336. If you specify a VMI value greater than the current addressable print area
length, the printer ignores the command. You can specify a value up to four decimal points.
A zero value indicates no vertical motion.
The VMI command affects the spacing of both line feed and half-line feed. The factory de-
fault VMI value is 8. This is the same as six lines per inch.
 HP PCL Page Format Commands 4-11

LINE SPACING
ESC &l#D
Decimal: 027 038 108 #...# 068
Hex: 1B 26 6C #...# 44
#: 1 = 1 lines per inch (lpi)
2 = 2 lpi
3 = 3 lpi
4 = 4 lpi
6 = 6 lpi
8 = 8 lpi
12 = 12 lpi
16 = 16 lpi
24 = 24 lpi
48 = 48 lpi
Use the line spacing command to set the number of lines printed per page. This command
functions like the VMI command; however, it sets the VMI in lines per inch.
The factory default setting is six lines per inch.

*
"This information is subject to change without notice. This information is provided "as is" without either express or
implied warranty. IntelliTech International, Inc. disclaims any and all warranties with regard to this information.
IntelliTech shall not be liable in any event for any special, indirect or consequential damages or any damages whatsoever
resulting from loss of data, profits or use, for any reason or in any action, arising out of or in connection with the use or
performance of this information. "
Section 5

HP PCL Cursor Position Commands

The IntelliBar M Series prints with an active printing position typically referred to as the
cursor position. You can use several commands to move the cursor for customized applica-
tions.*
 Cursor position commands deal with the following features.
 Absolute/relative position
 Cursor addressing units
 Horizontal control
 Vertical control
 Half-line feed
 Line feed
 Line termination
 Push/pop

In this section, cursor position commands are listed by subsection. The name of the com-
mand is followed by the escape sequence, its decimal and hex formats, and a description of
how to use the command.

ABSOLUTE/ RELATIVE POSITION

You can specify either absolute or relative cursor motion to position the cursor. Absolute
motion specifies movement to a physical position from the left edge of the top margin (po-
sition 0,0). Relative motion specifies the distance to move from the current cursor position.
Figure 5-1 shows the relationships of cursor movement.
5-2 HP PCL Cursor Position Commands

Figure 5-1 Cursor Positioning

CURSOR ADDRESSING UNITS

All position commands are expressed in PCL coordinate system units on an x-y axis. The
x-axis units can be dots, decipoints, or columns. The y-axis units can be dots, decipoints, or
rows.
The dot (or PCL typographic point) represents the smallest printable point with a size equal
to 1/300 inch. Printer resolution refers to the number of dots per inch.
The decipoint equals 1/720 inch. It is one-tenth of a PCL typographic point.
Column width or distance between consecutive characters is expressed by the current hori-
zontal motion index (HMI). Row values (the distance between the rows or the lines) are
given through the current vertical motion index (VMI) or lines per inch (lpi).
 HP PCL Cursor Position Commands 5-3

HORIZONTAL CONTROL (COLUMNS)

ESC &a#C
Decimal: 027 038 097 # 067
Hex: 1B 26 61 # 43
#: number of columns
Use this horizontal control command to move the current horizontal cursor (or active print
position) to a new column position on the current line.
The column width is defined by the current HMI value. If you specify a positive value (us-
ing a plus sign (+)) in the value field (#), the new position will be to the right of the current
cursor position. If you specify a negative value (using a minus sign (–)) in the value field
(#), the new position will be to the left of the current cursor position. By not specifying a
sign, you obtain an absolute distance that is referenced from the left edge of the addressable
print area.
The printer recognizes the first column in a line as column 0. The printer ignores margins
when this escape sequence is used, so you can set the cursor position to any point along the
current line using this sequence.
If you specify a location outside of the addressable page area, the cursor moves to the edge
of the addressable page area.
You can specify a value to four decimal places.

HORIZONTAL CONTROL (DECIPOINTS)

ESC &a#H
Decimal: 027 038 097 # 072
Hex: 1B 26 61 # 48
#: number of decipoints (1/720 inch).
Use this horizontal control command, or escape sequence, to move the current horizontal
cursor (or active print position) to a new position on the current line.
If you specify a positive value (using a plus sign (+)) in the value field (#), the new position
will be to the right of the current cursor position. If you specify a negative value (using a
minus sign (–)) in the value field (#), the new position will be to the left of the current cur-
sor position. By not specifying a sign, you obtain an absolute distance that is referenced
from the left edge of the addressable print area. The extreme left position is 0 and the ex-
treme right position is the right edge of the addressable print area.
If you specify a location outside of the addressable page area, the cursor will move to the
edge of the addressable page area.
You can specify a value to two decimal places.
5-4 HP PCL Cursor Position Commands

HORIZONTAL CONTROL (DOTS)

ESC *p#X
Decimal: 027 042 112 # 088
Hex: 1B 2A 70 # 58
#: number of dots
Use this horizontal control command to move the current horizontal cursor (or active print
position) to a new position on the current line.
If you specify a positive value (using a plus sign (+)) in the value field (#), the new position
will be to the right of the current cursor position. If you specify a negative value (using a
minus sign (–)) in the value field (#), the new position will be to the left of the current cur-
sor position. By not specifying a sign, you obtain an absolute distance that is referenced
from the left edge of the addressable print area. The extreme left position is 0 and the ex-
treme right position is the right edge of the addressable print area.
If you specify a location outside of the addressable page area, the cursor will move to the
edge of the addressable page area.

HORIZONTAL CONTROL (CONTROL CODES)

You can also use the four control codes described below to position the cursor horizontally
on the current line.

CR – Carriage Return
The CR control code moves the cursor to the left margin of the current line. Its use is af-
fected by the line termination command (explained later in this section).

SP – Space
The SP control code moves the cursor one column position to the right. You can define
space as a printable character or a control code. When used with proportionally spaced
fonts, the SP control code moves the cursor by the current HMI value. As a printable char-
acter, however, the cursor moves the width of a character. When used with fixed fonts,
cursor movement is according to the HMI value, regardless of how space is used.).

BS – Backspace
The BS control code moves the cursor to the left a distance that is equal to the width of last
printed character or space. No movement occurs if the cursor is already at the left margin.).
The backspace distance equals the HMI value when used with fixed pitch fonts.
 HP PCL Cursor Position Commands 5-5

When used with proportionally-spaced fonts, the backspace centers the overstriking charac-
ter on the character being overstruck. After printing the overstrike character the cursor po-
sition will be at the same position before the backspace. Each movement back equals the
distance of the last symbol or space. If the cursor is on the left margin, no movement oc-
curs.

HT – Horizontal Tab
The HT control code moves the cursor to the next tab stop on the current line. Tab stops
start on the left margin and occur at every eighth column to the right edge of the addressa-
ble print area. If the right margin is crossed by a new tab request, the new value is set at the
right margin. When the HMI value is 0, the command is ignored.).

VERTICAL CONTROL (ROWS)

ESC &a#R
Decimal: 027 038 097 # 082
Hex: 1B 26 61 # 52
#: number of rows
Use this vertical control command to move the current vertical cursor (or active print posi-
tion) along the current column position on a new line.
If you specify a positive value (using a plus sign (+)) in the value field (#), the new position
will be down from the current cursor position. If you specify a negative value (using a mi-
nus sign (–)) in the value field (#), the new position will be above the current cursor posi-
tion. By not specifying a sign, you obtain an absolute distance that is referenced from the
top margin of the addressable print area.
If you specify an absolute or negative relative value outside of the addressable page area,
the cursor will move to the edge of the addressable page area. You can specify a positive
relative value to move the cursor down and off the current page. You can move the cursor
into the perforation region because this command allows the printer to ignore the perfora-
tion skip mode. The printer, however, will only advance the cursor to the top of form of the
page following the next page (thus, form feeding a blank page).
You can specify a value to four decimal places.
5-6 HP PCL Cursor Position Commands

VERTICAL CONTROL (DECIPOINTS)

ESC &a#V
Decimal: 027 038 097 # 086
Hex: 1B 26 61 # 56
#: number of decipoints (1/720 inch)
Use this vertical control command to move the current vertical cursor (or active print posi-
tion) along the y-axis.
If you specify a positive value (using a plus sign (+)) in the value field (#), the new posi-
tion will be down from the current cursor position. If you specify a negative value (using a
minus sign (–)) in the value field (#), the new position will be above the current cursor po-
sition. By not specifying a sign, you obtain an absolute distance that is referenced from the
top margin of the addressable print area. The uppermost position is the top margin with a
value of 0. The lowermost position is the bottom of the addressable print area. If you speci-
fy an absolute or negative relative value outside of the addressable page area, the cursor
will move to the edge of the addressable page area.
You can specify a value to two decimal places.

VERTICAL CONTROL (DOTS))

ESC *p#Y
Decimal: 027 042 112 #...# 089
Hex: 1B 2A 70 #...# 59
#: number of dots.
Use this vertical control command to move the current vertical cursor (or active print posi-
tion) to a new position along the y-axis.
If you specify a positive value (using a plus sign (+)) in the value field (#), the new posi-
tion will be down from the current cursor position. If you specify a negative value (using a
minus sign (–)) in the value field (#), the new position will be above the current cursor po-
sition. By not specifying a sign, you obtain an absolute distance that is referenced from the
top margin of the addressable print area. The uppermost position is the top margin with a
value of 0. The lowermost position is the bottom of the addressable print area. If you speci-
fy an absolute or negative relative value outside of the addressable page area, the cursor
will move to the edge of the addressable page area.
 HP PCL Cursor Position Commands 5-7

HALF-LINE FEED)
ESC =
Decimal: 027 061
Hex: 1B 3D
Use the half-line feed command to move the cursor down one-half line feed to the same
character position. The distance is one-half of the current VMI or line spacing setting.

VERTICAL CONTROL (CONTROL CODES).

You can use two control codes, described below, to position the cursor vertically.

LF – Line Feed
The LF control code moves the cursor to the same horizontal position on the next line. The
space between the lines is set by the last VMI or line spacing setting. The line termination
command affects the use of this control code.).

FF – Form Feed
The FF control code moves the cursor to the same horizontal position at the top of the text
area on the next page. The line termination command affects the use of this control code.).

LINE TERMINATION).
ESC &k#G
Decimal: 027 038 107 # 071
Hex: 1B 26 6B # 47
#: 0 = CR=>CR; LF=>LF; FF=>FF
1 = CR=>CR-LF; LF=>LF; FF=>FF
2 = CR=>CR; LF=>CR-LF; FF=>CR-FF
3 = CR=>CR-LF; LF=>CR-LF; FF=>CR-FF
Use the line termination command to control the printer's interpretation of the CR, LF, and
FF control codes.
5-8 HP PCL Cursor Position Commands

PUSH/POP CONTROL).
ESC &f#S
Decimal: 027 038 102 # 083
Hex: 1B 26 66 # 53
#: 0 = push (store cursor position)
1 = pop (recall cursor position)
Use the push/pop command to store or recall the cursor position. Using the value 0 pushes
the cursor position onto the first in last out (FILO) stack while keeping the current cursor
position. Using the value 1 pops the cursor off the stack, restoring it as the current cursor
position.
You can push up to 20 positions. Any more than 20 are ignored. If you pop more positions
than you pushed, the command is ignored. If you reset the printer, the current cursor posi-
tion is placed on the top of the stack and all other pushed are lost.
If a position is outside of the addressable print area, the cursor is positioned at the edge of
the addressable print area.

*
"This information is subject to change without notice. This information is provided "as is" without either express or
implied warranty. IntelliTech International, Inc. disclaims any and all warranties with regard to this information.
IntelliTech shall not be liable in any event for any special, indirect or consequential damages or any damages whatsoever
resulting from loss of data, profits or use, for any reason or in any action, arising out of or in connection with the use or
performance of this information. "
Section 6

HP PCL Font Characteristics

You can print documents using a variety of fonts. For example, you can use a large font for
the title or company name, a standard-size font for the body of the label, and a bold or italic
font to highlight key words or phrases.*
A number of fonts are supplied with the printer; these fonts are referred to as internal fonts.
Additional fonts are available for the printer as downloadable fonts on diskettes.
These diskettes are inserted into the personal computer disk drive, and the font files
downloaded (transferred) from the disk into the printer's RAM memory. Once the font has
been downloaded into the printer, it may be selected for printing.
Any internal font or downloadable font may be selected for printing. Fonts are selected
using font selection commands. This section describes how to select fonts.
There are several characteristics (or attributes) used to identify a font. A font is selected by
specifying these characteristics: symbol set, spacing, pitch, height, style, stroke weight, and
typeface.
The printer maintains a font selection table that contains the values of the currently
specified characteristics. Whenever the printer receives an escape sequence specifying a
font characteristic, the printer records that characteristic in the table.

NOTE: For detailed information on the

commands described in this section, refer to the
PCL5 printer language document set available
from Hewlett-Packard.

FONT SELECTION BY CHARACTERISTIC

The printer selects a font based on its priority of characteristics, its physical location in the
printer, and finally its orientation.
6-2 HP PCL Font Characteristics

Priority of Characteristics
The printer first selects a font based on the priority of the characteristics. The priority of the
characteristics, from highest to lowest, is shown in the following list.
Symbol Set
Spacing
Pitch
Point Size (Height)
Style
Stroke
Typeface

When selecting a font, the printer compares the highest priority characteristic in its font
selection table to the corresponding characteristic of the available fonts. If only one font is
available that matches, that font is selected. However, when several fonts match, the printer
compares the next highest priority characteristic to the corresponding characteristic of the
available fonts and so on down the list. When only one font remains, that font is selected.
However, if after comparison of all the font characteristics, more than one font still
remains, then the location of the fonts is considered.

Location
There are two locations in which a font may be stored: printer ROM (internal font) and
printer RAM (soft font). The priority of the two font locations, from highest to lowest, are
shown below. The font that matches the font characteristics is selected from the highest
priority location.
Internal Font
Soft font, lowest ID

Orientation
Orientation refers to the direction of print on a page. Portrait orientation is across the page
width, while landscape orientation is across the page length. The IntelliBar printer can print
in either orientation. When the orientation is changed, the printer will select a font in the
new orientation that has attributes closely resembling the currently selected font of the
other orientation..
 HP PCL Font Characteristics 6-3

Number of Fonts
Table 6-1lists the maximum number of fonts that the IntelliBar M Series can manage from
the three font storage locations..
Table 6-1 Number of Fonts
Font Source Maximum Number of Fonts Number of Fonts Per Label

Download Up to 32 fonts The IntelliBar M Series can

print up to 80 fonts per page
Internal 8 fonts from a mixture of these font
sources.

NOTE: The printer will select only one symbol

set from internal fonts or fonts that support
multiple symbol sets.

If you download 33 or more fonts, the printer

will discard any subsequent downloaded data
without producing an error message.

Font Specification
The initial font specification in a job should be made using all of the font characteristics..
To select a Roman-8, fixed-spaced, 10 pitch, 12 point, upright, bold, Courier font, for the
current page orientation, specify each of the characteristics using font selection escape
sequences. Once the characteristics have been specified, the printer will have the following
font select table (see Table 6-2).

Table 6-2 Font Characteristics

Characteristic Selection

Symbol Set Roman-8

Spacing Fixed
Pitch 10
Point Size 12 point
Style Upright
Stroke Bold
Typeface Courier
6-4 HP PCL Font Characteristics

To subsequently select a font with the same characteristics except in stroke weight
(medium rather than bold) only the stroke weight characteristic must be specified. Note the
following change to the printer’s font select table: (see Table 6-3).

Table 6-3 Font Characteristics (Medium Stroke Weight)

Characteristic Selection

Symbol Set Roman-8

Spacing Fixed
Pitch 10
Point Size 12 point
Style Upright
Stroke Medium
Typeface Courier

Even though only the characteristics of the new font that differ from those of the previously
designated font must be sent, IntelliTech recommends that all of the characteristics be sent
to ensure that the correct font gets selected.

PRIMARY AND SECONDARY FONTS

The printer maintains two independent font characteristic tables for use in selecting a
primary font and a secondary font. All of the characteristics previously described apply to
both tables. This provides access to two distinct fonts, only one of which is selected at a
given time. To alternate between the primary and the secondary font, the control codes "SI"
and "SO" are used. The font described by the primary table is designated by the "SI"
control code; the font described by the secondary table is designated by the "SO" control
code.

SYMBOL SET
A symbol set identifies the specific symbols and/or characters in a font. Characters refer to
the alphabetic, numeric, punctuation symbols, and/or any other symbols that may be
included.
Symbol sets and their identification (ID) numbers are listed in Table 6-4. Commands are
used to designate symbol sets as a primary or secondary. To select symbol sets, send the
following commands.
 HP PCL Font Characteristics 6-5

ESC(ID Primary symbol set ID =

Symbol Set ID number
Decimal: 027 040 ID
Hex: 1B 28 ID
ESC)ID Secondary Symbol Set ID =
Symbol Set ID number
Decimal: 027 041 ID
Hex: 1B 29 ID
If the specified symbol set does not exist, the default symbol set will be used.
The factory default primary and secondary symbol set is Roman-8. However, you can
select a user default symbol set from the printer control panel printing menu.
The primary and secondary user default symbol sets are implicitly set when the user default
font is selected using the control panel printing menu (refer to Section 3 in the user’s
guide).
For example, to select ASCII as the symbol set for the primary font, send:
ESC(0U
To select Roman-8 as the symbol set for the secondary font, send:
ESC)8U
Table 6-4 Defined Symbol Sets
Symbol Set Name Symbol Set ID

ECMA–94 Latin 1 0N
*HP German 0G
HP Roman–8 8U
Spanish 1S
*ISO 2: International Reference Version 2U
ISO 4: United Kingdom 1E
ISO 6: ASCII 0U
*ISO 10: Swedish 3S
ISO 11: Swedish 0S
*ISO 14: JIS ASCII 0K
ISO 15: Italian 01
*ISO 16 Portuguese 4S

*Not recommended for future use.

6-6 HP PCL Font Characteristics

Table 6-4 Defined Symbol Sets (cont’d)

Symbol Set Name Symbol Set ID

*ISO 17: Spanish 2S

*ISO 21: German 1G
*ISO 25: French 0F
*ISO 57 Chinese 2K
*ISO 60 Norwegian version 1 0D
*ISO 60 Norwegian version 2 1D
ISO 69 French 1F
*ISO 84 Portuguese 5S
*ISO 85: Spanish 6S
PC–8 10U
PC–8 (Danish/Norwegian) 11U
PC850 12U

*Not recommended for future use.

ISO SYMBOL SETS

The printer provides several ISO (International Standards Organization) symbol sets to
support European languages. Given the correct PCL commands, the printer automatically
generates the requested ISO symbol set which is a unique ordering of symbols contained in
the Roman-8 symbol set (see Table 6-5).
To select the ISO 69 French symbol set for the primary font, send:
ESC(1F
 HP PCL Font Characteristics 6-7

Table 6-5 ISO Substitution Characters

SPACING
Inter-character spacing can be specified as either proportional or fixed by sending the
following commands.
ESC(s#P Primary spacing
Decimal: 027 040 115 049 080 (proportional spacing)
027 040 115 048 080 (fixed spacing)
Hex: 1B 28 73 31 50 (proportional spacing)
1B 28 73 30 50 (fixed spacing)

ESC)s#P Secondary spacing

Decimal: 027 040 115 049 080 (proportional spacing)
027 040 115 048 080 (fixed spacing)
Hex: 1B 28 73 31 50 (proportional spacing)
1B 28 73 30 50 (fixed spacing)
#: 0 = Fixed spacing
1 = Proportional Spacing
6-8 HP PCL Font Characteristics

When proportional spacing is specified and a proportionally-spaced font is not available, a

fixed pitch font with the current pitch specification is selected.
The factory default primary and secondary spacings are fixed.
The user default primary and secondary spacings are implicitly set by selection of a user
default font from the control panel (refer to Section 3).
For example, to specify proportional spacing for the primary font, send:
ESC(s1P
To specify fixed spacing for the secondary font, send:
ESC)s0P

PITCH
Pitch designates the horizontal spacing of a fixed-spaced font in terms of the number of
characters per inch. The following commands designate pitch for primary fonts.
ESC(s#H Primary pitch
Decimal: 027 040 115 #..# 072
Hex: 1B 28 73 #...# 48

ESC)s#H Secondary pitch

Decimal: 027 041 115 #..# 072
Hex: 1B 29 73 #...# 48
#: Pitch in characters/inch
The value field (#) is valid to two decimal places.
For example, to specify 10 pitch for the primary font, send:
ESC(s10H
To specify 16.66 pitch for the secondary font, send:
ESC)s16.66H
If a pitch is specified that is not available, the next greater available pitch is selected. If no
greater value is available, the closest available lesser value is selected
The factory default primary and secondary pitches are ten characters per inch.
The user default primary and secondary pitches are implicitly set by selection of a user
default font from the control panel (refer to Section 3 in the user’s guide).
 HP PCL Font Characteristics 6-9

SET PITCH MODE

ESC&k0S 10.0 characters per inch
Decimal: 027 038 107 048 083
Hex: 1B 26 6B 30 53
ESC&k2S Compressed Mode (16.5 - 16.7 character per inch)
Decimal: 027 038 107 050 083
Hex: 1B 26 6B 32 53
ESC&k4S Elite Mode (12.0 characters per inch)
Decimal 027 038 107 052 083
Hex: 1B 26 6B 34 53

HEIGHT
Height specifies the height of the font in points.
ESC(s#V Primary Height
Decimal: 027 040 115 # 086
Hex: 1B 28 73 # 56
ESC)s#V Secondary Height
Decimal: 027 041 115 # 086
Hex: 1B 29 73 # 56
#: Height in points
The value field (#) is valid to two decimal places. If the requested height is unavailable, the
closest height is selected. All fonts whose heights are within a quarter point of the specified
height are considered to have the specified height.
The factory default primary and secondary heights are 12 point. A PCL typographic point is
1/72 (0.01389) inch.
The user default primary and secondary heights are implicitly set by selection of a user
default font from the control panel (refer to Section 3 in the user’s guide).
For example, to specify a height of 12 points for the primary font, send:
ESC(s12V
To specify a height of 14.4 points for the secondary font, send:
ESC)s14.4V
6-10 HP PCL Font Characteristics

STYLE
Style designates either upright or italic font.
ESC(s#S Primary Style
Decimal: 027 040 115 # 083
Hex: 1B 28 73 # 53
ESC)s#S Secondary Style
Decimal: 027 041 115 # 083
Hex: 1B 29 73 # 53
#: 0 = Upright
1 = Italic

If the requested style is not present, this characteristic is ignored during font selection. The
factory default primary and secondary styles are upright.
The user default primary and secondary styles are implicitly set by selection of a user
default font from the control panel (refer to Section 3 in the user’s guide).
For example to specify an upright style for the primary font, send:
ESC(s0S
To specify an italic style for the secondary font, send:
ESC)s1S

STROKE WEIGHT
Stroke weight designates the thickness of the strokes that compose the characters of a font..
ESC(s#B Primary stroke weight
Decimal: 027 040 115 # 066
Hex: 1B 28 73 # 42
ESC)s#B Secondary stroke weight
Decimal: 027 041 115 # 066
Hex: 1B 29 73 # 42
The value field (#) specifies the thickness of the strokes used in the design of the font. The
supported stroke weight values are -7 through 7. The thinnest font available is -7; the
thickest font available is +7. The standard stroke weight for a medium font is 0; the
standard stroke weight for a bold font is 3; the standard stroke weight for a light font is -3.
Table 6-6 lists the values for the stroke weights.

Table 6-6 Stroke Weights

Value (#) Typeface
 HP PCL Font Characteristics 6-11

–7 Ultra Thin
–6 Extra thin
–5 Thin
–4 Extra light
–3 Light
–2 Demi light
–1 Semi light
0 Medium, Book, or Text
+1 Semi bold
+2 Demi bold
+3 Bold
+4 Extra bold
+5 Black
+6 Extra black
+7 Ultra Black

If the specified stroke weight is greater than or equal to 0 and is not available, the next
thicker available stroke weight is selected. If no thicker stroke weight is available, the
closest available thinner stroke weight is selected.
If the specified stroke weight is less than zero and is not available, the next thinner
available stroke weight is selected. If no thinner stroke weight is available, the closest
available thicker stroke weight is selected.
The factory default primary and secondary stroke weights are zero.
The user default primary and secondary stroke weights are implicitly set by selection of a
user default font from the control panel (refer to Section 3).
To specify a bold stroke weight for the primary font, send:
ESC(s3B
To specify a medium stroke weight for the secondary font, send:
ESC)s0B
6-12 HP PCL Font Characteristics

TYPEFACE
Typeface designates the design of the font..
ESC(s#T Primary typeface
Decimal: 027 040 115 # 084
Hex: 1B 28 73 # 54
ESC)s#T Secondary typeface
Decimal: 027 041 115 # 084
Hex: 1B 29 73 # 54
#: Typeface value (see Table 6-7).
If the value field (#) specifies a typeface that is unavailable this characteristic is ignored
during font selection.
The factory default primary and secondary typefaces are Courier.
The user default primary and secondary typefaces are implicitly set by selection of a user
default font from the control panel (refer to Section 3 in the user’s guide).
For example, to specify Univers for the typeface of the primary font, send:
ESC(s4148T
To specify CG Times for the typeface of the secondary font, send:
ESC)s4101T
 HP PCL Font Characteristics 6-13

Table 6-7 Typeface Values

Value (#) Typeface

0 Line Printer
3 Courier
6 Letter Gothic
4148 Univers
4101 CG Times

ORIENTATION
The orientation command designates the position of the logical page and direction of print
with respect to the physical page.
ESC&l#O
#: 0 = portrait
1 = landscape
2 = reverse portrait
4 = reverse landscape
Note that this command applies to both the primary and secondary fonts. The printer
automatically rotates all fonts to the currently selected orientation.
For further details, see “Orientation” and “Print Direction” in Section 4.

FONT SELECTION EXAMPLE

Table 6-8 illustrates how to select a primary font with the following characteristics (note
that all of the font characteristics are specified):.
6-14 HP PCL Font Characteristics

Table 6-8 Font Selection

Characteristic Value Escape Sequence

Symbol set ASCII ESC(0U

Spacing Fixed ESC(s0P
Pitch 10 cpi ESC(s10H
Height 12 point ESC(s12V
Style Upright ESC(s0S
Stroke weight Bold ESC(s3B)
Typeface Courier ESC(s3T

The following escape sequences could be sent to the printer to select a primary font with
the above characteristics:
ESC(0U ESC(s0P ESC(s10H ESC(s12V
ESC(s0S ESC(s3B ESC(s3T
The previous sequence should be shortened by combining sequences that have the same
two characters following the ESC character.
ESC(0UESC(s0p10h12v0s3b3T
Once the font has been selected as explained above, selecting another font with similar
characteristics only requires changing the characteristics that are different.For example, to
specify a font differing only in style (italic) and stroke weight (medium), only style and
stroke weight need to be specified, as shown below:
ESC(s1S ESC(s0B
or shortened:
ESC(s1s0B

NOTE: If an escape sequence does not contain

a value field, the printer assumes a value of zero;
therefore, the sequence ESC(sB could be sent to
the printer instead of ESC(s0B.

When several fonts with similar characteristics are available in the printer at the same time,
you should use full character description strings to select the desired fonts.
 HP PCL Font Characteristics 6-15

SELECTION OF THE DEFAULT FONT

Default font sets all of the font characteristics to those of the user default font..
ESC(3@ Default primary font characteristics
Decimal: 027 040 051 064
Hex: 1B 28 33 40
ESC)3@ Default secondary font characteristics
Decimal: 027 041 051 064
Hex: 1B 29 33 40

NOTE: If the user default font is a

proportionally-spaced font, the pitch
characteristic is not affected by the default font
command.

TRANSPARENT PRINT DATA

Transparent print data provides printing access to all characters in a font including those
defined as unprintable..
ESC&p#X [Transparent Print Data]
Decimal: 1B 027 038 112 # 088
Hex: 1B 26 70 # 58
#: Number of bytes of transparent print data.
Each transparent print data byte is interpreted as a single character code. The appropriate
character is printed if one exists; otherwise, a space is processed. For example, control
codes such as LF, CR, FF are treated as print data while in Transparent Print Data mode.
Assuming the currently selected symbol set is PC-8, send the following to print a left arrow
(decimal code 27):
ESC&p1X[27]

NOTE: The ESC character is decimal code 27

in the ASCII symbol set. Decimal code 27 is the
left arrow in the PC-8 symbol set.
6-16 HP PCL Font Characteristics

UNDERLINE COMMAND
The Underline commands control automatic text underlining..
ESC&d#D Enable underline
Decimal: 027 038 100 # 068
Hex: 1B 26 64 # 44
#: 0 = Fixed position
3 = Floating position
ESC&d@ Disable underline
Once underlining is enabled, any positive horizontal movement causes an underline to be
drawn. Positive horizontal movement includes the printing of text and positive horizontal
cursor motion.
When fixed position underlining is enabled, the underline is drawn five dots below the
baseline and is three dots thick. The baseline is an imaginary dot row on which all of the
characters in a given line stand. When floating position underline is enabled, the underline
position is determined by the greatest underline distance below the baseline of all of the
fonts printed on the current line. The underline distance is defined in a font's descriptor (see
Section 9).
The factory default is underline disabled.

HPGL/2 FONT SELECTION

In addition to selecting fonts using the PCL font selection commands, fonts can also be
selected and printed in HPGL/2 mode using the following HPGL/2 commands. The
HPGL/2 font selection commands allow you to print text within vector graphic images.

Primary Font (FI)

FI font_ID[;]
This command allows any accessible font that has been assigned a font ID number to be
selected as the primary (standard) font (the font characteristics are assigned to the standard
font). The font must be assessible to the printer as either a resident font or a downloaded
font. To be selected, the font must have been previously assigned a font ID number in PCL
mode. Also, for scalable fonts, the FI command must be accompanied by an SD command
(standard font definition) specifying the font’s point size or pitch. When the printer
receives this command and the requested font is present, the primary font characteristics
are set to those of the requested font. If the selected font is proportionally spaced, the pitch
characteristic is not changed.
 HP PCL Font Characteristics 6-17

Table 6-9 Primary Font Command Parameters

Parameter Format Functional Range Default

font_ID integer 0 to 32767 None

This command does not select the font for text printing if you are currently using the
secondary (alternate) font.
The FI (and FN) commands implicitly change the value of the SB command (scalable or
bitmapped fonts). For example, if SB = 0 and FI selects a bitmap font, SB is set to 1. This
affects the performance of certain HPGL/2 commands. See the SB command later in this
section.

Secondary Font (FN)

FN font_ID[;]
This command allows any accessible font that has been assigned a font ID number to be
selected as the secondary (alternate) font (the font characteristics are assigned to the
secondary font). The font must be assessible to the printer as either a resident font or a
downloaded font. To be selected, the font must have been previously assigned a font ID
number in PCL mode. Also, the FN command must be accompanied by an AD command
(alternate font definition) specifying the font’s point size. When the printer receives this
command and the requested font is present, the secondary font characteristics are set to
those of the requested font. If the selected font is proportionally spaced, the pitch
characteristic is not changed.

Table 6-10 Secondary Font Command Parameters

Parameter Format Functional Range Default

font_ID integer 0 to 32767 None

This command does not select the font for text printing if you are currently using the
primary (standard) font.
The FN (and FI) commands implicitly change the value of the SB command (scalable or
bitmapped fonts). For example, if SB = 0 and FN selects a bitmap font, SB is set to 1. This
affects the performance of certain HPGL/2 commands. See the following description of the
SB command.
6-18 HP PCL Font Characteristics

Scalable or Bitmap Fonts (SB)

SB [n;] or SB [;]

n: 0 - Scalable fonts only

1 - Bipmap fonts allowed
No parameter - Defaults to scalable fonts. Equivalent to SB0.
This command specifies which types of fonts are used for text printing commands. It
allows you to restrict font selection to only scalable fonts, disregarding bitmap fonts.

Table 6-11 Scalable or Bitmap Fonts Command Parameters

Parameter Format Functional Range Default

n clamped integer 0 or 1 0

This command is defaulted by the DV command (default value). The SB command takes
affect immediately, changing both the the standard (primary) and alternate (secondary)
fonts to be scalable only or bimap, as requested.
The FN and FI commands implicitly change the value of the SB command. For example, if
SB = 0 and FN selects a bitmap font, SB is set to 1.
When (SB1;) is set, all fonts obey the same restrictions as bitmapped fonts regarding
character fill, orientation, size, and slant.
Scalable fonts respond more accurately to some HPGL/2 commands. The choice of
scalable or bitmap fonts can affect the performance of the following HPGL/2 commands
(see Table 6-12).

Table 6-12 Commands Effected by Choice of Scalable or Bitmapped Fonts

Affected Commands Limitation

CF Bitmapped characters cannot be edged.

DI, DR Bitmapped characters can be printed only with
o o o o
orthogonal directions (0 , 90 , 180 , or 270 ).
SI, SR Sizes of bitmapped fonts are approximate only.
SL The slant command is ignored for bitmapped
fonts.
AD, SD, CP, LB —
 HP PCL Font Characteristics 6-19

Select Standard Font (SS)

This command selects the standard font (already designed by the Standard Font Definition
(SD) command) for subsequent text printing. Use the SS command to shift from the
currently selected alternate font to the designated standard font.
SS [;]
The SS command tells the printer to print subsequent text printing commands using
characters from the standard symbol set designated by the SD command. The SS command
is equivalent to using the Shift In control character (SI, ASCII decimal code 15) within a
text printing string.
The default designated standard font is the Stick font, which uses symbol set 277
(Roman-8). This font is in effect when the printer is initialized or set to its default
conditions. The SS command remains in effect until an SA command is executed.

Select Alternate Font (SA)

This command selects the alternate font (already designed by the Alternate Font Definition
(AD) command) for subsequent text printing. Use the SA command to shift from the
currently selected standard font to the designated alternate font.
SA [;]
The SA command tells the printer to print subsequent text printing commands using
characters from the alternate symbol set designated by the AD command. The SA
command is equivalent to using the Shift Out control character (SO, ASCII decimal code
14) within a text printing string.
The default designated alternate font uses symbol set 277 (Roman-8). The alternate font
remains in effect until an SS command is executed, a Shift In control character (SI, decimal
15) is encountered, or the printer is initialized or set to its default conditions.

Absolute Direction (DI)

This command specifies the the angle (slope or direction) at which you want to print text
characters, independent of the location of scaling points P1 and P2. The DI (and DR)
command allows you to print text at any angle with the letters in their normal side-by-side
orientation. Use the DI command to change the printing direction when you are printing
text labeling curves in line charts, schematic drawings, blueprints, and survey boundaries.
DI run,rise [;] or DI [;]
6-20 HP PCL Font Characteristics

NOTE: Bit map characters are always printed

orthogonally to the page. Scalable characters
print in the direction specified. Using the DI
(and DR) command, you can therefore place text
anywhere on the page in any orientation.

Table 6-13 Absolute Direction Command Parameters

Parameter Format Functional Range Default

run (or cos Ø) clamped real -32768 to 32767 1

rise (or sin Ø) clamped real -32768 to 32767 0

The DI command updates the carriage return point to the current location. While the DI
command is in effect, with or without parameters, the text printing direction is not affected
by changes in the locations of P1 and P2.
No parameters - Defaults the text printing direction to absolute and horizontal (parallel to
X-axis). Equivalent to (DI1,0).
Run or Cos Ø - Specifies the X-component of the text printing direction.
Rise or Sin Ø - Specifies the Y-component of the text printing direction.
Together, the parameters specify the slope and direction of the printed characters.
You can express the parameters in measured units as rise and run, or using the
trigonometric functions cosine and sine according to the following relationship:
Where: run and rise = number of measured units
Ø = the angle measured in degrees
sin Ø/cos Ø = rise/run
Ø = tan –1 (rise/run)
and
tan Ø = sin Ø/cos Ø
 HP PCL Font Characteristics 6-21

Relative Direction (DR)

This command specifies the the direction in which text characters are printed, relative to
the location of scaling points P1 and P2. The text printing direction is adjusted when P1
and P2 change so that the printed text maintains the same relationship to the scaled data.
Use the DR command to change the printing direction when you are printing text labeling
curves in line charts, schematic drawings, blueprints, and survey boundaries.
DR run,rise [;] or DR [;]

Table 6-14 Relative Direction Command Parameters

Parameter Format Functional Range Default

run clamped real -32768 to 32767 1% of P2X – P1X

rise clamped real -32768 to 32767 0

The DR command updates the carriage return point to the current location. While the DR
command is in effect, with or without parameters, the text printing direction is affected by
changes in the locations of P1 and P2.
No parameters - Defaults the text printing direction to relative and horizontal (parallel to
X-axis). Equivalent to (DR1,0).
Run - Specifies the percentage of the distance between P1X and P2X.
Rise - Specifies the percentage of the distance between P1Y and P2Y.

Absolute Character Size (SI)

This command specifies the size of text characters in centimeters. Use the SI command to
establish character size independent of scaling points P1 and P2.
SI width, height[;] or SI [;]

Table 6-15 Absolute Character Size Command Parameters

Parameter Format Functional Range Default
*
width clamped real -32768 to 32767 Dependent
*
height clamped real -32768 to 32767 Dependent
*
Dependent on the current pitch and font height set by the AD or SD commands.

While the SI command is in effect, with or without specifying parameter values, the size of
characters in the currently selected font are not affected by changes in P1 and P2.
6-22 HP PCL Font Characteristics

No parameters - Character size is as specified by the SD (standard font definition) and AD

(alternate font definition) commands.
Width - Specifies the width of the nominal character in centimeters. A negative width
parameter mirrors text characters in the right-to-left direction.

NOTE: Changing character size also changes

the width of line used to draw Stick font
characters.

Height - Specifies the cap height in centimeters. A negative height parameter mirrors text
characters in the top-to-bottom direction.
Note that in most languages the width of a letter is typically less than the height. If you set
your characters to have a different ‘aspect ratio’, they may look odd in terms of readability.
An SI command remains in effect until another SI command is executed, an SR command
is executed, or the printer is initialized or set to its default conditions.

Relative Character Size (SR)

This command specifies the size of characters as a percentage of the distance between P1
and P2. Use the SR command to establish relative character size so that if the P1/P2 scaling
point distance changes, the character size adjusts to occupy the same relative amount of
space.
SR width, height[;] or SR [;]

Table 6-16 Relative Character Size Command Parameters

Parameter Format Functional Range Default

width clamped real -32768 to 32767 0.75% of P2X – P1X

height clamped real -32768 to 32767 1.5% of P2Y – P1Y

While the SR command is in effect, with or without specifying parameter values, the size
of characters in the currently selected font are affected by changes in P1 and P2.
No parameters - Defaults the relative character width to 0.75% of the distance (P2X – P1X)
and the height to 1.5% of the distance (P2Y – P1Y).
 HP PCL Font Characteristics 6-23

NOTE: Changing character size also changes

the apparent stroke weight of text characters; the
printer adjusts characters relative to changes in
P1/P2. As long as the aspect ratio remains the
same with changes in P1/P2, characters will have
the same appearance relative to the new P1/P2
rectangle.

Width - Sets the character height to the specified percentage of the distance between the
X-coordinates of P1 and P2. A negative width parameter mirrors text characters in the
right-to left direction.
Height - Sets the character height to the specified percentage of the distance between the
Y-coordinates of P1 and P2. A negative height parameter mirrors text characters in the top-
to bottom direction.
The character size you specify with the SR command is a percentage of P2X – P1X and
P2Y – P1Y. The printer calculates the actual character width and height from the specified
parameters as follows:
actual width = (width parameter/100 x (P2X – P1X)
actual height = (height parameter/100 x (P2Y – P1Y)

Character Slant (SL)

This command specifies the slant at which text characters are drawn. Use the SL command
to create slanted text for emphasis, or to re-establish upright text characters after an SL
command with parameters has been in effect. (Note that the SL command has no effect
when an (SB1;) command is in effect.
SL tangent of angle[;] or SL [;]

Table 6-17 Character Slant Command Parameters

Parameter Format Functional Range Default

tangent of angle clamped real -32768 to 32767 0

The printer interprets the parameters as follows:

No parameter - Defaults the slant to zero (no slant). Equivalent to (SL0).
Tangent of angle - Interpreted as an angle Ø from from vertical. The base of the character
always stays on the horizontal plane.
6-24 HP PCL Font Characteristics

The SL command only affects each character relative to an imaginary line beside the text
characters. The direction or placement of the text on the drawing does not affect the SL
command; neither do the settings of the P1 and P2 scaling points. (The DI and DR
commands, however, do affect the slant direction, since the base of a character always stays
on the baseline of the text.
You can specify the actual tangent value, or you can use the TAN function available in
most computer languages.
An SL command remains in effect until another SL command is executed, or the printer is
initialized or set to its default conditions.

Extra Space (ES)

This command adjusts space between characters and lines of text without affecting
character size.
ES width[,height;] or ES [;]

Table 6-18 Extra Space Command Parameters

Parameter Format Functional Range Default

width clamped real -32768 to 32767 0

height clamped real -32768 to 32767 0

The printer interprets the parameters as follows:

No parameters - Defaults the spaces and lines between characters to no extra space.
Equivalent to (ES0,0).
Width - Specifies an increase (positive number) or decrease (negative number) in the space
between characters. For maximum legibility, do not specify more than one extra space or
subtract more than half a space.
Height - Specifies an increase (positive number) or decrease (negative number) in the space
between lines. For maximum legibility, do not specify more than two extra lines or subtract
more than half a line.
An ES command remains in effect until another ES command is executed, or until the
printer is initialized or set to default conditions.
 HP PCL Font Characteristics 6-25

Standard Font Definition (SD)

This command defines the standard font and its characteristics: symbol set, font spacing,
pitch, height, posture, stroke weight, and typeface.
SD kind,value ... [,kind,value;] or SD [;]

Table 6-19 Standard Font Definition Command Parameters

Parameter Format Functional Range Default

kind clamped integer 1 to 7 None

* *
value clamped real Kind dependent Kind dependent
*
See Table .

The printer interprets the parameters as follows:

No parameters - Defaults the standard font characteristics.
Kind - Specifies the characteristic for which you are setting a value (see Table ).

Table 6-20 Kind Parameter Characteristics

Kind Characteristic Default Value Description

1 Symbol set 277 Roman-8

2 Font spacing 0 fixed spacing
3 Pitch 9 characters per inch
4 Height 11.5 font point size
5 Posture upright upright
6 Stroke weight 0 medium
7 Typeface 48 Stick (fixed vector)

Value - Defines the properties of the characteristic specifed by the kind parameter.

NOTE: When selecting fonts, the different

characteristics (symbol set, spacing, pitch, etc.)
are prioritized as shown in Table , with symbol
being the highest priority and typeface being the
lowest. The font selection priority is the same for
HPGL/2 as for PCL font selection.
6-26 HP PCL Font Characteristics

Alternate Font Definition (AD)

This command is similiar to the Standard Font Definition (SD) command that defines the
primary HPGL/2 font. In addition the AD command defines an alternate HPGL/2 font and
its characteristics: symbol set, font spacing, pitch, height, posture, stroke weight, and
typeface. It allows the font characteristics to be assigned to the secondary (alternate) font
definition.
AD kind,value ... [,kind,value;] or AD [;]

Table 6-21 Alternate Font Definition Command Parameters

Parameter Format Functional Range Default

kind clamped integer 1 to 7 None

* *
value clamped real Kind dependent Kind dependent
*
See Table 6-22.

The printer interprets the parameters as follows:

No parameters - Defaults the alternate font characteristics to that of the Stick font (see
Table 6-21.
Kind - Specifies the characteristic for which you are setting a value (see Table 6-22).

Table 6-22 Kind Parameter Characteristics

Kind Characteristic Default Value Description

1 Symbol set 277 Roman-8

2 Font spacing 0 fixed spacing
3 Pitch 9 characters per inch
4 Height 11.5 font point size
5 Posture upright upright
6 Stroke weight 0 medium
7 Typeface 48 Stick (fixed vector)

Value - Defines the properties of the characteristic specifed by the kind parameter.
 HP PCL Font Characteristics 6-27

NOTE: When selecting fonts, the different

characteristics (symbol set, spacing, pitch, etc.)
are prioritized as shown in Table , with symbol
being the highest priority and typeface being the
lowest. The font selection priority is the same for
HPGL/2 as for PCL font selection.

Character Fill Mode (CF)

The character fill mode command specifies the way scalable fonts are filled and edged;
bitmap and Stick fonts cannot be edged and can be filled only with raster fill, shading, or
PCL cross-hatched patterns. Scalable characters may be filled with any of the fill patterns
specified by the FT command (shading, hatching, cross-hatch, and user-defined raster fill
patterns).
CF fill mode[,edge pen[;] ] or CF [;]

Table 6-23 Character Fill Mode Command Parameters

Parameter Format Functional Range Default

fill mode clamped integer 0, 1, 2, or 3 0 (solid fill)

30 30
edge pen integer -(2) to 2 – 1 0 (no edging)

No parameters - Defaults characters to solid fill with no edging. Equivalent to (CF0,0).

Fill mode - Specifies how the printer renders filled characters according to the following
parameter values:
0: Specifies solid f using the current pen and edging with the specified pen (or
current pen if the edge pen parameter is not specified).
1: Specifies edging with the specified pen (or current pen if the edge pen
parameter is not specified). Characters are filled only if they cannot be edged
(bitmap or stick characters) using the edge pen.
2: Specifies filled characters using the current fill type (refer to the FT command
in Section 9. The currently selected pen is used. Characters are not edged. If the
edge pen parameter is specified, it is ignored.
3: Specifies filled characters using the current fill type (refer to the FT command
in Section 9. The currently selected pen is used. Characters are edged with the
specified pen (or current pen if the edge pen parameter is not specified).
6-28 HP PCL Font Characteristics

Edge pen - For characters that are not to be edged, this parameter indicates the pen that is
used to edge the character (black or white).
0: No edging
1: Black edging. The outline pen width is not selectable, but varies in thickness in
proportion to the point size of the font.
Note that the absolute direction (DI) and relative direction (DR) commands do not cuase
rotation of fill patterns. Fill patterns remain fixed with respect to the current coordinate
system. The CF command remains in effect until another CF command is executed or the
printer is initialized or set to its default conditions.

Label Origin (LO)

This command positions text characters relative to the current pen location. Use the LO
command to center, left justify, or right justify text. The text can be drawn above or below
the current pen location and can also be offset by an amount equal to 0.25 times the point
size (or 16 grid units [0.33 times the point size] for the Stick font.
LO position[;] or LO [;]

Table 6-24 Label Origin Command Parameters

Parameter Format Functional Range Default

position clamped integer 1 to 9, 1

11 to 19,
or 21

The printer interprets the parameters as follows:

No parameters - Defaults the text origin. Equivalent to (LO1).
Position - Position numbers correspond to dots which graphically represent the current pen
location. Positions LO 11 through LO 19 differ from position LO 9 only in that the text is
offset from the current pen location. Position 21 provides a PCL-compatible text origin.
Characters are printed in the same location as in PCL.
The LO command does not change the text path. To change the text path, use the DV
command.
Each time the LO command is sent, the carriage return point is updated to the location the
pen was in when the LO command was received. The current pen location (but not the
carriage return point) is updated after each character is drawn, and the pen automatically
moves to the next character origin. If you want to return a pen to its previous location prior
to the next label (LB) command, you can send a carriage return after the text but before the
label terminator.
 HP PCL Font Characteristics 6-29

When you embed carriage return characters in text, each portion of the text character is
positioned according to the text origin, just as if they were written as separate label (LB)
commands.
An LO command remains in effect until another LO command is executed, or the printer is
initialized or set to its default conditions.

Label (LB)
This command prints text using the currently defined font. Use the LB command to
annotate drawings or create text-only charts.
LB text ... text label terminator

Table 6-25 Label Command Parameters

Parameter Format Functional Range Default

text ... text character any character(s) None

The LB command includes an automatic pen down function. When the LB command
completes, the original pen up/down status is restored.
text ... text - ASCII characters are drawn using the currently selected font. (Refer to the
AD, SA, SD, and SS commands in this section for details on specifying and selecting
fonts).
You can include non-printing characters such as the carriage return (CR - decimal code 13)
and line feed (LF -decimal code 10). These characters invoke the specified function, but are
not drawn.
The text begins at the current pen location (unless altered by the LO command). After each
character is drawn, the pen location is updated to be the next character origin.
Label terminator - Terminates the LB command. You must use the special label terminator
(refer to the DT command in this section) to tell the printer to exit the LB command mode.
If you do not use the label terminator, everything following the LB mnemonic is printed as
text characters, including other commands. The default label terminator is the non-printing,
end-of-text ETX (decimal code 3) sequence. You can define a different terminator using
the DT command.
6-30 HP PCL Font Characteristics

Define Label Terminator (DT)

This command specifies the character to be used as the label terminator and whether it is
printed. Use the DT command to define a new label terminator if you desire a different one
or if your computer cannot use the default (ETX, decimal code 3) sequence.
DT label terminator[,mode;] or DT;

Table 6-26 Define Label Terminator Command Parameters

Parameter Format Functional Range Default

label terminator text Any character except ETX (decimal code 3)

NULL, LF, ESC, and ;
(decimal codes 0, 5,
27, and 29
respectively.
mode clamped integer 0 or 1 1 (non-printing)

The character immediately following DT is interpreted to be the new label terminator. You
must terminate all LB commands following a DT command with the specified label
terminator.
No parameter - Defaults the label terminator to ETX (not a semicolon) and the mode to
non-printing (1).
Label terminator - Specifies the label terminator as the character immediately following the
DT mnemonic. (If you use a space between the mnemonic and the label terminator
parameter, the space becomes the label terminator.
Mode - Specifies whether the label terminator is printed.
0: The label terminator prints if it is a printable character and performs its function if
it is a control code.
1: (Default) The label terminator does not print if if it is a printable character and
does not perform its function if it is a control code.
A DT command remains in effect until another DT command is executed, or the printer is
initialized or set to its default conditions.

Character Plot (CP)

This command moves the pen the specified number of spaces and lines from the current
pen location. Use CP to position text for indenting, centering , and so on.
CP spaces,lines [;] or CP [;]
 HP PCL Font Characteristics 6-31

Table 6-27 Character Plot Command Parameters

Parameter Format Functional Range Default

spaces clamped real -32768 to 32767 None

lines clamped real -32768 to 32767 None

The CP command includes an automatic pen down function. When the CP command
completes, the original pen up/down status is restored.
The CP command moves the pen position in relation to the current position. CP is a
movement command and does not affect the margin; to repeat the same movement for
subsequent text, you must issue new CP commands.
No parameters - Performs a carriage return and line feed (moves one line down and returns
to the carriage return point.
Spaces - Specifies the number of spaces the pen moves relative to the current pen location.
Positive values specify the number of spaces that the pen moves to the right of the current
pen position; negative values specify the number of spaces that the pen moves to the left.
Right and left are relative to the current text direction. The space width is uniquely defined
for each font; use the ES command described earlier in this section to adjust the width.

NOTE: If you are using a proportionally-spaced

font, the width of the Space control code is used.

Lines - Specifies the number of lines the pen moves relative to the current pen location.
Positive values specify the number of lines that the pen moves up from the current pen
position; negative values specify the number of lines that the pen moves down (a value of -
1 is equivalent to a line feed). Up and down are relative to the current text direction. The
line feed distance is uniquely defined for each font; use the ES command described earlier
in this section to adjust the height.
When you move the pen up or down a specific number of lines, the carriage return point
shifts up or down accordingly.

Transparent Data (TD)

This command specifies whether control codes perform their associated functions or print
as characters during text printing. Use the TD command to print characters that function
only as control characters in normal mode.
TD mode[;] or TD [;]
6-32 HP PCL Font Characteristics

Table 6-28 Transparent Data Command Parameters

Parameter Format Functional Range Default

mode clamped integer 0 or 1 0 (normal)

The printer interprets the parameters as follows:

No parameters - Defaults the text printing mode to normal. Equivalent to (TD0).
Mode - Selects the normal or transparent data mode for text printing.
0: Normal. Control codes with an associated functionality perform their function and
do not print..
1: Transparent. All characters print and perform no other function (except the
currently defined label terminator, which terminates text printing). The printer
prints a space for non-printing or undefined characters.
Transparent data mode must be enabled to access printable characters that have character
codes with an associated functionality in normal mode. For example, the left arrow in the
PC-8 symbol set has a character code of 27. In normal mode, a character code of 27 is
interpreted as an escape character (ESC); in transparent data mode, a character code of 27
prints a left arrow.

Define Variable Text Path (DV)

This command specifies the text path for subsequent text characters and the direction of
line feeds as either left or right, up or down. Use the DV command to “stack” characters in
a column.
DV path[line;] or DV [;]

Table 6-29 Define Variable Text Path Command Parameters

Parameter Format Functional Range Default

path clamped integer 0, 1, 2, or 3 0 (horizontal)

line clamped integer 0 or 1 0 (normal line feed)

The DV command determines the text path, which is the direction that the current location
moves after each character is drawn and the direction that the carriage return point moves
when a line feed is included in the text string.
No parameter - Defaults the text path to horizontal (not stacked) with normal line feed.
Equivalent to (DV0,0).
 HP PCL Font Characteristics 6-33

Path - Specifies the location of each character with respect to the preceding character,
relative to the labeling direction defined by the DI or DR commands. The text path set by
the DV command is not affected by changes in scaling points P1 and P2.
0: 0 degrees. (Right) Within a label, each character begins to the right of the
previous character. This is a horizontal text path (unless altered by the DI or
DR commands).
1: 90 degrees. (Down) Within a label, each character begins below the previous
character. This is a vertical text path (unless altered by the DI or DR
commands).
2: 180 degrees. (Left) Within a label, each character begins to the left of the
previous character. This is a horizontal text path (unless altered by the DI or
DR commands).
3: 270 degrees. (Up) Within a label, each character begins above the previous
character. This is a vertical text path (unless altered by the DI or DR
commands).
Line - Specifies the location of each character with respect to the preceding character
relative to the text printing direction defined by the DI or DR commands.
0 to –90 degrees. (Normal Line Feed) Sets the direction of line feeds –90 degrees
with respect to the text path.
0 to +90 degrees. (Reverse Line Feed) Sets the direction of line feeds +90 degrees
with respect to the text path.

*
"This information is subject to change without notice. This information is provided "as is" without either express or
implied warranty. IntelliTech International, Inc. disclaims any and all warranties with regard to this information.
IntelliTech shall not be liable in any event for any special, indirect or consequential damages or any damages whatsoever
resulting from loss of data, profits or use, for any reason or in any action, arising out of or in connection with the use or
performance of this information. "
Section 7

HP PCL Font Management and Soft

Font Downloading
The IntelliBar M Series printers have eight internal fonts.* You can add more fonts by
downloading soft fonts. Font management provides mechanisms for downloading and us-
ing soft fonts while providing the means for controlling which soft fonts are saved in user
memory (RAM) or deleted. You can download and print up to 32 fonts per page. Each time
you download a font, user memory is decreased.
Soft fonts are usually packaged on a diskette. In order to use your soft fonts you need to
copy them from the diskette to your printer. This is termed downloading. Some applica-
tions download fonts for you, so refer to your application documentation. If not, follow the
instructions (for MS-DOS systems) in this section.

DOWNLOADING SOFT FONTS

The process of transferring soft fonts from a host computer to the printer’s user memory
(RAM) is called downloading. You must designate a unique identification (ID) number
prior to downloading the font. This number is then associated with the soft font. This num-
ber is assigned using the font ID command described later in this section. Subsequent ma-
nipulation of the soft font is accomplished using the font’s ID number. If a font is already
associated with this ID number in the printer, the existing font is deleted during the down-
load..
Several commands are required to define a font before downloading it to the printer. These
commands are described in Section 8. HP font files include the necessary commands that
define the symbols of a font, including the typeface, style/weight, point size, orientation,
and symbol set. Assigning a font ID number and then copying the font file to the printer
downloads the font. Scalable fonts and typefaces may be prepared by font management
software. Once prepared, scalable fonts are downloaded in much the same way as bit map
fonts.
Once downloaded, the soft font occupies a portion of user memory (RAM). The number of
soft fonts that can be stored in user memory is limited by the amount of available RAM.
7-2 HP PCL Font Management and Soft Font Downloading

 Make sure there is sufficient space in the printer memory before downloading
fonts. Because you cannot determine exactly how much memory is free, you
should initialize the printer to clear memory whenever possible before download-
ing soft fonts.
 Always remain within the same directory when working with fonts.
 Do not alter the font file names in any way.

TEMPORARY/ PERMANENT FONTS

The printer automatically designates a font as a temporary font after downloading. The font
is deleted from memory during a printer reset. The font can be designated as a permanent
font so it will remain after a printer reset. The status of the font is determined by the font
control escape sequence and the font ID value..

NOTE: Temporary and permanent fonts do not

remain in the user memory whenever printer
power is turned off.

FONT CONTROL
Font control provides several ways for you to use fonts..
ESC *c#F
Decimal: 027 042 099 ### 070
Hex: 1B 2A 63 3# 46
# (ESC) 0 = Delete all soft fonts
1 = Delete all temporary soft fonts
2 = Delete soft font (last ID and character code specified)
3 = Delete character code (last ID and char acter code specified)
4 = Make soft font temporary (last ID speci fied)
5 = Make soft font permanent (last ID specified)
6 = Copy/assign the currently invoked font as temporary

NOTE: If you delete a primary or secondary

font, a new primary or secondary font is auto-
matically selected from the remaining fonts.

For example, to remove all soft fonts from the user memory, send
ESC*c0F
To remove temporary soft fonts, send
ESC*c1F
 HP PCL Font Management and Soft Font Downloading 7-3

To delete a soft font with an ID of 1, send

ESC*c1d2F
You can select soft fonts by using their ID numbers (see “Font Selection by ID).
If the designated font is available, it is selected as the primary/secondary font and all pri-
mary/secondary font characteristics are set to match the selected font. If the selected font is
proportionally spaced, the pitch characteristic is not changed.

FONT SELECTION BY ID
ESC(# X designates the soft font # as primary
Decimal: 7 040 # 088
Hex: 28 # 58.
ESC)# X designates the soft font # as secondary
Decimal: 7 041 # 088
Hex: 29 # 58
For example, to select a font with an ID number of 7 as the primary font, send
ESC (7X
To select a font with an ID number of 5 as the secondary font, send
ESC )5X
The current font remains in use if designated font is unavailable.

NOTE: In shared or networked operations, soft

fonts should be selected by characteristics rather
than the font ID number.

*
"This information is subject to change without notice. This information is provided "as is" without either express or
implied warranty. IntelliTech International, Inc. disclaims any and all warranties with regard to this information. Intel-
liTech shall not be liable in any event for any special, indirect or consequential damages or any damages whatsoever re-
sulting from loss of data, profits or use, for any reason or in any action, arising out of or in connection with the use or
performance of this information. "
Section 8

HP PCL Soft Font Design

A font descriptor and one or more character descriptors define a soft font. A font descriptor
is a block of data used to communicate font characteristics to the printer.*
A character descriptor specifies the position and shape of an individual character and the
implied movement of the cursor after printing the character. Following each character de-
scriptor is a block of raster data containing the dot-per-inch image of the character.

COORDINATE SYSTEM
Characters of a font are designed within a rectangular area called a cell. The dimensions of
the cell are in PCL Coordinate system dots and are therefore page orientation-independent
(refer to “Page Characteristics” in Section 2 for a complete description of the PCL coordi-
nate system).
Character design dimensions within the cell are in physical coordinate system dots (rather
than PCL Coordinate System dots). The physical coordinate system is defined in terms of
the directions of raster scan (X) and paper motion (Y) as illustrated in Figure 8-1.

Figure 8-1 Physical Coordinate System

Since the raster scan and paper motion directions of a device are fixed, the physical coordi-
nate system is page-orientation dependent. Character design dimensions within the cell are
in physical coordinate system dots and therefore depend on the print orientation.
8-2 HP PCL Soft Font Design

Figure 8-2 shows a character cell.

PORTRAIT

Figure 8-2 Character Cell

FONT DESCRIPTOR FORMAT

A unique ID number should be designated prior to the download of a font descriptor. If an
existing font is already associated with the ID, the existing font is deleted during the down-
load of the font descriptor. Unless otherwise specified, inappropriate values in a font de-
scriptor field invalidate the font download process; a font is not created and the associated
font data is discarded.
Those font descriptor fields identified as "reserved" should be set to 0.
Table 8-1 describes the format of the font descriptor.
 HP PCL Soft Font Design 8-3

Table 8-1 Font Descriptor Format

Byte 15 (MSB) 8 7 (LSB) 0

0 Font Descriptor Size (64)

2 Header format (0) Font type
4 Style MSB Reserved
6 Baseline position
8 Cell width
10 Cell height
12 Orientation Spacing
14 Symbol set
16 Pitch (default HMI)
18 Height
20 x - Height
22 Width type Style LSB
24 Stroke weight Typeface LSB
26 Typeface MSB Serif style
28 Quality Placement
30 Underline position (Distance) Underline thickness (height)
32 Text height
34 Text width
36 First code
38 Last code
40 Pitch extended Height extended
42 Cap height
44 - 47 Font number
.
.
.
48 - 63 Font name
.
.
.
64 Copyright (optional)
8-4 HP PCL Soft Font Design

NOTE: The following notation is used to define

the data type of each field in the font descriptor
described in the following subsections.

(B) :Boolean (0,1)

(UB) :Unsigned Byte (0 # 225)
(SB) :Signed Byte (-128 # 127)
(UI) :Unsigned Integer (0 # 65535)
(SI) :Signed Integer (-32768 # 32767)
(ASCxx) :ASCII string array (0 # xx-1) of characters

Font Descriptor Size (UI)

Specifies the number of bytes in the font descriptor. The standard font descriptor size is 64
bytes.

Font Type (UB)

Specifies one of the font types defined in Table 8-2. The font type should be set appropri-
ately for the font's symbol set.
Table 8-2 Font Type Values
Value Font Type

0 7-bit (96 characters) – character codes 32 to

127 [decimal] are printable.
1 8-bit (192 characters) – character codes 32 to
127 [decimal] and 160 to 255 [decimal] are
printable.
2 8-bit (256 characters) – All characters are
printable, however 0, 7 to 15, 27, and 28
[decimal] must be in transparency mode to print.

Use the transparent print data command to access those codes that are unprintable, yet have
a character defined.

Descriptor Format
The descriptor format byte should be set to zero.
 HP PCL Soft Font Design 8-5

Baseline Distance (UI)

Specifies the distance from the top of the cell to the baseline. The baseline is an imaginary
dot row on which all of the characters in a line stand. The measurement of this distance is
in PCL coordinate system dots. The valid range for the baseline distance is 0 to cell height
minus 1.

Cell Width (UI)

Specifies the width of the cell in PCL coordinate system dots.

Cell Height (UI)

Specifies the height of the cell in PCL coordinate system dots.

Orientation (UB)
Specifies the orientation of the font. All characters within the font must have the same ori-
entation; otherwise they are discarded as they are downloaded. Zero specifies portrait and
one specifies landscape.

Spacing (B)
Specifies the spacing of the font. Zero specifies fixed spacing and one specifies propor-
tional spacing.

Symbol Set (UI)

Specifies the symbol set for the font. This value (shown in Table 8-3) is computed by tak-
ing the "value field" value for the symbol set, multiplying it by 32, adding the ASCII deci-
mal value of the escape sequence termination character, and subtracting 64.
For example, the ISO Symbol Set 61 has a value field of 0 and a termination character of D
(ASCII decimal 68). Therefore the symbol set value for ISO 61 is
(0 x 32) + 68 - 64 = 4
The valid range of symbol set values is 0 to 2047. Refer to Table 8-3 for the font descriptor
symbol set values. The Hewlett-Packard emulation uses the font descriptor symbol set val-
ues from 0 to 1023. Symbol set escape sequence value field values 1024 to 2047 are avail-
able for use by independent font vendors. Symbol set escape sequence termination
characters can be any uppercase ASCII character "A" through "V".
8-6 HP PCL Soft Font Design

Table 8-3 Symbol Set Values

Symbol Set Value Termination Symbol Set
Name Field Character Value

HP Math–7 0 A 1
HP Line Draw 0 B 2
ISO 60: Norwegian 0 D 4
version 1
*ISO 61: Norwegian 0 D 36
version 2
HP Roman Extensions 0 E 5
ISO 4: United Kingdom 1 E 37
*ISO 25: French 0 F 6
ISO 69: French 1 F 38
*HP German 0 G 7
ISO 21: German 1 G 39
HP Greek–8 8 G 263
ISO 15: Italian 0 I 9

*Not recommended for future use.

 HP PCL Soft Font Design 8-7

Table 8-3 Symbol Set Values (cont’d)

Symbol Set Value Termination Symbol Set
Name Field Character Value

*ISO 14: JIS ASCII 0 K 11

*ISO 57: Chinese 2 K 75
Technical–7 1 M 45
HP Math–8 8 M 269
ECMA–94 Latin 1 0 N 14
OCR A 0 O 15
OCR B 1 O 47
ISO 11: Swedish 0 S 19
Names
*HP Spanish 1 S 51
ISO 17: Spanish 2 S 83
*ISO 10: Swedish 3 S 115
*ISO 16: Portuguese 4 S 147
*ISO 84: Portuguese 5 S 179
*ISO 85: Spanish 6 S 211
ISO 6: ASCII 0 U 21
HP Legal 1 U 53
*ISO 2:Intl Reference 2 U 85
Version
OEM–1 7 U 245
HP Roman–8 8 U 277
PC–8 10 U 341
PC–8 11 U 373
(Danish/Norwegian
HP PI Font 15 U 501

* Not recommended for future use.

Pitch (UI)
Specifies the pitch of the font in quarter-dot units (four quarter-dot units equal one dot).
This defines the default HMI for the font. The IntelliBar M Series printers support a pitch
range of 0 to 16,800 quarter-dots. Any values greater than 16,800 are set to 16,800.
8-8 HP PCL Soft Font Design

Height (UI)
Specifies the design height of the font in quarter-dot units. This value, converted to points,
is used as the height characteristics value of the font. A PCL point is 1/72 (0.01389) inch.
The IntelliBar M Series supports a height range of 0 to 10,922 quarter-dots. Any values
greater than 10,922 are set to 10,922.

x#Height (UI)
Specifies the height of the lowercase "x" in quarter-dot units. The IntelliBar M Series does
not use this field.

Width Type (SB)

Specifies the proportionate width of characters in the font. The IntelliBar M Series does not
use this field.

Style (UB)
Specifies the style of the font. Upright is specified by 0 and italics by 1.

Stroke Weight (SB)

Specifies the thickness of the strokes used in designing the font. The supported stroke
weight values are -7 through 7 (see Table 8-4). The thinnest stroke available is -7; and 7 is
the thickest stroke weight available. The standard stroke weight for a medium font is 0; the
standard stroke weight for a bold font is 3; and the standard stroke weight for a light font is
-3.

Table 8-4 Stroke Weights

Value(#) Typeface

–7 Ultra Thin
–5 Thin
–3 Light
0 Medium, or Book
+3 Bold
+5 Black
+7 Ultra Black
 HP PCL Soft Font Design 8-9

Typeface
Specifies the least significant byte of the typeface of the font (see Table 8-5).

Table 8-5 Typeface Values

Value Typeface

0 Line Printer
3 Courier
4 Helv
5 TmsRmn
6 Letter Gothic
8 Prestige
11 Presentations

Serif Style (UB)

Specifies one of the serif styles defined in Table 8-6.

Table 8-6 Serif Style Values

Value Serif Style

0 Sans Serif Square

1 Sans Serif Round
2 Serif Line
3 Serif Triangle
4 Serif Swath
5 Serif Block
6 Serif Bracket

7 Rounded Bracket
8 Flair Stroke

Underline Distance (SB)

Specifies the distance from the baseline to the top dot row of the underline in dots. Zero
specifies an underline position at the baseline. A positive value specifies an underline posi-
tion above the baseline. A negative value specifies an underline position below the base-
line.
8-10 HP PCL Soft Font Design

Underline Height (UB)

Specifies the thickness of the underline in dots. The IntelliBar M Series always uses a
three-dot thickness for an underline.

Text Height (UI)

Specifies the font's optimum inter-line spacing in quarter-dot units. The IntelliBar M Series
does not use this field.

Text Width (UI)

Specifies the font's average lowercase character width in quarter-dot units. The IntelliBar
M Series does not use this field.

Pitch Extended (UB)

This is an addition to the pitch field that extends the pitch an extra eight bits. The value of
this field is 1/1024 of one dot. For example, a 17 pitch font would have a pitch field of 70
(17.5 dots, or 17.1429 cpi) and a pitch extended field of 150 (0.1465 dots additional, which
adds to 17.6465 dots, or 17.0005 pitch).

Height Extended (UB)

This is an addition to the height field that extends the height an extra eight bits. The value
of this field is 1/1024 of one dot. For example, a 10 point font would have a height field of
166 (41.5 dots, or 9.96 points) and a height extended field of 170 (0.1660 dots additional,
which adds to 9.9998 points).

Font Name (ASC16)

This is a 16-character ASCII field that you use to assign a font name. The IntelliBar M Se-
ries prints this font name on the test print when you select font sample (see the IntelliBar M
Series User’s Guide).

FONT DESCRIPTOR (FONT HEADER) COMMAND

The font descriptor (font header) command is used to download font header data to the
printer.
ESC)s#W [font header data]
The value field (#) identifies the number of bytes in the font header (see Table 8-7).
 HP PCL Soft Font Design 8-11

To download a font header for a portrait Roman-8, 10 pitch, 12 point, upright, medium,
Courier font, with an ID number of one, send:
ESC*c1D (set Font ID to 1)
ESC)s64W [64 bytes of font header data]
Table 8-7 lists the font header data.

Table 8-7 Font Header Data

Field Name Value Description

Font Descriptor Size 64 Bytes

Reserved 0
Font Type 1 Eight bit
Reserved 0
Baseline Distance 35
Cell Width 30
Cell Height 50
Orientation 0 Portrait
Spacing 0 Fixed Pitch
Symbol Set (8U) 277 (8x32 + (85–64))
Pitch 120 30 dots
Height 200 50 dots
xHeight 9 223 dots
Width Type 0 Medium
Style 0 Upright
Stroke Weight 0 Normal
Typeface (LSB) 3 Courier
Reserved 0
Serif Style 2 Serif Line
Reserved 0
Underline Distance –5
Underline Height 3
Text Height 200 (50 dots)
Text Width 120 (30 dots)
Reserved 0
Reserved 0
8-12 HP PCL Soft Font Design

Table 8-7 Font Header Data (cont’d)

Field Name Value Description

Pitch Extended 0
Height Extended
0
Reserved 0
Reserved 0
Reserved 0
Font Name Courier 10 0

CHARACTER DESCRIPTOR AND DATA FORMAT

A unique character code must be designated prior to the download of a character descriptor
and data. If the font being downloaded already contains a character with this code, the ex-
isting character is deleted during the download of the character descriptor and data. Unless
otherwise specified, inappropriate values in a character descriptor field invalidate the char-
acter download process; a character is not created, and the associated descriptor and data is
discarded.
Those character descriptor fields identified as “reserved” should be set to 0.
Figure 8-3 illustrates the format of the character descriptor and data.

Figure 8-3 Character Descriptor and Data Format

 HP PCL Soft Font Design 8-13

NOTE: The following notation is used to define

the data type of each field in the character de-
scriptor.

(B) :Boolean (0,1)

(UB) : Unsigned Byte (0 — 255)
(SB) :Signed Byte (-128 — 127)
(UI) :Unsigned Integer (0 — 65535)
(SI) :Signed Integer (-32768 — 32767)

Format (UB)
Specifies the format of the character descriptor and data. The format number used by the
printer is 4.

Continuation (B)
Specifies whether the following data is a character descriptor block (0) or a continuation of
the data (1) associated with the previous character descriptor.
Because the escape sequence value field is limited to 32767 bytes, characters whose num-
ber of descriptor and data block bytes exceed this limit must be downloaded in two or more
blocks. Figure 8-4 illustrates the format of a character data continuation block.

Byte 15 – MSB 8 7 LSB – 0

0 Format (4) Continuation (1)
2 Character Data

4 (in bytes)

–
–

Figure 8-4 Character Descriptors/Data Continuation Block

8-14 HP PCL Soft Font Design

Descriptor Size (UB)

Specifies the size of the character descriptor in bytes. The IntelliBar M Series uses a de-
scriptor size of 14.

Class (UB)
Specifies the format of the character data. The IntelliBar M Series uses 1 as the character
data format number.

Orientation (UB)
Specifies the orientation of the character. Zero specifies portrait and one specifies land-
scape. The orientation of the character must match the orientation of the font.

Left Offset (SI)

Specifies the distance in dots from the reference point to the left side of the character pat-
tern on the physical page coordinate system (i.e., this value is orientation dependent). The
left and top offsets locate the character reference point about the current active position
(see ).
The valid range for the left offset is -4200 to 4200.

Top Offset (SI)

Specifies the distance in dots from the reference point to the top of the character pattern on
the physical coordinate system (i.e., this value is orientation dependent). The left and top
offsets locate the character reference point about the current active position (see Figure I-5
and Figure I-6).
The valid range for the top offset is -4200 to 4200.

Character Width (UI)

Specifies the width of the character in dots on the physical coordinate system.
The valid range for the character width is 1 to 4200. If you exceed the cell boundary de-
fined in the font descriptor, the character will not download.

Character Height (UI)

Specifies the height of the character in dots on the physical coordinate system.
The valid range for character height is 1 to 4200. If you exceed the cell boundary defined in
the font descriptor, the character will not download.
 HP PCL Soft Font Design 8-15

Delta X (SI)
Specifies the number of quarter-dot units by which the horizontal position within the logi-
cal page coordinate system will be incremented after printing the character. This value is
only used by the printer when the font is proportionally spaced.
The valid range for delta X is 0 to 16800.

Character Data
Character data is a string of bytes containing the dot-per-bit image of the character. If a bit
is set to one, the corresponding dot will be printed. The data is grouped in dot rows; a row
describes a one-dot high strip of the character from left to right, parallel to the printer's ras-
ter scan direction (see Figure 8-5 and Figure 8-6). Zeroed bits must be added to the end of
each row to make it contain an integral number of bytes. The dot rows are organized from
top to bottom of the character, i.e., the first dot row of data corresponds to the top dot row
of the character.

Figure 8-5 Portrait Character Example

8-16 HP PCL Soft Font Design

Figure 8-6 Landscape Character Example

CHARACTER CODE
The character code sequence establishes the decimal code that will be associated with the
next character downloaded. This single byte value is used to reference the character for
printing.
ESC*c#E
Decimal: 027 042 099 # 069
Hex: 1B 2A 63 # 45
#: character code.
For example, to designate the character code for an ASCII lowercase "y", send:
ESC*c103E

DOWNLOAD CHARACTER
The download character sequence downloads a character descriptor and associated charac-
ter data to the printer.
ESC(s#W [character descriptor and data]
Decimal: 027 040 115 # 087
Hex: 1B 28 73 # 57
The value field (#) identifies the number of bytes in the character descriptor and data. The
maximum number is 32767.
 HP PCL Soft Font Design 8-17

For example, to download the character descriptor and data for a portrait, 10 Pitch, 12
point, upright medium, Courier lowercase “y”, send:
ESC*c121E (121 is the decimal character code for an ASCII lowercase “y”)
ESC(s144W [character descriptor and data]
Table 8-8 lists the character format, continuation, and descriptor data.

Table 8-8 Portrait Character Descriptor Data

Field Name Value Description

Format 4
Continuation 0
Descriptor Size 14
Class 1
Orientation 0 Portrait
Reserved 0
Left offset 2
Top Offset 22
Character Width 27
Character Height 32
Delta X 120 30 dots

Figure 8-7 shows a portrait character data example.

8-18 HP PCL Soft Font Design

Figure 8-7 Portrait Character Data Example

To download the character descriptor and data for a landscape, 10 pitch, 12 point, upright,
medium, Courier lowercase “y”, send:
ESC*c121E (121 is the decimal character code for an ASCII lowercase “y”)
ESC(s124W [character descriptor and data]
Character format, continuation, and descriptor data are listed in Table 8-9.
 HP PCL Soft Font Design 8-19

Table 8-9 Landscape Character Descriptor Data

Field Name Value Description

Format 4
Continuation 0
Descriptor Size 14
Class 1
Orientation 1
Reserved 0
Left Offset –22
Top Offset 28
Character Width 32
Character Height 27
Delta X 120 30 dots

Figure 8-8 shows a landscape character data example.

8-20 HP PCL Soft Font Design

Figure 8-8 Landscape Character Data Example

*
"This information is subject to change without notice. This information is provided "as is" without either express or
implied warranty. IntelliTech International, Inc. disclaims any and all warranties with regard to this information. Intel-
liTech shall not be liable in any event for any special, indirect or consequential damages or any damages whatsoever re-
sulting from loss of data, profits or use, for any reason or in any action, arising out of or in connection with the use or
performance of this information. "
Section 9

HP PCL Graphics Commands

PCL provides several forms of graphics functionality. Included is the ability to build dot-
per-bit raster images, create pre-defined patterns, fill or shade rectangular areas with pre-
defined patterns, and print vector graphics using the HPGL/2 graphics language.*

NOTE: For detailed information on the

commands described in this section, refer to the
PCL5 printer language document set available
from Hewlett-Packard.

RASTER GRAPHICS
Images composed of groups of dots are raster images. Pictures in newspapers or on
television are examples of raster images. PCL includes commands for printing raster
images. The image is divided into rows one dot high. A dot row of raster image data is
transferred to the printer as a string of bytes containing a dot-per-inch representation of the
row. If a bit in a row is set to one, the corresponding dot will be printed. Zeroed bits must
be added to the end of each row to make each row contain an integral number of bytes. The
dot rows are organized from top to bottom of the image, i.e., the first dot row of data
transferred to the printer corresponds to the top dot row of the image.
Figure 9-1 shows an example of a raster image in the shape of a star.
9-2 HP PCL Graphics Commands

Figure 9-1 Star-Shaped Raster Image

 HP PCL Graphics Commands 9-3

Raster Graphics Resolution

Raster graphics can be printed at 300, 150, 100 or 75 dots-per-inch. This command
designates the resolution of subsequent raster data transfers.
ESC*t#R
Decimal: 027 042 116 # 082
Hex: 1B 2A 74 # 52
#: 75 dots-per-inch
100 - 100 dots-per-inch
150 - 150 dots-per-inch
300 - 300 dots-per-inch
This command must be sent prior to the start graphics command. The factory default
resolution is 75 dots-per-inch.
The IntelliBar has 300 dots-per-inch print resolution. The IntelliBar automatically expands
raster graphics transferred at resolutions less than 300 dots-per-inch to 300 dots-per-inch
during printing.
Figure 9-2 illustrates a single bit translated into the corresponding printed dots in each of
the four resolutions:

Figure 9-2 Dot Translation

Lower resolution graphics occupy less user memory. For example, the number of bits
required to represent a two-inch by three-inch image at 75 dots-per-inch is 34,200. The
same image at 300 dots-per-inch requires 540,000 bits.

Raster Graphics Presentation

ESC*r0F (prints in orientation of logical page)
Decimal: 027 042 114 048 070
Hex: 1B 2A 72 30 46
ESC*r3F (raster image prints along the width of the physical page)
Decimal: 027 042 114 051 070
Hex: 1B 2A 72 33 46
9-4 HP PCL Graphics Commands

This command specifies the orientation of the raster image on the logical page.
A value of 0 means that a raster row prints in the positive X-direction of the PCL
coordinate system. (The print direction translates the PCL coordinate system.)
A value of 3 means that the raster graphics prints along the width of the physical page,
regardless of the logical page orientation.
The IntelliBar prints raster graphics along the width of the physical page, regardless of
addressable print area orientation. In portrait orientation, a raster row will be printed in the
positive X-direction of the PCL coordinate system and a subsequent raster row will be
printed beginning at the next dot row position in the positive Y-direction. In landscape
orientation, a raster row will be printed in the positive Y-direction of the PCL coordinate
system and a subsequent raster row will be printed beginning at the next dot row position
in the negative X-direction. Figure 9-3 illustrates a master graphics representation.

Figure 9-3 Raster Graphics Presentation

Raster Height Command

ESC*r#T
Decimal: 027 042 114 #..# 084
Hex: 1B 2A 72 #..# 54
#: height in raster rows
Range = 0 to (logical page length – current Y-position of the 0, cursor)
This command specifies the height in raster rows of the raster area. Height is the direction
perpendicular to the direction that raster rows are laid down; height is therefor subject to
the current raster presentation mode and print direction (see “Transfer Raster Data” and
“Start Raster Data” for further information. Unspecified data maps to either white or
transparent, depending on the source transparency mode (see “Select Source Transparency
Mode”).
This command fills the raster area to the full raster height with zeroed rows. Only raster
data appearing within the intersection of the logical page, the printable area, and if set, the
raster width and height, is printed. Data outside the intersection is clipped.
 HP PCL Graphics Commands 9-5

Raster Width Command

ESC*r#S
Decimal: 027 042 114 #..# 083
Hex: 1B 2A 72 #..# 53
#: width in pixels of the specified resolution
Default = depends on the raster presentation mode setting
0: width = width of logical page – left graphics margin
3: width = dimension of logical page along paper length – left graphics margin
Range = 0 to (logical page length – left graphics margin)
This command the width in pixels of the raster area. Width is the direction that the raster
rows are laid down; height is therefore subject to the current raster presentation mode and
print direction (see “Transfer Raster Data” and “Start Raster Data” for further information.
This command allows you to tell the printer to pad raster rows that are not specified for the
full raster width with zeroes. Unspecified data maps to either white or transparent,
depending on the source transparency mode (see “Select Source Transparency Mode”).
Only raster data appearing within the intersection of the logical page, the printable area,
and if set, the raster width and height, is printed. Data outside the intersection is clipped.

Start Raster Graphics

The start raster graphics sequence specifies the left raster graphics margin.
ESC*r#A
Decimal: 027 042 114 48 065 (left raster graphics margin)
Hex: 1B 2A 72 30 41 (left raster graphics margin)

Decimal: 027 042 114 49 065 (current cursor)

Hex: 1B 2A 72 31 41 (current cursor)
#: 0 = left graphics margin location is x-position 0.
1 = left graphics margin at the current x-position (current cursor position
A value of 0 specifies that the left graphics margin is at X position 0. A value of 1 specifies
that the left graphics margin is at the current X position (the current cursor position).
Once a start raster graphics command is received by the printer, raster graphics resolution,
raster graphics presentation mode, raster height, raster width, and left raster graphics
margins are fixed until an end raster graphics command is received.
9-6 HP PCL Graphics Commands

Raster Y Offset Command

ESC*b#Y
Decimal: 027 042 098 #..# 089
Hex: 1B 2A 62 #..# 59

# = number of raster lines of vertical movement

Range = 0 - 32767
This command moves the cursor position vertically the specified number of raster lines
from the current raster position in the raster area.
This command is recognized only while in raster graphics mode and only within the raster
area.

Set Compression Method Command

ESC*b0M (uncoded - no compression)
Decimal: 027 042 098 048
Hex: 1B 2A 62 30 41

ESC*b1M (run-length encoded)

Decimal: 027 042 098 049 077
Hex: 1B 2A 62 31 41
ESC*b2M (TIFF - not supported by IntelliBar M Series)
Decimal: 027 042 098 050 077
Hex: 1B 2A 62 32 41
ESC*b3M (delta row)
Decimal: 027 042 098 051 077
Hex: 1B 2A 62 33 41

ESC*b4M (reserved)
Decimal: —
Hex: —
ESC*b5M (adaptive compression)
Decimal: 027 042 098 053 077
Hex: 1B 2A 62 35 41

This command allows you to code raster data in one of four compressed formats:
 run-length encoding
 tagged imaged file format (TIFF)
 HP PCL Graphics Commands 9-7

 delta row compression

 adaptive compression

The choice of compression methods affects both the amount of code needed to generate a
raster graphics image and the efficiency with which the image is printed. Compressed data
formats allow for efficient transfer of data from the host system to the printer. However,
compressed data formats do not reduce the amount of printer memory required to produce
an image.

Transfer Raster Data

The transfer raster data command is used to transfer a row of raster data to the printer.
ESC*b#W [raster data]
Decimal: 027 042 098 # 087
Hex: 1B 2A 62 # 57
The value field (#) identifies the number of bytes in the raster row. These bytes are
interpreted as one row of raster graphics data that will be printed at the current Y position
at the left raster graphics margin. Upon completion of this command, the current active
position is at the beginning of the next raster row at the left raster graphics margin.
Within the raster data, each bit describes a single dot. The most significant bit (bit 7 is the
most significant, bit 0 is the least significant) of the first byte of data corresponds to the
first dot within that row. If a bit is set to 1, the corresponding dot will be printed. Each dot
of the raster data is expanded according to the specified raster resolution.
Raster graphics is independent of the text area and perforation skip mode, i.e., these
boundaries are ignored.
Raster graphic images are limited to the printable area; images that extend beyond the
printable area are clipped.

End Raster Graphics

The end raster graphics sequence signifies the end of the transfer of a raster graphic image.
ESC*rB
Decimal: 027 042 114 066
Hex: 1B 2A 72 42
9-8 HP PCL Graphics Commands

RASTER GRAPHICS EXAMPLE

To transfer a raster graphic image (see Figure 9-4) in the shape of an star, perform the
following steps:
1. Position the cursor:

ESC*p300x400Y
This moves the cursor to dot position (300, 400) within the PCL coordinate
system.
2. Specify the raster graphics resolution:

ESC*t75R
This sets the raster graphics resolution to 75 dots-per-inch.
3. Specify the left raster graphics margin:

ESC*r1A
This sets the left graphics margin to the current X position (300).
4. Transfer the raster data to the printer:

Divide the image into dot rows and transfer each dot row to the printer as a string
of bytes as illustrated in Figure .
5. Signify the end of the raster graphic image transfer:

ESC*rB
 HP PCL Graphics Commands 9-9

Figure 9-4 Example of Raster Graphic Image Data

9-10 HP PCL Graphics Commands

This prints the star as shown in Figure 9-5.

Figure 9-5 Example of Raster Graphic ImageTransfer

FILL GRAPHICS
PCL includes sequences for filling or shading rectangular areas with pre-defined patterns.
Rectangular areas are printed in the orientation of the addressable area. An area's width
extends in the positive X-direction of the PCL coordinate system; an area's height extends
in the positive Y-direction.

NOTE: Rectangular areas are not affected by

the raster graphics resolution command.

Horizontal Rectangle Size (Decipoints)

This horizontal rectangle size sequence specifies the rectangle width in decipoints.
ESC*c#H
Decimal: 027 042 099 # 072
Hex: 1B 2A 63 # 48
#: Number of decipoints (1/720 inch)
The value field (#) is valid to four decimal places.
The printer converts the specified width to dots by rounding up to an integral number of
dots. For example, 5 decipoints, which corresponds to 2.08 dots on the printer, is converted
to 3 dots.
The factory default horizontal rectangle size is 0.
 HP PCL Graphics Commands 9-11

Horizontal Rectangle Size (Dots)

This horizontal rectangle size command specifies the rectangle width in dots.
ESC*c#A
Decimal: 027 042 099 # 065
Hex: 1B 2A 63 # 41
#: Number of dots
The factory default horizontal rectangle size is 0.

Vertical Rectangle Size

This vertical rectangle size sequence specifies the rectangle height in decipoints.
ESC*c#V
Decimal: 027 042 099 # 066
Hex: 1B 2A 63 # 42
#: Number of decipoints (1/720 inch)
The value field (#) is valid to four decimal places.
The printer converts the specified width to dots by rounding up to an integral number of
dots. For example, 5 decipoints, which corresponds to 2.08 dots on the printer, is converted
to 3 dots.
The factory default vertical rectangle size is 0.

Vertical Rectangle Size (Dots)

This vertical rectangle size sequence specifies the rectangle height in dots.
ESC*c#B
Decimal: 027 042 099 # 066
Hex: 1B 2A 63 # 42
#: Number of dots
The factory default vertical rectangle size is 0.
9-12 HP PCL Graphics Commands

Area Fill (Pattern ID)

This sequence specifies the level of shading or type of pattern fill to be used when filling a
rectangular area.
ESC*c#G
Decimal: 027 042 099 # 071
Hex: 1B 2A 63 # 47
The value field (#) identifies the level of shading or type of HP-defined pattern. Eight
shading levels are defined within PCL. To specify a shading level use any value between 1
and 100. Use a value within the range indicated in Figure 9-6 for the desired shading level.
Six HP-defined fill patterns are defined within PCL. To specify a fill pattern type use any
value between 1 and 6. Use a value indicated in Figure 9-7 for the desired fill pattern. Note
that the patterns are not rotated when the orientation changes.
 HP PCL Graphics Commands 9-13

Figure 9-6 Shading Levels

9-14 HP PCL Graphics Commands

Figure 9-7 Fill Patterns

 HP PCL Graphics Commands 9-15

Fill Rectangle Area

This sequence fills a rectangular area of the specified width and height.
ESC*c#P
Decimal: 027 042 099 #..# 080 (#..# = 48 through 53)
Hex: 1B 2A 63 #..# 50 (#..# = 30 through 35)
#: 0 = Solid fill
1 = Erase (Solid white area fill)
2 = Shaded fill
3 = HP defined pattern fill
4 = User defined pattern fill
5 = Current pattern fill
The level of shading or type of patterned fill used when filling a rectangle is specified by
the current area fill ID. A solid-filled rectangular area is also known as a black rule and
does not require specification of an area fill ID.
The upper left corner of the rectangular area is located at the current active position. The
current active position is not changed during the printing of a rectangular area.
Rectangular areas are independent of the text area and perforation skip mode, i.e., these
boundaries are ignored.
Rectangular areas are limited to the addressable area; rectangular areas that extend outside
the area are clipped.

Rectangle Area Fill Examples

To print a 3- x 5-inch black rule, perform the following steps.
1. Position the cursor:

ESC*p300x400Y
This moves the cursor to dot position (300, 400) within the PCL coordinate
system.
2. Specify the width of the rule:

ESC*c900A
This sets the rule width to 900 dots (3 inches).
3. Specify the height of the rule:

ESC*c1500B
This sets the rule height to 1500 dots (5 inches).
9-16 HP PCL Graphics Commands

4. Print the rule:

ESC*c0P
This example prints the following (see Figure 9-8):

Figure 9-8 Solid Fill Example

To print a 3- x 5-inch 25% shaded rectangle, perform the following steps.

1. Position the cursor:

ESC*p300x400Y
This moves the cursor to dot position (300, 400) within the PCL coordinate
system.
2. Specify the width of the rectangle:

ESC*c900A
This sets the rectangle width to 900 dots (3 inches).
3. Specify the height of the rectangle:

ESC*c1500B
This sets the rectangle to 1500 dots (5 inches).
4. Specify the area fill ID:

ESC*c25G
This sets the area fill ID to 25.
5. Print the rectangular shaded area:

ESC*c2P
 HP PCL Graphics Commands 9-17

This example prints the following (see Figure 9-9):

Figure 9-9 Shaded Fill Example

To print a 3- x 5-inch rectangular area filled with a horizontal line pattern, perform the
following steps:
1. Position the cursor:

ESC*p300x400Y
This moves the cursor to dot position (300, 400) within the PCL coordinate
systems.
2. Specify the width of the rectangle:

ESC*c900A
This sets the rectangle width to 900 dots (3 inches).
3. Specify the height of the rectangle:

ESC*c1500B
This sets the rectangle height to 1500 dots (5 inches).
4. Specify the area fill ID:

ESC*c1G
This sets the area fill ID to 1.
5. Print the rectangular pattern-filled area:

ESC*c3P
This example prints the following (see Figure 9-10):
9-18 HP PCL Graphics Commands

Figure 9-10 Patterned Fill Example

PCL PRINT MODEL

The Print Model feature allows images and characters to be filled with any of the printer’s
pre-defined shading or cross-hatched patterns. Images include any raster graphic, such as
those described previously in this section (see “Raster Graphics”), a rectangular fill area
(see “Fill Graphics”), or a character or characters selected from a font.
Print Model operations define a pattern, source image, and destination image. These are
applied to each other using the Print Model’s transparent and opaque modes to produce an
image that is a combination of the others (see Figure 9-11).
 pattern
The pattern is the design that is painted through the black (“1” bits) area of the
source image onto the destination image. For patterns, Print Model uses one of
the printer’s internal pre-defined eight shading patterns, one of six cross-hatch
patterns, or a user defined pattern.
 source image
The source image is an image in which the black (“1” bits) are replaced by the
specified pattern. This is like a stencil through which the pattern is applied to the
destination image. The source image may be defined as a rectangular fill area, a
raster graphics image, or characters.
 destination image
The destination image is the image onto which the source image/pattern
combination is placed. The destination image is the result of any previous
operations.
 HP PCL Graphics Commands 9-19

 source transparency mode

Source transparency mode is the transparency or opaqueness of the source
image’s white pixels (the “0” bits) as they are applied to the destination image.
Setting the source transparency mode to 1 (opaque) applies the source image
white pixels to the destination image; with a setting of 0 (transparent), these
pixels have no effect on the destination.
 pattern transparency mode
Pattern transparency mode is the transparency or opaqueness of the white pixels
in the pattern. When set to 0 (transparent), these pixels have no effect on the
destination; when set to 1 (opaque), they are applied through the black pixels of
the source pattern to the destination.

Pattern Source Image Destination Image Resulting Image

Opaque Transparent

Figure 9-11 Print Model Imaging

Select Source Transparency Mode

ESC*v0N (transparent)
Decimal 027 042 118 048 078
Hex: 1B 2A 76 30 42

ESC*v1N (opaque)
Decimal 027 042 118 049 078
Hex: 1B 2A 76 31 42
This command sets the source image’s transparency mode to transparent or opaque. A
transparency mode of “0” (transparent) means that the white regions of the source image
are not copied onto the destination. A transparency mode of “1” (opaque) means that the
white pixels in the source image are applied directly onto the destination.
9-20 HP PCL Graphics Commands

Select Pattern Transparency Mode

ESC*v0O (transparent)
Decimal 027 042 118 048 079
Hex: 1B 2A 76 30 43

ESC*v1O (opaque)
Decimal 027 042 118 049 079
Hex: 1B 2A 76 31 43

This command sets the pattern’s transparency mode to transparent or opaque. A

transparency mode of “0” (transparent) means that the white regions of the pattern image
are not copied onto the destination. A transparency mode of “1” (opaque) means that the
white pixels in the pattern are applied directly onto the destination.

Select Pattern Command

ESC*v#T
Decimal: 027 042 118 ### 084 (### = 048 through 051)
Hex: 1B 2A 76 ## 54 (## = 30 through 32)
#: 0 = Solid black (default)
1 = Solid white
2 = HP-defined shading pattern
3 = HP-defined cross-hatch pattern
This command identifies the type of pattern to be applied onto the destination. Use this
command for selecting or changing the current pattern.

VECTOR GRAPHICS
The following are vector graphics commands within the PCL context.

HPGL/2 Plot Horizontal Size

ESC*C#K
Decimal: 027 042 #..# 075
Hex: 1B 2A 63 #..# 4B
# = horizontal size in inches

Default = width of the currently selected picture frame

Range = 0 tp 32767 (valid to 4 decimal places)
This command specifies the horizontal size of the HPGL/2 drawing being imported.
 HP PCL Graphics Commands 9-21

The horizontal HPGL/2 plot size determines the horizontal scaling factor used to fit the
drawing into the PCL Picture Frame. For example, if the horizontal HPGL/2 plot size is
specified as 12 inches and the PCL Picture Frame width is 4 inches, the horizontal scaling
factor would be 3:1; the horizontal component of the image would be reduced to one-third
its original size to fit into the PCL Picture Frame.
A parameter value of zero or a reset, page length, paper size, or orientation command
defaults theHPGL/2 plot size to the width of the currently selected picture frame. This
results in no scaling.

HPGL/2 Plot Vertical Size

ESC*C#L
Decimal: 027 042 #..# 076
Hex: 1B 2A 63 #..# 4C
# = vertical size in inches

Default = width of the currently selected picture frame

Range = 0 tp 32767 (valid to 4 decimal places)
This command specifies the vertical size of the HPGL/2 drawing being imported.
The vertical HPGL/2 plot size determines the vertical scaling factor used to fit the drawing
into the PCL Picture Frame. For example, if the vertical HPGL/2 plot size is specified as 7
inches and the PCL Picture Frame height is 14 inches, the vertical scaling factor would be
1:2; the vertical component of the image would be enlarged to twice its original size to fit
into the PCL Picture Frame.
A parameter value of zero or a reset, page length, paper size, or orientation command
defaults theHPGL/2 plot size to the height of the currently selected picture frame. This
results in no scaling.

Set Picture Frame Anchor Point

ESC*c0T
Decimal: 027 042 099 048 084
Hex: 1B 2A 63 30 54

Default = 0
Range = 0
This command sets the location of the PCL Picture Frame anchor point to the PCL cursor
position.
The position of the picture frame anchor point defines the location of the upper left corner
of the PCL Picture Frame. The “upper left” refers to the corner for which X and Y
coordinates are minimized when the print direction is 0.
9-22 HP PCL Graphics Commands

A parameter value of 0 (ESC*c0T) specifies that the picture frame anchor point should be
set to the cursor position. Sending a cursor move command prior to sending this command
places the picture frame anchor in the desired location. All parameter values other than
zero are ignored, but if you do not send a Set Picture Frame Anchor Point command, the
printer defaults the anchor point to the left edge of the logical page and the default top
margin.

NOTE: The print direction command does not

affect the physical location of the anchor point or
the picture frame.

Using this command defaults the location of P1 and P2, resets the soft-clip window to the
PCL Picture Frame boundaries, clears the polygon buffer, and updates the HPGL/2 pen
position to the lower left corner of the picture frame (if entered with ESC%0B) as viewed
from the current orientation.

Picture Frame Horizontal Size (Decipoints)

ESC*C#X
Decimal: 027 042 99 #..# 088
Hex: 1B 2A 63 #..# 58
# = horizontal size in decipoints (1/720th inch)

Default = width of the current logical page

Range = 0 tp 32767 (valid to 4 decimal places)
This PCL command specifies the horizontal dimension of the window to be used for
printing an HPGL/2 plot.

NOTE: The horizontal dimension specified is

parallel to the PCL X-axis when the print
direction is set to 0 degrees (the default).

Using this command defaults the location of P1 to the lower left corner of the picture frame
(and P2 to the upper right corner of the picture frame). This command also resets the soft-
clip window to the PCL Picture Frame boundaries, clears the polygon buffer, and updates
the HPGL/2 pen position to the lower left corner of the picture frame (P1) as viewed from
the current orientation.

If no horizontal picture frame frame size command is used, the printer defaults the picture
frame size to the logical page width. A parameter of 0 or the PCL reset, UEL, page length,
paper size, or orientation commands default the horizontal picture frame size.
 HP PCL Graphics Commands 9-23

If an HPGL/2 plot size is specified, the horizontal picture frame size is used to determine
the horizontal scaling factor used for scaling the image to fit in the picture frame.

Picture Frame Vertical Size (Decipoints)

ESC*C#Y
Decimal: 027 042 99 #..# 089
Hex: 1B 2A 63 #..# 59
# = vertical size in decipoints (1/720th inch)

Default = distance between the default top and bottom margins (the default text length)
Range = 0 tp 32767 (valid to 4 decimal places)
This PCL command specifies the vertical dimension of the window to be used for printing
an HPGL/2 plot.

NOTE: The vertical dimension specified is

parallel to the PCL Y-axis when the print
direction is set to 0 degrees (the default).

HPGL/2 GRAPHICS
The IntelliBar provides the ability to print vector graphics using the HPGL/2 graphics
language. HPGL/2 graphics may be created within application software or imported from
existing applications. For various types of images, it is advantageous to use HPGL/2 vector
graphics instead of the raster graphics described previously in this section. The advantages
include faster I/O transfer of large images and smaller disk storage requirements.
Printing with HLGL/2 requires leaving the PCL printer language mode and entering
HPGL/2 mode. Switching between modes involves only a few commands, and software
applications may easily switch between the two modes as needed.
9-24 HP PCL Graphics Commands

Enter HPGL/2 Mode

ESC %#B
Decimal: 027 037 ### 066 (### = 048 through 049)
Hex: 1B 25 ## 42 (## = 30 through 31)

#: 0 = Position pen at previous HPGL/2 pen position

1 = Position pen at current PCL cursor position
This command causes the printer to interpret subsequent commands as HPGL/2
commands, instead of PCL language commands. As soon as the printer receives this
command, it switches to HPGL/2 mode, interpreting commands as HPGL/2 commands
until it receives an Enter PCL Mode command, a Reset (ESC E) command, or until power
is turned off and on.

Enter PCL Mode

ESC%0A (use previous PCL cursor position)
Decimal: 027 037 048 65
Hex: 1B 25 30 41

ESC%1A (use current HPGL/2 pen position for cursor position)

Decimal: 027 037 049 65
Hex: 1B 25 31 41
This command causes the printer to return to PCL mode from HPGL/2 mode. Sending this
command causes the printer to stop interpreting the incoming data as HPGL/2 commands
and to begin interpreting the data as PCL commands.

Line and Fill Attributes Group

The HPGL/2 commands described below allow you to
 enhance your drawings with various line types
 enhance your drawing with various fill types
 position fill type patterns

Line Type (LT)

LT line type[,pattern length[,mode;] or LT [;] or LT99 [;]
This command specifies the line pattern to be used when drawing lines. Use LT to vary
lines and enhance your plot. Note that the ends of dashed line segments in a line pattern are
affected by current line attributes (see the LA command).
 HP PCL Graphics Commands 9-25

Table 9-1 Line Type Command Parameters

Parameter Format Functional Range Default

line type (fixed or adaptive) clamped integer -8 to 8 solid line

99 restores previous line
type
pattern length clamped real >0 4% of the distance
between scaling points
P1 and P2
mode (relative or absolute) clamped integer 0 or 1 0 (relative)

The LT command applies to lines drawn by the AA, AR, AT, CI, EA, ER, EW, FP, PA,
PD, PE, PR, RA, RR, RT, and WG commands. Line types are drawn using the current line
attributes set by the line attribute (LA) command. For example, if you have used LA to
specify rounded ends, the printer draws each dash in a dashed line pattern with rounded
ends.
If no parameters are entered, the LT command defaults the line type to solid and saves the
previous line type, pattern length, and any unused portion of the pattern (residue). LT99
restores the previous line type (and residue if it is a fixed-line type).

Line Attributes (LA)

LA kind, value[,kind,value[,kind,value;]] or LA [;]
This command specifies how line ends and line joins are physically shaped. Use this
command when drawing lines thicker than 0.35 mm.

Table 9-2 Line Attributes Command Parameters

Parameter Format Functional Range Default

kind clamped integer 1 through 3 1

value clamped integer Kind 1: 1 - 4 1 (butt)
clamped integer Kind 2: 1 - 6 1 (mitered)
mode clamped real Kind 3: 1 to 32,767 5

There are three line attributes: line ends, line joins, and the miter limit. The LA command
parameters are used in pairs: the first parameter, kind, selects a line attribute; the second,
value, defines the appearance of that attribute. The printer uses the current line attribute
when the optional parameter pairs are omitted.
No parameters - Defaults the line attributes to butt ends, mitered joins, and a miter limit of
5. Equivalent to (LA1,1,2,1,3,5).
9-26 HP PCL Graphics Commands

Kind - Specifies the line attribute for which you are setting a value.
Value - Defines the characteristics of the attribute specified by the kind parameter.

Number of Pens (NP)

NP [n;]
n: 2, 4, or 8
This command is not supported in the IntelliBar M Series.

Pen Width (PW)

PW width[,pen;] or PW [;]
This command specifies a new width for the logical pen. Subsequent lines are drawn in this
new width. Use the PW command to vary your lines and enhance your drawings. Pen width
can be specified as a fixed value or relative to the distance between P1 and P2. The pen
width units are selected by means of the WU command (the default is metric - millimeters).

Table 9-3 Pen Width Command Parameters

Parameter Format Functional Range Default
*
width clamped real -32768 to 32767 Dependent
pen integer 0 or 1 1 (black)
*
Dependent on the mode set by the Pen Width Unit Selection (WU) command; if mode is metric, default width
is 0.35 mm, if mode is relative, default width is 0.1% of the diagonal distance from P1 to P2.

Pen Width Unit Selection (WU)

WU type[;]] or WU [;]
This command specifies how the width parameter of the pen width (PW) command is
interpreted (whether metric or relative units).

Table 9-4 Pen Width Unit Selection Command Parameters

Parameter Format Functional Range Default

type clamped integer 0 to 1 0 (metric)

Since using WU, with or without parameters, defaults all pen widths, send the WU
command before a PW command (which sets a new pen width).
 HP PCL Graphics Commands 9-27

No parameters - Defaults type parameter to 0 (metric) and all pen widths to 0.35 mm.
Type - Specifies how the width parameter of the pen width (PW) command is interpreted.
0: Metric. Interprets the pen width parameter in millimeters. Specifying type 0
defaults all pen widths to 0.35 mm.
1: Relative. Interprets the pen width parameter as a percentage of the diagonal
distance between P1 and P2. Specifying type 1 defaults all pen widths to 0.1% of
the diagonal distance from P1 to P2.
If the specified type parameter is not 0 or 1, the printer ignores the command.

Select Pen (SP)

SP pen number[;] or SP [;]
This command selects the printer’s “logical pen” for subsequent plotting. An SP command
must be included at the beginning of each command sequence to enable the printer to draw.
Table 9-5 Select Pen Command Parameters
Parameter Format Functional Range Default

pen number integer 0 to 1 No pen

Although your printer does not have physical pens, for the purpose of compatibility it has a
“logical” pen which you must select to print your drawing.
No parameters - Cancels pen selection; subsequent plotting commands are not drawn.
Equivalent to (SP0).
Pen number - Selects the printer’s “logical” pen. The printer will not draw unless and SP is
sent.
0: Selects the white pen. To see a white pen on a non-white background, you must
set the transparency mode to off (TR0;).
1: Selects the black pen; numbers greater than 1 are also interpreted as 1.
Use the pen width (PW) command to change the line width. You may change line widths
as often as you like without sending an SP command again.

NOTE: If you are not using the transparency

mode (TR) command, white is always
transparent. For more information on the
transparency mode command, see the TR
command later in this section.
9-28 HP PCL Graphics Commands

Symbol Mode (SM)

SM character[;] or SM [;]
This command draws the specified symbol at each X, Y coordinate point using the PA, PD,
PE, PR, and PU commands. Use the SM command to create scattergrams, indicate points
on geometric drawings, and differentiate data points on multiline graphs.

Table 9-6 Symbol Mode Command Parameters

Parameter Format Functional Range Default

character label (text) Most printing –

characters (decimal
codes 33 to 58, 60 to
126, 161, and 254)

The SM commands draws the specified symbol at each X, Y coordinate point for
subsequent PA, PD, PE, PR, and PU commands. The SM command includes an automatic
pen down; after the symbol is drawn, the pen position and any dashed-line residue are
restored.
No parameter - Terminates symbol mode.
Character - Draws the specified character centered at each subsequent X, Y coordinate. The
symbol is drawn in addition to the usual function of each HPGL/2 command.
The character is drawn in the font selected at the time the vectors are drawn. If you change
to a new symbol set, the character changes to the corresponding character from the new
symbol set, The size (SI and SR), slant (SL), and direction (DI and DR) commands affect
how the character is drawn. Specifying a non-printing character cancels symbol mode.
An SM command remains in effect until another SM command is executed or the printer is
initialized or set to the default conditions.
 HP PCL Graphics Commands 9-29

Fill Type (FT)

FT fill type[,option1[,option2;]] or FT [;]
This command selects the shading pattern used to fill polygons (FP), rectangles (RA or
RR), wedges (WG), or characters (CF). Use the FT command to enhance drawings using
solid fill, shaded fill, parallel lines (hatching), cross-hatch, patterned (raster) fill, or PCL
user-defined patterns.
Table 9-7 Fill Type Command Parameters
Parameter Format Functional Range Default

fill type clamped integer 1 - 4, 10, 11, 21, 22 1

option1, option2 clamped real type dependent type dependent

There are eight forms of fill types. The type parameter tells the printer which form you are
using. If the fill type is specified but the option1 and/or option2 parameter is omitted,
values previously given for the specified fill type are assumed, or the defaults are assumed
if none is specified.
No parameters - Defaults all FT parameters and sets the fill type to solid fill. Equivalent to
(FT1).
Type - Selects the fill pattern (see Table J-8).
Option1, Option2 - The definition of these optional parameters depends on the type of fill
selected. Table 9-8 lists the options available for each fill type.
Table 9-8 Fill Patterns and Options
Fill Type Description Option1 Option2

1 and 2 Solid black Ignored Ignored

3 Hatching (parallel lines) Spacing of lines Angle of lines
4 Cross-hatch Spacing of lines Angle of lines
10 Shading Shading level Ignored
11 HPGL/2 user-defined Raster-fill index Ignored
21 PCL cross-hatch patterns Pattern type Ignored
22 PCL user-defined Pattern ID Ignored
9-30 HP PCL Graphics Commands

Anchor (AC)
AC X,Y[;] or AC [;]
This command positions the starting point of any fill pattern. Use AC to ensure that the
selected fill pattern is positioned as expected within the figure.

Table 9-9 Anchor Command Parameters

Parameter Format Functional Range Default
30 30
X, Y coordinates currents units -2 to 2 - 1 None

The ‘anchor corner’ is the point at which any fill pattern starts. Setting the anchor corner
guarantees that a corner point of the selected fill pattern is at the specified coordinate,
aligned vertically and horizontally.
No parameters - Defaults the anchor corner to the lower-left corner of the PCL Picture
Frame (relative to the current coordinate system). Equivalent to (AC0,0).
X, Y coordinates - The coordinate position defines the position of the starting point for any
fill pattern.

Raster Fill Definition (RF)

RF index,width,height,pen number[, ... pen number,] or RF index[;] or RF [;]
This command defines a rectangular pattern that may be used as area fill and for screened
vectors (see the SV command) later in this section. Use the RF command to create your
own fill types and screen patterns.

Table 9-10 Raster Fill Definition Command Parameters

Parameter Format Functional Range Default

index clamped integer 1 to 8 1 (solid)

width clamped integer 1 to 255 –
height clamped integer 1 to 255 –
pen number integer 0 or 1 –

The RF command does not select a fill type; use the fill type (FT) command with a type
parameter of 11 and the corresponding raster fill index number for the second parameter
(for example, [FT11,3]) for an index number of 3.
No parameters - Defaults all raster fill patterns to solid fill.
 HP PCL Graphics Commands 9-31

Index - Specifies the index number of the pattern being defined. Eight patterns can exist
concurrently. When you send RF with an index parameter only (Rfn), the corresponding
pattern is defaulted to solid fill.
Width, Height - Specifies the width and height (in pixels) of the pattern being defined.
Pen number - Represents a pixel in the pattern being defined and indicates its color (black
or white)
0: white
>0: black
The pen number parameter defines pixels left to right, top to bottom. The total number of
pen number parameters should be equal to the width time height parameters. For example,
to define a pattern that is 8 x 16 pixels, you need 128 pen number parameters. If you do not
include enough pen number parameters, the rest of the pixels are assumed to be white
(zero). Patterns are printed in rows parallel to the plotter-unit X-axis.

User Defined Line Type (UL)

UL index [,gap1, ... ,gap20;] or UL [;]
This command creates line types by specifying gap patterns that define the lengths of
spaces and lines comprising a line type.

Table 9-11 User-Defined Line Type Command Parameters

Parameter Format Functional Range Default

index clamped integer 1 through 8 –

gaps clamped real 0 through 32767 Default line types

The UL command allows you to define and store your own line types, This command does
not itself select a line type. Use the line type (LT) command to select the line type once you
have defined it with the UL command.
No parameters - Defaults all line types (refer to the LT command in this section).
Index - Identifies the number of the line type to be defined. Specifying an index number
without gap parameters sets the line type identified by the index to the default pattern for
that number. The index number may not be 0.
The index parameter uses absolute values; therefore, (UL-n) is the same as (ULn).
Redefining a standard fixed line type automatically redefines the corresponding adaptive
line type.
9-32 HP PCL Graphics Commands

Gaps - Specifies alternate pen-down and pen-up stretches in the line type pattern; if gaps
are numbered starting with 1, odd numbered gaps are pen-down moves, even numbered
gaps are pen-up moves. The first gap is a pen-down move. Gap values are converted to
percentages of the LT command’s pattern length parameter. A maximum of 20 gaps are
allowed for each user-defined line type.

Screened Vectors (SV)

SV [screen_type[,shading[,index]]][;] or SV [;]

screen_type: selects the types of screening as follows

0 - No screening
1 - Shaded fill
2 - HPGL/2 user-defined raster fill (RF command)
21- Pre-defined PCL cross-hatch patterns
22 - PCL user-defined raster fill (RF command)
This command selects the type of screening area (area fill) to be applied to vectors. Options
include lines, hatching patterns (fill types 3 and 4), arcs, circles, edges of polygons,
rectangles, wedges, and PCL user-defined patterns. The SV command does not affect solid
fill types, stroked characters, or edges of characters.
There are four types of screen fill: shaded fill, HPGL/2 user-defined raster fill, pre-defined
PCL cross-hatch patterns, and PCL user-defined patterns.
The SV command defaults to no parameters (no screening or solid fill, which is equivalent
to SV0;). All parameters are optional. If all parameters are omitted, screening is turned off
(the vectors are solid).
Table 9-12 Screened Vector Parameters
Parameter Format Functional Range Default

screen_type clamped integer 0, 1, 2, 21, 22 No screening (solid)

shading clamped integer type dependent type dependent

For type 1 (shaded fill), specify the shading percentage using a number from 0 to 100. For
example, to print vectors that are shaded 15%, specify (SV1,15;).
For type 2, (HPGL/2 user-defined raster fill), specify the index number of the fill pattern
using the RF (raster fill definition) command.
 HP PCL Graphics Commands 9-33

Transparency Mode (TR)

TR [n][;] or TR [;]
n: 0 - Transparency mode is off
1 - Transparency mode is on
No parameter - Defaults to transparency mode = on. Equivalent to (TR1;).
This command defines how the white areas of the source graphics image affect the
destination graphics image.

Table 9-13 Transparency Mode Parameters

Parameter Format Functional Range Default

n clamped integer 0 or 1 1 (on)

When transparency mode is on (default), the portion of a source image which is defined by
white pixels does not affect the destination; whatever was already written to the page
“shows through” the white areas in the new image.
When transparency mode is off, all source pixels are written to the destination, obscuring
any underlying images.
The transparency mode is defaulted by the ESC E (reset), IN (initialize), and DF (default
values) commands.
9-34 HP PCL Graphics Commands

Vector Group Commands

The HPGL/2 vector group commands described below enable you to achieve the following
results in your programs
 use absolute and relative coordinates when plotting
 draw lines and arcs
 encode coordinates to increase your printer’s throughput.

Arc Absolute (AA)

AA Xcenter,Ycenter, sweep angle[, chord angle;]
This command draws an arc using absolute coordinates which starts at the current pen
location and pivots around the current center point.

Table 9-14 Arc Absolute Command Parameters

Parameter Format Functional Range Default
30 30
Xcenter, Ycenter currents units -2 to 2 - 1 None
sweep angle clamped real -32768 to 32767 None
o o o
chord angle clamped real 0.5 to 180 5

The AA command draws an arc starting at the current pen location using the current pen
up/down status, line type, and attributes. After drawing the arc, the pen location remains at
the end of the arc.
 HP PCL Graphics Commands 9-35

Arc Relative (AR)

AR Xincrement,Yincrementent, sweep angle[, chord angle;]
This command draws an arc using relative coordinates which starts at the current pen
location and pivots around the current center point.

Table 9-15 Arc Relative Command Parameters

Parameter Format Functional Range Default
30 30
Xincrement, Yincrement currents units -2 to 2 - 1 None
sweep angle clamped real -32768 to 32767 None
o o o
chord angle clamped real 0.5 to 180 5

The AR command draws an arc starting at the current pen location using the current pen
up/down status, line type, and attributes. After drawing the arc, the pen location remains at
the end of the arc.

Absolute Arc Three Point (AT)

AT Xinter,Yinter, Xend,Yend[, chord angle;]
This command draws an arc segment using absolute coordinates from a starting point,
through an intermediate point, to an end point. Use the AT command when you know these
three points of arc.

Table 9-16 Absolute Arc Three Point Command Parameters

Parameter Format Functional Range Default
30 30
Xinter, Yinter currents units -2 to 2 - 1 None
Xend, Yend current units -32768 to 32767 None
o o o
chord angle clamped real 0.5 to 180 5

The AT command uses the current pen location and two specified points to calculate a
circle and draw the appropriate arc segment of its circumference. The arc starts at the
current pen location using the current pen, line type, line attributes, and pen up/down
status. You specify the intermediate and end points. After drawing the arc, the pen location
remains at the end of the arc.
9-36 HP PCL Graphics Commands

Plot Absolute (PA)

PA X,Y [, ... ;] or PA[;]
This command establishes absolute plotting and moves the pen to the specified absolute
coordinates from the current pen position.

Table 9-17 Plot Absolute Command Parameters

Parameter Format Functional Range Default
30 30
X, Y coordinates currents units -2 to 2 - 1 None

The printer interprets the parameters as follows:

No parameters - Establishes absolute plotting for subsequent commands.
X, Y coordinates - Specifies the absolute location to which the pen moves. When you
include more than one coordinate pair, the pen moves to each point in the order given using
the current pen up/down status. If the pen is up, PA moves the pen to the point; if the pen is
down, PA draws a line to the point. Lines are drawn using the current line width, type, and
attributes.
Coordinates are interpreted in current units: as user-units when scaling is on; as plotter
units when scaling is off.

Plot Relative (PR)

PR X,Y [, ... ;] or PR[;]
This command establishes relative plotting and moves the pen to the specified points, with
each move relative to the current pen position.

Table 9-18 Plot Relative Command Parameters

Parameter Format Functional Range Default
30 30
X, Y (increments) currents units -2 to 2 - 1 None

The PR (and PE) command has extended ranges of -230 to 230 - 1 plotter units. If the
current pen position goes out of this range, the printer ignores HPGL/2 commands until it
receives an absolute PA (or PE) coordinate within the extended range.
 HP PCL Graphics Commands 9-37

The printer interprets the parameters as follows:

No parameters - Defaults to relative plotting mode for subsequent commands.
X, Y coordinates - Specifies incremental moves relative to the current pen location. When
you include more than one relative coordinate pair, the pen moves to each point in the
order given (relative to the previous point) using the current pen up/down status. If the pen
is up, PR moves the pen to the point; if the pen is down, PR draws a line to the point. Lines
are drawn using the current line width, type, and attributes.
Coordinates are interpreted in current units: as user-units when scaling is on; as plotter
units when scaling is off.

Pen Down (PD)

PD X,Y [ ... ;] or PD [;]
This command lowers the printer’s “logical pen” and draws subsequent graphics
commands.

Table 9-19 Pen Down Command Parameters

Parameter Format Functional Range Default
30 30
X, Y coordinates/increments currents units -2 to 2 - 1 None

This command emulates a pen plotter that must lower the pen to draw lines on the page.
The printer interprets the parameters as follows:
No parameters - Prepares the printer to draw subsequent graphics commands.
X, Y coordinates - Draws (in current units) to the point specified. You can specify as many
X, Y coordinates as you want. When you include more than one coordinate pair, the printer
draws each point in the order given.
Coordinates are interpreted in current units: as user-units when scaling is on; as plotter
units when scaling is off.
Whether the PD command uses coordinates or increments depends on the most recently
executed PA or PR command. If no PA or PR command is issued, absolute plotting (PA) is
used.

Pen Up (PU)
PU X,Y [ ... ;] or PU [;]
This command moves to subsequent points without drawing. Use the PU command to
move to another location without drawing a connecting line.
9-38 HP PCL Graphics Commands

Table 9-20 Pen Up Command Parameters

Parameter Format Functional Range Default
30 30
X, Y coordinates/increments currents units -2 to 2 - 1 None

This command emulates a pen plotter that must raise the pen to prevent drawing stray lines
on the page.
The printer interprets the parameters as follows:
No parameters - Prevents drawing subsequent graphics commands (unless the command
contains an automatic pen down).
X, Y coordinates - Moves to the point(s) specified. You can specify as many X,Y
coordinates as you want. When you include more than one coordinate pair, the printer
moves to each point in the order given.
Coordinates are interpreted in current units: as user-units when scaling is on; as plotter
units when scaling is off.
Whether the PU command uses absolute coordinates or relative coordinates (increments)
depends on the most recently executed PA or PR command. If no PA or PR command is
issued, absolute plotting (PA) is used.

Relative Arc Three Point (RT)

RT Xincr inter,Yincr inter, Xincr end Yincr end[, chord angle;]
This command draws an arc segment using relative coordinates from a starting point,
through an intermediate point, to an end point. Use the RT command when you know these
three points of arc.

Table 9-21 Relative Arc Three Point Command Parameters

Parameter Format Functional Range Default
30 30
Xincr inter, Yincr inter currents units -2 to 2 - 1 None
Xincr end, Yincr end current units -32768 to 32767 None
o o o
chord angle clamped real 0.5 to 180 5

The RT command uses the current pen location and two specified points to calculate a
circle and draw the appropriate arc segment of its circumference. The arc starts at the
current pen location using the current pen, line type, line attributes, and pen up/down
status. You specify the intermediate and end points. After drawing the arc, the pen location
remains at the end of the arc.
 HP PCL Graphics Commands 9-39

Polyline Encoded (PE)

PE [flag[value]]coord_pair ... [flag[value]]coord_pair ; or PE;
This command incorporates the PA, PR, PU, PD, and SP commands into an encrypted
format that substantially decreases the size of your file and the time required for data
transmission. (This command is especially useful when using the RS-232C interface.)

Table 9-22 Polyline Encoded Command Parameters

Parameter Format Functional Range Default

flag character ‘:’, ‘<‘, ‘>‘, ‘=‘, or ‘7’ None

value character flag dependent
30 30
coordinate pair character -2 to 2 - 1 None

NOTE: Parameter values are self-terminating.

Do not use commas with this command. Also,
you must use a semicolon to terminate the PE
command.

No parameters - Updates the Carriage Return point. The PE command without parameters
does not affect the pen’s current location or up/down status.
Flag - Indicates how the printer interprets subsequent values. Flags are ASCII characters
and are not encoded. The printer disregards the eighth bit of a flag.
Flag Meaning
: Select pen
< Pen up
> Fractional data
= Absolute
7 7-bit mode

NOTE: Because the select pen (SP) command

is not allowed in ploygon mode, if you select a
pen with PE while in polygon mode, the SP
command is ignored (see the following
subsection for polygon group commands).

Value - Specifies data according to the preceding flag. For example, a value following a
select-pen flag should be a pen number.
9-40 HP PCL Graphics Commands

Table 9-23 Polyline Encoded Command Value Parameters

Value Format Range

pen number integer 0 to 1

number of fractional binary bits integer -26 to 26

X, Y coordinates - Specifies a coordinate pair encoded into a base 64 (default) or base 32

equivalent. Use base 64 if the system sends 8 bits of data without parity; use 7-bit mode
and base 32 coordinate values if the system requires a parity bit.

Polygon Group Commands

The polygon group commands described below use the polygon buffer, which is a
temporary data storage area in printer memory. The polygon group commands enable you
to achieve the following results in your program:
 draw circles, wedges, and rectangles
 use polygon mode for drawing polygons, subpolygons, and circles.

Circle (CI)
CI radius[,chord angle;]
This command draws the circumference of a circle using the specified radius and chord
angle. If you want a filled circle, refer to the WG or PM commands described later in this
section.
Table 9-24 Circle Command Parameters
Parameter Format Functional Range Default
30 30
radius currents units -2 to 2 - 1 None
o o o
chord angle clamped real 0.5 to 180 5

The CI command includes an automatic pen down. When a CI command is received, the
pen lifts, moves from the center of the circle (the current pen location) to the starting point
on the circumference, lowers the pen, draws the circle, then returns with the pen up to the
center of the circle. After the circle is drawn, the previous pen up/down status is restored.
To avoid leaving a dot at the center of the circle, move to and from the circle’s center with
the pen up
Radius - Measured from the current pen location. Coordinates are interpreted in current
units: as user-units when scaling is on; as plotter units when scaling is off.
 HP PCL Graphics Commands 9-41

Chord angle - Specifies the chord angle used to draw the arc. The default chord angle is 5o.
The chord angle specifies, in degrees, the maximum angle created when lines from each of
the chord intersect the center point of the circle. The smaller the chord angle, the smoother
the curve.

Edge Rectangle Absolute (EA)

EA X,Y[;]
This command defines and outlines a rectangle using absolute coordinates. Use the EA
command when drawing charts or schematic diagrams that require rectangles.

Table 9-25 Edge Rectangle Absolute Command Parameters

Parameter Format Functional Range Default
30 30
X, Y coordinates currents units -2 to 2 - 1 None

The EA command defines the edges of a rectangle using absolute coordinates and the
current pen, line type, and line attributes. The EA command performs an automatic pen
down. When command execution completes, the original pen location and up/down status
are restored.
The X, Y coordinates specify the opposite corner of the rectangle from the current pen
location. The current pen location is the starting point of a rectangle. Coordinates are
interpreted in current units: as user-units when scaling is on; as plotter units when scaling
is off.
The only difference between the EA command and the RA (fill rectangle absolute)
command is that the EA command produces an outlined rectangle; RA produces a filled
rectangle.

Fill Rectangle Absolute (RA)

RA X,Y[;]
This command defines and fills a rectangle using absolute coordinates. Use the RA
command to fill rectangular shapes in drawings. (To outline a rectangle using absolute
coordinates, use the EA command).

Table 9-26 Fill Rectangle Absolute Command Parameters

Parameter Format Functional Range Default
30 30
X, Y coordinates currents units -2 to 2 - 1 None
9-42 HP PCL Graphics Commands

The RA command defines and fills a rectangle using absolute X, Y coordinates and the
current pen, current line, and current fill types. The RA command performs an automatic
pen down. When command execution completes, the original pen location and up/down
status are restored.
The X, Y coordinates specify the opposite corner of the rectangle from the current pen
location. The current pen location is the starting point of a rectangle. Coordinates are
interpreted in current units: as user-units when scaling is on; as plotter units when scaling
is off.
The only difference between the RA command and the EA (edge rectangle absolute)
command is that the RA command produces a filled rectangle; EA produces an outlined
rectangle.

Fill Rectangle Relative (RR)

RR X,Y[;]
This command defines and fills a rectangle using relative coordinates (increments). Use the
RA command to fill rectangular shapes in drawings. (To outline a rectangle using relative
coordinates, use the ER command).

Table 9-27 Fill Rectangle Relative Command Parameters

Parameter Format Functional Range Default
30 30
X, Y increments currents units -2 to 2 - 1 None

The RR command defines and fills a rectangle using relative X, Y coordinates and the
current pen, current line, and current fill types. The RR command performs an automatic
pen down. When command execution completes, the original pen location and up/down
status are restored.
The X, Y coordinates specify the opposite corner of the rectangle from the current pen
location. The current pen location is the starting point of a rectangle. Coordinates are
interpreted in current units: as user-units when scaling is on; as plotter units when scaling
is off.
The only difference between the RR command and the ER (edge rectangle relative)
command is that the RR command produces a filled rectangle; ER produces an outlined
rectangle.
 HP PCL Graphics Commands 9-43

Edge Rectangle Relative (ER)

ER X,Y[;]
This command defines and outlines a rectangle using relative coordinates (increments).
Use the ER command when drawing charts or schematic diagrams that require rectangles.

Table 9-28 Edge Rectangle Relative Command Parameters

Parameter Format Functional Range Default
30 30
X, Y increments currents units -2 to 2 - 1 None

The ER command defines and edges a rectangle using relative X, Y coordinates and the
current pen, line type, and line attributes. The ER command performs an automatic pen
down. When command execution completes, the original pen location and up/down status
are restored.
The X, Y coordinates specify the opposite corner of the rectangle from the current pen
location. The current pen location is the starting point of a rectangle. Coordinates are
interpreted in current units: as user-units when scaling is on; as plotter units when scaling
is off.
The only difference between the ER command and the RR (fill rectangle relative)
command is that the ER command produces an outlined rectangle; RR produces a filled
rectangle.

Fill Wedge (WG)

This command defines and fills any wedge. Use the WG command to draw filled sections
of a pie chart.
WG radius,start angle,sweep angle[,chord angle;]

Table 9-29 Fill Wedge Command Parameters

Parameter Format Functional Range Default
30 30
radius currents unit -2 to 2 - 1 –
start angle clamped real -32768 to 32767 –
o
sweep angle clamped real + 360 –
o o o
chord angle clamped real 0.5 to 180 5

The WG command defines and fills a wedge using the current pen, fill type, and line types.
The WG command includes an automatic pen down. When the operation completes, the
original pen location and up/down status are restored.
9-44 HP PCL Graphics Commands

The only difference between the WG command and the EW (edge wedge) command is that
the WG command produces a filled wedge, and the EW command produces an outlined
wedge.

Edge Wedge (EW)

This command outlines any wedge. Use the EW command to draw sections of pie charts.
EW radius,start angle,sweep angle[,chord angle;]

Table 9-30 Edge Wedge Command Parameters

Parameter Format Functional Range Default
30 30
radius currents unit -2 to 2 - 1 None
start angle clamped real -32768 to 32767 None
o
sweep angle clamped real + 360 None
o o o
chord angle clamped real 0.5 to 180 5

The EW command defines and edges a wedge using the current pen, fill type, and line
types. The EW command includes an automatic pen down. When the operation completes,
the original pen location and up/down status are restored.
The only difference between the EW command and the WG (fill wedge) command is that
the EW command produces an outlined wedge, and the WG command produces a filled
wedge.

Polygon Mode (PM)

This command enters polygon mode for defining shapes, such as block letters or any
unique area, and exits for subsequent filling and/or edging. Fill polygons using the fill
polygon (FP) command; outline polygons using the edge polygon (EP) command.
PM polygon definition [;] or PM[;]

Table 9-31 Polygon Mode Command Parameters

Parameter Format Functional Range Default

polygon definition clamped integer 0, 1, and 2 0

In polygon mode, you define the area of the polygon(s) using graphics commands. These
commands (and associated X, Y coordinates) are stored in the polygon buffer. The polygon
is not printed until you exit polygon mode and fill and/or outline the area.
 HP PCL Graphics Commands 9-45

No parameters - Clears the polygon buffer and enters polygon mode. Equivalent to (PM0).
Polygon definition - Defines polygon mode status as follows:
0: Clears the polygon buffer and enters polygon mode
1: Closes the current polygon (or subpolygon) and remains in polygon mode; all
commands sent following PM1 but before PM2 (or the next PM1) are stored as
one subpolygon.
2: Closes the current polygon (or subpolygon) and exits polygon mode.

Fill Polygon (FP)

This command fills the polygon currently in the polygon buffer. Use the FP command to
fill polygons defined in polygon mode or with edge rectangle or edge wedge commands
(ER, EW, RA, RR, or WG).
FP fill method [;] or FP [;]

Table 9-32 Fill Polygon Command Parameters

Parameter Format Functional Range Default

polygon definition clamped integer 0 or 1 0 (odd-even fill)

Fill method - Specifies the algorithm used to determine which portions of a polygon are
“inside” the polygon and therefore are to be filled:
0: Even/odd fill algorithm (default)
1: Non-zero winding fill algorithm
The FP command fills any polygon that is currently in the polygon buffer. FP accesses the
data in the polygon buffer but does not clear the buffer or change the data in any way.
The FP command fills between points defined with either the pen down or the pen up. The
polygon is filled using the current pen, fill type, line type, and attributes (if the fill type is
not raster). The FP command includes an automatic pen down. When command execution
completes, the original pen location and up/down status are restored.
9-46 HP PCL Graphics Commands

Edge Polygon (EP)

This command outlines the polygon currently stored in the polygon buffer. Use the EP
command to edge polygons defined in polygon mode or with fill rectangle and wedge
commands (RA, RR, and WG).
EP [;]
The EP command fills any polygon that is currently in the polygon buffer. FP accesses the
data in the polygon buffer. This includes wedges and rectangles defined using the EA, ER,
EW, RA, RR, and WG commands.
EP accesses the data in the polygon buffer but does not clear the buffer or change the data
in any way.
The EP command only edges between points defined with the pen down. When command
execution completes, the original pen location and up/down status are restored.

Configuration and Status Group

The configuration and status group commands help you:
 establish default conditions and values for HPGL/2 features
 scale images in the dimensional units you want to use
 enlarge/reduce images for different media sizes
 establish a window (soft-clip limits)
 draw equal-sized and mirror-imaged drawings
 rotate the HPGL/2 coordinate system
 add comments to your HPGL/2 command sequence.

Scale (SC)
This command establishes a user-unit coordinate system by mapping user-defined
coordinate values onto the scaling points P1 and P2. The SC command determines the
number of user-units along the X- and Y-axes between P1 and P2. The actual size of the
units depends on the locations of P1 and P2 and the range of user-units set up by the SC
command.
SC XMINXMAXYMINYMAX [,type[,left,bottom;]] or
SC XMINXFACTORYMINYFACTOR [,type[;] or
SC [;]
 HP PCL Graphics Commands 9-47

Table 9-33 Scale Command Parameters

Parameter Format Functional Range Default
30 30
XMINXMAX, real -2 to 2 - 1 None
30 30
YMINYMAX real -2 to 2 - 1 None
type clamped integer 0, 1, or 2 0
left clamped real 0 to 100% 50%
bottom clamped real 0 to 100% 50%
30 30
XFACTOR, Y FACTOR real -2 to 2 - 1 None

Scaling allows you to establish units of measure with which you are familiar or which are
more logical to your drawing. There are three types of scaling: anisotropic (type 0),
isotropic (type 1), and point factor (type 2). The type parameter tells the printer which form
you are using. If no parameters are entered, scaling is turned off, and subsequent
coordinates are in plotter units.
Anisotropic scaling indicates that the size of the units along the X-axis may be different
than the size of the units along the Y-axis. Isotropic scaling, then, indicates that the units
are the same size on both axes. Point-factor scaling sets up a ratio of plotter units to user
units.
The SC command does not change the locations of P1 and P2, only their coordinate values.
Also, scaling is not limited to the rectangular area defined by P1 and P2, but extends across
the entire printing area within the PCL Picture Frame.

Input Window (IW)

This command defines a rectangular area, or window, that establishes soft-clip limits.
Subsequent HPGL/2 drawing is restricted to this area. Use the IW command to restrict
printing to a specified area on the page.
IW XLLYLLXURYUR[;] or IW [;]

Table 9-34 Input Window Command Parameters

Parameter Format Functional Range Default
30 30
XLLYLL, XUR,YUR current units -2 to 2 - 1 PCL Picture Frame

The printer interprets the command parameters as follows.

No parameters - Resets the soft-clip limits to the PCL Picture Frame limits.
9-48 HP PCL Graphics Commands

X, Y coordinates - Specifies the opposite, diagonal corners of the window area, usually the
lower left (LL) and upper right (UR) corners. Coordinates are interpreted in the current
units: as user-units when scaling is on; as plotter units when scaling is off.
When scaling is on, subsequent changes to P1 and P2 move the window in relation to the
physical page, but keep the same user coordinate locations. However, sending a subsequent
SC command binds the window to its equivalent plotter units. The window does not
change with any subsequent IP or IR commands.
When you turn on the printer, the window is automatically set to the PCL Picture Frame
boundaries. You can define a window that extends beyond this picture frame; however, the
printer cannot print vector graphics beyond this effective window. All programmed pen
motion restricted to this area.

Input Relative P1 and P2 (IR)

This command establishes new or default locations for the scaling points P1 and P2
relative to the PCL Picture Frame size. P1 and P2 are used by the scale (SC) command to
establish user-unit scaling. The IR command can also be used in advanced techniques such
as printing mirror-images, enlarging or reducing drawings, enlarging/reducing relative
character size, or changing text direction.
IRXP1,YP1[XP2,YP2;] or IR [;]

Table 9-35 Input Relative P1 and P2 Command Parameters

Parameter Format Functional Range Default

XP1YP1 [XP2,YP2 clamped real 0 to 100% 0,0,100,100%

When P1 and P2 are set using the IR command, the scaled area is page-size independent.
As the PCL Picture Frame changes size, P1 and P2 keep the same relative position within
the PCL Picture Frame boundaries.
No parameters - Defaults P1 and P2 to the lower left and upper-right corners of the PCL
Picture Frame, respectively.
X, Y coordinates - Specifies the location of P1 (and, optionally, P2) as percentages of the
PCL Picture Frame limits (specifying P2 is not required). If P2 is not specified, P2 tracks
P1; the P2 coordinates change so that the distances of X and Y between P1 and P2 remain
the same. This tracking process can cause P2 to locate outside the effective window. Used
carefully, however, the tracking function can be useful for preparing more than one equal-
sized drawing on a page.
Neither X, Y coordinate of P1 can equal the corresponding coordinate of P2. If either
coordinate of P1 equals the corresponding coordinate of P2, the coordinate of P2 is
incremented by 1 plotter unit.
 HP PCL Graphics Commands 9-49

Default Values (DF)

This command returns the printer’s HPGL/2 settings to the factory default paremters. Use
the DF command to return the printer to a known state while maintaining the current
locations of P1 and P2 (unlike the IN command described next in this section). When you
use the DF command at the beginning of a command sequence, graphics parameters such
as character size, slant, or scaling are defaulted.
DF[;]
The DF command resets the printer to the conditions listed in Table 9-36.
Table 9-36 Default Settings
Function Command Default Condition

Anchor Corner AC Anchor corner (not the same

as the picture frame anchor
point) set to lower-left corner of
PCL Picture Frame, relative to
the current coordinate system.
Alternate Font Direction AD Stick Font (11.5 point, 9
characters per inch, upright,
medium)
Character Fill Mode CF Solid fill, no edging
Asolute Direction DI1,0 Character direction parallel to
X-axis
Define Label Terminator DT End of text (ETX) and non-
printing mode
Define Variable Text Path DV Text printed left to right with
normal Line Feed
Extra Space ES No extra space
Fill Type FT Solid fill
Input Window IW Set equal to PCL Picture
Frame Window
Line Attributes LA Butt caps, mitered joins, and
miter limit=5
Label Origin LO1 Standard text printing starting
at current location
Line Type LT Solid line, relative mode,
pattern length = 4% of diagonal
distance from P1 to P2
Plotting Mode PA Absolute plotting
9-50 HP PCL Graphics Commands

Table 9-36 Default Settings (cont’d)

Function Command Default Condition

Polygon Mode PM Polygon buffer cleared

Raster Fill RF Solid black
Scalable or Bitmap Fonts SB0 Scalable fonts only
Scale SC User-unit scaling off
Screened Vectors SV No screening
Standard Font Definition SD Stick Font (11.5 point, 9
characters per inch, upright,
medium)
Absolute Character Size SI Turns off size transformation
Character Slant SL No slant
Symbol Mode SM Turns off symbol mode
Select Standard Font SS Standard font selected
Transparency Mode TR1 Transparency mode on
Transparent Data TD Normal printing mode
User-defined line type UL Defaults all 8 line types

In addition, the printer updates the carriage return point for text printing to the current pen
location.
The DF command does not affect the following HPGL/2 conditions:
 locations of P1 and P2
 current pen, its location, width, width unit selection, and up/down position
 HPGL/2 drawing rotation

Initialize (IN)
This command resets all programmable HPGL/2 functions to their default settings. Use the
IN command to return the printer to a known HPGL/2 state and to cancel settings that may
have been changed by a previous command sequence. (The ESC E reset command issues
an automatic IN command.)
IN [;]

NOTE: Once HPGL/2 mode is entered and

commands are issued, the HPGL/2 conditions
are no longer initialized. To place HPGL/2 into
the default state, send the IN command.
 HP PCL Graphics Commands 9-51

The IN command sets the printer to the same conditions as the default (DF) command, plus
the following:
 raises the pen (PU)
 returns the pen location to the lower-left corner of the PCL Picture Frame
(PA0,0)
 cancels drawing rotation (RO)
 sets P1 and P2 to the lower-left and upper-right corners, respectively, of the PCL
Picture Frame (IP).
 sets pen width mode to metric; units are millimeters (WU)
 sets the pen width to 0.35 mm (PW)
 sets number of pens to 2 (black [1] and white [0]

Rotate Coordinate System (RO)

This command rotates the printer’s coordinate system relative to the default HPGL/2
coordinate system in the following increments of rotation: 90o, 180o, and 127o. Use the RO
command to orient your drawing vertically or horizontally, or to reverse the orientation.
RO angle[;] or RO [;]

Table 9-37 Rotate Coordinate System Command Parameters

Parameter Format Functional Range Default
o o o o o
Angle clamped integer 0 , 90 , 180 , or 270 0

The printer interprets the command parameters as follows:

No parameters - Defaults the orientation of the coordinate system to 0o. Equivalent to
(RO0). This is the same as the PCL’s current orientation.
Angle - Specifies the degree of rotation:
0: Sets the orientation to PCL’s current orientation
90: Rotates and shifts the coordinate system 90 degrees in a positive angle of rotation
from PCL’s current orientation.
180:Rotates and shifts the coordinate system 180 degrees in a positive angle of
rotation from PCL’s current orientation.
270:Rotates and shifts the coordinate system 270 degrees in a positive angle of
rotation from PCL’s current orientation.
9-52 HP PCL Graphics Commands

Advance Full Page (PG)

This HPGL/2 command is ignored by the printer since it could cause undesirable results
when importing plots. A page eject can be accomplished only from the PCL printer
language mode.
The following PCL commands cause a conditional page eject, meaning that a page is
ejected if there is any printable data in the print buffer:
 ESC E (reset)
 UEL (Universal Exit Language)
 Flush All Pages
 Page Length
 Page Size
 Orientation
 Paper Source

When a page is ejected using one of the above commands, the PCL cursor position is set to
the top of form on the new page.
An alternative method of ejecting a page from PCL is the Form Feed control code. A Form
Feed causes an unconditional page eject and advances the current active cursor position to
the top of form on the next page. The horizontal cursor position remains the same as before
the page eject.

NOTE: The HPGL/2 pen position is not

affected by the Form Feed; it occupies the same
position on the next page.
 HP PCL Graphics Commands 9-53

Replot (RP)
This command is ignored by the printer; to eject a page, the printer must be in the PCL
printer language mode. The following commands cause a conditional page eject, meaning
that a page is ejected if there is any printable data in the print buffer:
 ESC E (reset)
 UEL (Universal Exit Language)
 Flush All Pages
 Page Length
 Page Size
 Orientation
 Paper Source

The PCL Form Feed control code causes an unconditional page eject and advances the
current active cursor position to the top of form on the next page.
A page eject caused by any of the above commands except paper source defaults the
HPGL/2 pen position.
To print more than one plot, use the Number of Copies command described in Section 3.

*
"This information is subject to change without notice. This information is provided "as is" without either express or
implied warranty. IntelliTech International, Inc. disclaims any and all warranties with regard to this information.
IntelliTech shall not be liable in any event for any special, indirect or consequential damages or any damages whatsoever
resulting from loss of data, profits or use, for any reason or in any action, arising out of or in connection with the use or
performance of this information. "
Section 10

HP PCL Macro Commands and

Programming Hints
Your printer uses several commands during a typical print operation. During some opera-
tions the same print routine may be repeated several times. PCL provides a macro feature
so you can reduce the number of commands sent to the printer. A macro is a collection of
escape sequences, control codes, and data downloaded to the printer that can be initiated
through a single command.*

CREATING A MACRO
Each macro needs a unique identification (ID) number that must be assigned before you de-
fine the macro. If you assign an existing macro's number to a new macro, the existing mac-
ro is overwritten in the user memory as you define the new macro. All subsequent macro
operations are performed by using the macro ID number.
You create a macro in three steps.

 first, send an escape sequence to the printer that indicates the start of a macro def-
inition.
 second, send the escape codes, control codes, and data that you want in the mac-
ro. These items must be sent in the intended order of execution.
 third, send an escape code to the printer that indicates the end of the macro defi-
nition.

CONTROLLING A MACRO
Macros are stored in user memory. Depending on the amount of memory available in the
IntelliBar M Series, up to 32 macros can be stored simultaneously.
You can use three different ways to invoke a macro:

 execute
 call
 overlay.
10-2 HP PCL Macro Commands and Programming Hints

When a macro is executed, the macro starts its routine using the modified print environ-
ment. Any parameter changes made during the execution are recorded in the modified print
environment. The changes remain after the macro routine has finished execution.
When a macro is called, the macro starts its routine using the modified print environment.
Any parameter changes made during the call are recorded in the modified print environ-
ment but the changes do not remain after the call is completed. The previously existing
modified print environment is restored.
When a macro is invoked for automatic overlay, the macro routine will be the final opera-
tion each time a page is printed. Before the macro is executed, the current modified print
environment is recorded and replaced by the overlay print environment.
The overlay print environment is a combination of the user default and current modified
print environments. Any parameter changes made during a macro overlay are recorded in
the modified print environment. The changes do not remain after the overlay routine is
complete. The previously existing modified is restored.
The overlay environment uses the current settings for the following parameters (all other
parameters are set to the user default values):

 Page Length
 Paper source
 Page size
 Number of copies
 Orientation
 Cursor position stack.

NOTE: The current active print position is not

part of the modified print environment. Cursor
position is neither saved when a macro is in-
voked or restored after the routine has finished.
Use the push/pop cursor position escape se-
quence to save and recall a cursor position.

TEMPORARY/PERMANENT MACROS
A macro is automatically defined as temporary, and deleted from user memory during a
printer reset. You can designate a macro to be permanent so it will not be deleted during a
printer reset. Macro status is designated through a sequence that references the macro ID
number.
 HP PCL Macro Commands and Programming Hints 10-3

NOTE: Temporary and permanent macros are

deleted from the printer memory any time power
to the printer is turned off.

MACRO ID
The macro ID sequence specifies an identification number for use in subsequent macro
routines.
ESC &f#Y
Decimal: 027 038 102 # 089
Hex: 1B 26 66 # 59
#: macro ID number = 0 to 32767
The factory default macro ID is 0.
If you want to use 7 as an identification number, for example, send:
ESC &f7Y

MACRO CONTROL
The macro control sequence contains the commands to define, invoke, and delete macros.
ESC &f#X
Decimal: 027 038 102 # 088
Hex: 1B 26 66 # 58
#: 0 = Start macro definition (last ID specfied)
1 = Stop macro definition
2 = Execute macro (last ID specified)
3 = Call macro (last ID specified)
4 = Enable macro for automatic overlay (last ID specified)
5 = Disable automatic overlay
6 = Delete all macros
7 = Delete all temporary macros
8 = Delete macro (last ID specified)
9 = Make macro temporary (last ID specified)
10 = Make macro permanent (last ID specified)

NOTE: A macro may call or execute another

macro that in turn can call or execute another
macro. Two levels of macros can be “nested” in
this manner.
10-4 HP PCL Macro Commands and Programming Hints

Other than call and execute, you can not place macro control statements within a macro.
You cannot use a printer reset command in a macro.
Do not place font management commands in a macro. You cannot download, delete, or
make a font permanent in a macro.

MACRO EXAMPLE
This example shows the definition of a macro used for a company letterhead.
ESC&f4Y Specify the macro ID as 4
ESC&f0X Start macro definition
ESC&a540h780V Places letterhead at decipoints 540, 780 in the PCL
coordinate system
ESC*t300R Set graphics resolution to 300 dots-per-inch
ESC(1X Select font with ID of 1
Master Printer Inc.
Text
20 Raster Way
Text
Downtown, NY 12664 Text
ESC&a540h960V Position first rule at decipoints 540, 960
ESC*c10v4680H Set rule height and width
ESC*c0P Print the first rule
ESC&a540h980V Position the second rule at decipoints 540, 980
ESC*c0P Print the second rule
ESC&540h1200V Position for the first line of text at decipoints 540, 1200
ESC&f1X Stop macro definition
The macro can be executed, called, or invoked for automatic overlay.
 HP PCL Macro Commands and Programming Hints 10-5

PROGRAMMING HINTS
The following paragraphs provide information for use during PCL software development.

End of Line Wrap

ESC&s0C (enabled)
Decimal: 027 038 115 048 067
Hex: 1B 26 73 30 43

ESC&s1C (disabled)
Decimal: 027 038 115 049 067
Hex: 1B 26 73 31 43
This command defines the action that occurs when a line of text reaches the right margin.
When end-of-line wrap is enabled, a character or space that moves the cursor to the right
margin executes a CR-LF (prior to the printing of the character or space).
When end-of-line wrap is disabled, a character or space that would move the cursor to the
right margin may be clipped. When a character is clipped, the cursor is set to the right mar-
gin.
The factory default is end-of-line wrap disabled.
The primary use of this command is with display functions mode.

Display Functions Mode

ESCY (enables display function mode)
Decimal: 027 089
Hex: 1B 59

ESCZ (disables display functions mode)

Decimal: 027 090
Hex: 1B 5A
This command allows all escape sequences and control codes to be printed instead of exe-
cuted.
10-6 HP PCL Macro Commands and Programming Hints

When the printer is in display functions mode, all control codes and escape sequences are
printed and not executed, with the following exceptions:
 CR is printed and executed as CR-LF.
 ESCZ is printed and executed.
Display functions mode instructs the printer to display rather than execute the data it re-
ceives. The data is printed using the current text area and selected font.

*
"This information is subject to change without notice. This information is provided "as is" without either express or
implied warranty. IntelliTech International, Inc. disclaims any and all warranties with regard to this information. Intel-
liTech shall not be liable in any event for any special, indirect or consequential damages or any damages whatsoever re-
sulting from loss of data, profits or use, for any reason or in any action, arising out of or in connection with the use or
performance of this information. "
Section 11

IntelliBar M Series SAP Device Types

This section describes IntelliBar M Series Device Types developed for SAP R/3 and later.
SAP uses a proprietary printer spool and print system that provides a uniform user printing
interface that supports a multiplicity of printers. A specific SAP printer Device Type
provides the interface between the SAP Spooler and a particular printer. IntelliTech has
developed SAP Device Types for IntelliBar M Series printers that provide bar code label
printing capability for a wide range of media.

SAP PRINTING WITH INTELLIBAR M SERIES PCL COMMAND

EXTENSIONS
Standard Series IntelliBar M Series printers use the Hewlett Packard Printer Control
Language level 5, HP PCL 5, for raster image processing tasks. Hewlett Packard LaserJet
III (LJIII) printers use HP PCL5. Thus, IntelliBar M Series printers appear as an LJIII to a
host system. LJIII printers operate in the SAP environment by using the standard SAP
HPLJIIID Device Type.
IntelliBar M Series printers operate in the SAP environment by using custom “Z type”
Device Types that are derived from the HPLJIIID Device Type. IntelliBar M Series
Device Types use HPLJIIID ABAP List Format Types. The IntelliBar M Series Device
Types and their ABAP List Format Types are described below.

INTELLIBAR M SERIES SAP DEVICE TYPES

There are three custom device types for the IntelliBar M Series Standard printer series:
SAP Device Type IntelliBar M Series Standard Printer Series
 ZITC_48 M48
 ZITC_412 M412
 ZITC_88 M88

INSTALLATION OF INTELLIBAR M SERIES SAP DEVICE TYPES

To install IntelliBar M Series Device Types, download the required Device Type from the
IntelliTech International web site at http://www.intellitech-intl.com/portasp/drivers.asp.
Copy the Device Type onto the target SAP host system by using the SAP RSTXSCRP
report. Assign the Device Type to the IntelliBar M Series printer using the SAP
administrative dialog.
 IntelliBar M Series SAP Device Type Commands 11-2

INTELLIBAR M SERIES ABAP LIST AND SAPSCRIPT FORMAT TYPES

Eight ABAP List Format Types for the IntelliBar M Series Device Types are directly
inherited from the HPLJIIID Device Type.
All SAPScript Format Types for IntelliBar M Series Device Types are customized.
The printer initialization (Default) Format Types are described in Table 11-1 below:

Table 11-1 IntelliBar M Series Initialization Format Types

Format Type Value

Variable Form Length See Table 11-2 below for Type

and Value.
Print Speed See Table 11-3 below for Value
Print Density Value = 0
Print and Tear Frequency Value = 1
Print and Cut Frequency Value = 1

Table 11-2 IntelliBar M Series Device Type Variable Form Length Command
Values

SAPScript Format Type Value in scan lines

(@300 lines/inch)

DINA4 3508 (= 11.69 inches/297 mm)

DINA5 2480 (= 8.27 inches/210 mm)
EXECUTIV 3140 (= 10.47 inches/267 mm)
INCH11 3300 (= 11 inches/279 mm)
INCH12 3600 (= 12 inches/305 mm)
INCH4 1200 (= 4 inches/102 mm)
INCH4C 1200 (= 4 inches/102 mm)
INCH6 1800 (= 6 inches/152 mm)
INCH7 2100 (= 7 inches/178 mm)
 IntelliBar M Series SAP Device Type Commands 11-3

INCH8 2400 (= 8 inches/203 mm)

LEGAL 4200 (= 14 inches/356 mm)
LETTER 3300 (= 11 inches/279 mm)
LINE_21 1050 (= 3.5 inches/89 mm)
LINE_22 1100 (= 3.67 inches/93 mm)

Table 11-3 IntelliBar M Series Device Type Default Print Speed Command Values

IntelliBar M Series Default Print Speed Command

Device Type Value (mm/second)

ZITC_412 300 (= 300 mm or 12 inches/second)

ZITC_48 200 (= 200 mm or 8 inches/second)
ZITC_88 200 (= 200 mm or 8 inches/second)

SAP STANDARD BAR CODE PRINT CONTROLS

The HPLJIIID Device Type supports twelve standard SAP bar codes used with ABAP
lists. These codes are also supported by the IntelliBar M Series ZITC_XXX Device
Types. The standard SAP HPLJIIID bar codes are implemented through the Print Control
commands listed in Table 11-4 below:

Table 11-4 Standard SAP Bar Code Commands

Command Code Description

ARTNR Article number, Technical bar code type: Code 128

AUFNR Request number, Technical bar code type: Code 128
BARCLVS Test bar code in LVS, Technical bar code type: Code 39, no check digit
BC_CD39 Technical bar code type: Code 39, no check digit, no text, height 13 mm
BC_ESC ESC character (hex 1B)
KUNAUNR Customer request number, Technical bar code type: Code 128
KUNAUPS Customer request item, Technical bar code type: Code 128
MBBARC Test bar code for inventory management, Technical bar code type: Code 128
MBBARC1 Test Bar code 1 for inventory management, Technical bar code type: EAN-8
RSNUM Reservation number, Technical bar code type: Code 128
 IntelliBar M Series SAP Device Type Commands 11-4

RSPOS Reservation item, Technical bar code type: Code 128

RUECKNR Completion confirmation number, Technical bar code type: Code 128

NOTE: SAP specifies the maximal data lengths for the

twelve HPJLIIID bar codes. For example, for the
ARTNR Command SAP specifies the length parameters
as a minimum of 1 symbol and maximum of 10 symbols.
To print ARTNR with a length less than 10 symbols (ex.,
8 symbols), the appropriate parameter in the PCL escape
sequence must be changed to the appropriate value. In
the PCL escape sequence,
"\e!b8C\e!b142J\e!b2N\e!10W”, change the segment that
specifies ten symbols, "\e!10W", to "\e!##W", where ##
equals the number of symbols needed. In this example
the change to “8” would be
"\e!b8C\e!b142J\e!b2N\e!8W". For additional
information about SAP standard bar codes go to:
http://help.sap.com/saphelp_webas610/helpdata/en/d9/4a94e2
51ea11d189570000e829fbbd/content.htm
 IntelliBar M Series SAP Device Type Commands 11-5

INTELLIBAR M SERIES SAP DEVICE TYPE PRINT CONTROL

COMMANDS
In addition to the standard HP PCL5 commands supported by the IntelliBar M Series
ZITC_XXX Device Types, IntelliBar M Series printers use custom PCL Command
extensions that enable thermal label printing functions and provide access to internal
printer resident bar code fonts. In the SAP environment these Command extensions are
accessed through custom SAP “Z” print commands. Table 11-5 below lists the IntelliBar
M Series custom SAPScript Format Types, a description of the Command and the
corresponding PCL5 command extension in escape code sequence.

NOTE: For greater detail about IntelliBar M

Series PCL command extensions, as well as
standard HP PCL commands, refer to the
relevant portion of Section 2 of the IntelliBar M
Series Programmer’s Reference Manual.

Тable 11-5 IntelliBar M Series PCL Command Extensions Cross Reference to

SAP Z Print Control Command Codes

Sap “Z” Print Function PCL Escape

Command Command Code
Code

Setting/Disabling Variable Form Length

NOTE: The Variable Form Length command allowable range = 300 to 29,700 scan lines (= 1"
to 99"/ 2.5 cm to 252 cm) in increments of 300 scan lines (= 1"/ 2.5 cm). Use the next longer full inch
form length for form lengths that have fractional inches. For example, if form length = 8.5" then use
the 9” form length command, “ZSF09”.

ZSFVL Set Variable Form Length = the last selected value ESC!f1Z
ZSF01 Set Variable Form Length = 1" ESC!f300Z
through through
ZSF99 Set Variable Form Length = 99" ESC!f29700Z
ZDFVL Disable Variable Form Length ESC!f0Z

Setting Print Speed

NOTE: The default Set Print Speed command is printer model dependent.

ZPS01 Set Print Speed = 0.6" (15 mm)/sec ESC!p15S

ZPS02 Set Print Speed = 0.8" (20 mm)/sec ESC!p20S
ZPS03 Set Print Speed = 1.2" (30 mm)/sec ESC!p30S
ZPS04 Set Print Speed = 1.6" (40 mm)/sec ESC!p40S
ZPS05 Set Print Speed = 2.4" (60 mm)/sec ESC!p60S
ZPS06 Set Print Speed = 3.2" (80 mm)/sec ESC!p80S
 IntelliBar M Series SAP Device Type Commands 11-6

ZPS07 Set Print Speed = 4" (100 mm)/sec ESC!p100S

ZPS08 Set Print Speed = 5" (120 mm)/sec ESC!p120S
ZPS09 Set Print Speed = 6" (150 mm)/sec ESC!p150S
ZPS10 Set Print Speed = 8" (200 mm)/sec ESC!p200S
ZPS11 Set Print Speed = 10" (250 mm)/sec ESC!p250S
ZPS12 Set Print Speed = 12" (300 mm)/sec ESC!p300S

Setting Print Density

ZPD00 Set Print Density to 0, Default ESC&d0A

ZPD01 Set Print Density to 1 ESC&d1A
ZPD02 Set Print Density to 2 ESC&d2A
ZPD03 Set Print Density to 3 ESC&d3A
ZPD04 Set Print Density to 4 ESC&d4A
ZPD05 Set Print Density to 5 ESC&d5A
ZPD06 Set Print Density to 6 ESC&d6A
ZPD07 Set Print Density to 7 ESC&d7A
ZPD08 Set Print Density to 8 ESC&d8A
ZPD09 Set Print Density to 9 ESC&d9A
ZPD10 Set Print Density to 10 ESC&d10A
ZPD11 Set Print Density to 11 ESC&d11A
ZPD12 Set Print Density to 12 ESC&d12A
ZPD13 Set Print Density to 13 ESC&d13A
ZPD14 Set Print Density to 14 ESC&d14A
ZPD15 Set Print Density to 15 ESC&d15A
ZPD16 Set Print Density to -15 ESC&d-15A
ZPD17 Set Print Density to -14 ESC&d-14A
ZPD18 Set Print Density to -13 ESC&d-13A
ZPD19 Set Print Density to -12 ESC&d-12A
ZPD20 Set Print Density to -11 ESC&d-11A
ZPD21 Set Print Density to -10 ESC&d-10A
ZPD22 Set Print Density to -9 ESC&d-9A
ZPD23 Set Print Density to -8 ESC&d-8A
ZPD24 Set Print Density to -7 ESC&d-7A
ZPD25 Set Print Density to -6 ESC&d-6A
ZPD26 Set Print Density to -5 ESC&d-5A
ZPD27 Set Print Density to -4 ESC&d-4A
ZPD28 Set Print Density to -3 ESC&d-3A
ZPD29 Set Print Density to -2 ESC&d-2A
ZPD30 Set Print Density to -1 ESC&d-1A

Setting Print and Tear Frequency

NOTE: The Set Print and Tear Frequency command allowable range = 1 to 99.

ZPT01 Print and Tear Frequency = 1, Default ESC!n1T

ZPT02 Print and Tear Frequency = 2 ESC!n2T
through through
ZPT99 Print and Tear Frequency = 99 ESC!n99T
 IntelliBar M Series SAP Device Type Commands 11-7

Setting Print and Cut Frequency

NOTE: The Set Print and Cut command allowable range = 1 to 99.

ZPC01 Print and Cut frequency = 1 ESC!n1C

ZPC02 Print and Cut frequency = 2 ESC!n2C
through through
ZPC99 Print and Cut frequency = 99 ESC!n99C

Setting Bar Code Type

ZBT00 Set Bar Code Type = 0, only print text, Default ESC!b0C
ZBT01 Set Bar Code Type = 1, UPC-A ESC!b1C
ZBT02 Set Bar Code Type = 2, UPC-E ESC!b2C
ZBT03 Set Bar Code Type = 3, EAN/JAN-13 (with or without 2 or 5 digit ESC!b3C
supplements)
ZBT04 Set Bar Code Type = 4, EAN/JAN-8 (with or without 2 or 5 digit ESC!b4C
supplements)
ZBT05 Set Bar Code Type = 5, 3 of 9 (Code 39) ESC!b5C
ZBT06 Set Bar Code Type = 6, Extended 3 of 9 ESC!b6C
ZBT07 Set Bar Code Type = 7, Interleaved 2 of 5 ESC!b7C
ZBT08 Set Bar Code Type = 8, Code 128 ESC!b8C
ZBT09 Set Bar Code Type = 9, Codabar ESC!b9C
ZBT10 Set Bar Code Type = 10, Zip + 4 Postnet ESC!b10C
ZBT11 Set Bar Code Type = 11, MSI Plessey ESC!b11C
ZBT12 Set Bar Code Type = 12, Code 93 ESC!b12C
ZBT14 Set Bar Code Type = 14, UCC-128 ESC!b14C
ZBT15 Set Bar Code Type = 15, HIBC ESC!b15C
ZBT16 Set Bar Code Type = 16, UPC/EAN extension (2 or 5 digit ESC!b16C
supplemental)
ZBT17 Set Bar Code Type = 17, PDF 417 ESC!b17C

Setting Bar Code Height in Decipoints

NOTE: The Set Bar Code Height in Decipoints command allowable range = 0.1" to 6.0" in
increments of 0.1" (in multiples of 72 decipoints, 1 decipoint = 1/720 inch).

ZHC01 Set Bar Code Height (Decipoints) = 0.1" (72 Decipoints) ESC!b72H
ZHC02 Set Bar Code Height (Decipoints) = 0.2" (144 Decipoints) ESC!b144H
through
ZHC60 Set Bar Code Height (Decipoints) = 6.0" (4320 Decipoints) ESC!b4320H

Setting Bar Code Height in Dots

NOTE: 1 Dot = 1/300 inch. The Set Bar Code Height in Dots command allowable range = 0.1"
to 6.0" (2.54 mm to 152.4 mm/30 dots to 1800 dots) in increments of 0.1" (2.54 mm/ 30 Dots).

ZHD01 Set Bar Code Height (Dots) = 0.1" (30 Dots) ESC!b30J
ZHD02 Set Bar Code Height (Dots) = 0.2" (60 Dots) ESC!b60J
through
ZHD60 Set Bar Code Height (Dots) = 6.0" (1800 Dots) ESC!b1800J
 IntelliBar M Series SAP Device Type Commands 11-8

Setting Bar Code Width in Dots

NOTE: 1 Dot = 1/300 inch. The Set Bar Code Width command allowable range = 1 to 6 Dots.

ZBCW1 Set Bar Code Width (Dots) = 1 ESC!b1N

ZBCW2 Set Bar Code Width (Dots) = 2 Default ESC!b2N
ZBCW3 Set Bar Code Width (Dots) = 3 ESC!b3N
ZBCW4 Set Bar Code Width (Dots) = 4 ESC!b4N
ZBCW5 Set Bar Code Width (Dots) = 5 ESC!b5N
ZBCW6 Set Bar Code Width (Dots) = 6 ESC!b6N

Setting Bar Code Ratios (Code 39, Extended 3 of 9, and Interleaved 2 of 5)

ZBCR1 Set Bar Code Ratio, Ratio of 2 to 1 ESC!b1R

ZBCR2 Set Bar Code Ratio, Ratio of 5 to 2 ESC!b2R
ZBCR3 Set Bar Code Ratio, Ratio of 3 to 1, Default ESC!b3R

Setting Bar Code 128 Subset Mode

ZBSM0 Set Bar Code 128 Subset Mode 0, Automatic subset switching, ESC!b0S
Default
ZBSM1 Set Bar Code 128 Subset Mode 1, Subset A (upper case/control ESC!b1S
characters)
ZBSM2 Set Bar Code 128 Subset Mode 2, Subset A (upper and lower ESC!b2S
case characters)
ZBSM3 Set Bar Code 128 Subset Mode 3, Subset A (double density ESC!b3S
numbers)

Setting UPC-E Bar Code Method

ZBCM0 Set UPC-E Bar Code Method 0, Requires 11 digits to print 6 digit ESC!b0E
bar code, Default
ZBCM1 Set UPC-E Bar Code Method 1, System 0, 6 digit input string ESC!b1E
ZBCM2 Set UPC-E Bar Code Method 2, System 1, 6 digit input string ESC!b2E

Setting Print Position for Human-Readable Text

ZTXT0 Print Human-Readable Text = 0 Disable, Default ESC!b0T

ZTXT1 Print Human-Readable Text, Position = 1, below barcode with ESC!b1T
check digit
ZTXT2 Print Human-Readable Text, Position = 2, below bar code without ESC!b2T
check digit
ZTXT3 Print Human-Readable Text, Position = 3, above bar code with ESC!b3T
check digit
ZTXT4 Print Human-Readable Text, Position = 4, above bar code without ESC!b4T
check digit
ZTXT5 Print Human-Readable Text, Position = 5, in notched bar code ESC!b5T
with check digit
ZTXT6 Print Human-Readable Text, Position = 6, in notched bar code ESC!b6T
without check digit
 IntelliBar M Series SAP Device Type Commands 11-9

Setting Optional Check Digit Calculation

ZCOC0 Calculate Optional Check Digit, 0 Disable, Default ESC!b0K

ZCOC1 Calculate Optional Check Digit, 1 Enable ESC!b1K
ZCOC2 Calculate Optional Check Digit, 2 Enable optional second check ESC!b2K
digit

Setting Print Text String Characters as Bar Code

NOTE: Allowable Range = 4 to 99 characters.

ZPR04 Print Bar Code, Length=4 characters ESC!b4W
ZPR05 Print Bar Code, Length=5 characters ESC!b5W
through
ZPR99 Print Bar Code, Length=99 characters ESC!b99W

Setting PDF417 Enable/Disable Binary Only Mode

Z17B0 PDF417: Disable Binary Only Mode, Default ESC!b0B

Z17B1 PDF417: Enable Binary Only mode (determinant symbol size) ESC!b1B

Setting PDF417 Resolution for Encoding Data to Printer

Z17D0 PDF417: Set Resolution 75 ESC!b75D

Z17D1 PDF417: Set Resolution 100, Default ESC!b100D
Z17D2 PDF417: Set Resolution 150 ESC!b150D
Z17D3 PDF417: Set Resolution 300 ESC!b300D

Setting PDF417 Enable/Disable Truncated PDF Symbol Mode

Z17F0 PDF417: Disable Truncated Mode, Default ESC!b0F

Z17F1 PDF417: Enable Truncated Mode ESC!b1F

Setting PDF417 Error Correction Code Level

Z17L0 PDF417: ECC Level = 0, Default (=Use Percentage Command) ESC!b0L

Z17L1 PDF417: ECC Level = 1 ESC!b1L
Z17L2 PDF417: ECC Level = 2 ESC!b2L
Z17L3 PDF417: ECC Level = 3 ESC!b3L
Z17L4 PDF417: ECC Level = 4 ESC!b4L
Z17L5 PDF417: ECC Level = 5 ESC!b5L
Z17L6 PDF417: ECC Level = 6 ESC!b6L
Z17L7 PDF417: ECC Level = 7 ESC!b7L
Z17L8 PDF417: ECC Level = 8 ESC!b8L
 IntelliBar M Series SAP Device Type Commands 11-10

Setting PDF417 Error Correction Code as a Percentage of Data Words

NOTE: The Set PDF417 Error Correction Code as a Percentage of Data Words command
allowable range = 0 through 400.

Z7000 PDF417: ECC Level as a Percentage = 0 ESC!b10P

Z7001 PDF417: ECC Level as a Percentage = 1 ESC!b11P
Z7002 PDF417: ECC Level as a Percentage = 2 ESC!b12P
through
Z7400 PDF417: ECC Level as a Percentage = 400 ESC!b400P

Setting PDF417 Mode for Stripping Bits to Compensate for Bleeding

Z17Q0 PDF417: no reduction, Default ESC!b0Q

Z17Q1 PDF417: reduce Bar Height ESC!b1Q
Z17Q2 PDF417: reduce Bar Width ESC!b2Q
Z17Q3 PDF417: reduce both Bar Height and Bar Width ESC!b3Q

Setting PDF417 Row Count for Sizing a PDF Symbol

NOTE: The Set PDF417 Row Count for Sizing a PDF Symbol command allowable Range = 0, 3
through 90.

Z7U00 PDF417: Set Row count = 0 (Default) ESC!b0U

Z7U03 PDF417: Set Row count = 3 ESC!b3U
Z7U04 PDF417: Set Row count = 4 ESC!b4U
through
Z7U90 PDF417: Set Row count = 90 ESC!b90U

Setting PDF417 Column Count for Symbol Sizing the PDF

NOTE: The Set PDF417 Column Count for Symbol Sizing the PDF command allowable range
= 0 through 30.

Z7V00 PDF417: Set Column count = 0 (Default) ESC!b0V

Z7V01 PDF417: Set Column count = 1 ESC!b1V
Z7V02 PDF417: Set Column count = 2 ESC!b2V
through
Z7V30 PDF417: Set Column count = 30 ESC!b30V

Setting PDF417 X Scale

NOTE: The Set PDF417 X Scale command allowable range = 1 through 20.

Z7X01 PDF417: Set X Scale = 1 ESC!b1X

Z7X02 PDF417: Set X Scale = 2 ESC!b2X
through
Z7X20 PDF417: Set X Scale = 20 ESC!b20X
 IntelliBar M Series SAP Device Type Commands 11-11

Setting PDF417 Y Scale

NOTE: The Set PDF417 Y Scale command allowable range = 1 through 10.

Z17Y1 PDF417: Set Y Scale, 1 ESC!b1Y

Z17Y2 PDF417: Set Y Scale, 2 ESC!b2Y
Z17Y3 PDF417: Set Y Scale, 3, Default ESC!b3Y
Z17Y4 PDF417: Set Y Scale, 4 ESC!b4Y
Z17Y5 PDF417: Set Y Scale, 5 ESC!b5Y
Z17Y6 PDF417: Set Y Scale, 6 ESC!b6Y
Z17Y7 PDF417: Set Y Scale, 7 ESC!b7Y
Z17Y8 PDF417: Set Y Scale, 8 ESC!b8Y
Z17Y9 PDF417: Set Y Scale, 9 ESC!b9Y
Z17Y0 PDF417: Set Y Scale, 10 ESC!b10Y

Setting Auto Incrementing Fields

NOTE: The Set Auto Incrementing Fields command allowable range = 0 to 999.

ZI000 Disables incrementing fields = 0, Default ESC!b0I

ZI001 Enables incrementing fields = 1 ESC!b1I
ZI002 Enables incrementing fields = 2 ESC!b2I
through
ZI999 Enables incrementing fields = 999 ESC!b999I

Setting Auto Decrementing Fields

NOTE: The Set Auto Decrementing Fields command allowable range = 0 to –999.

ZD000 Disables decrementing fields = 0, Default ESC!b0I

ZD001 Enables decrementing fields = -1 ESC!b-1I
ZD002 Enables decrementing fields = -2 ESC!b-2I
through
ZD999 Enables decrementing fields = - 999 ESC!b-999I

Setting Auto Increment/Decrement Enable/Disable Print Leading Zeros

ZPLZ0 Auto Inc/Dec: Enable/Disable printing lead zeroes = 0, Disable, ESC!b0Z

Default
ZPLZ1 Auto Inc/Dec: Enable/Disable printing lead zeroes = 1, Enable ESC!b1Z

*** End of Section 11***

Index

push/pop control, 5-8

—B— vertical control (control codes), 5-7
Bar code generation example, 2-14 vertical control (decipoints), 5-6
vertical control (dots), 5-6
—C— vertical control (rows), 5-5
Character descriptor and data format, 8-12
character data, 8-15 —E—
character height, 8-14 Escape sequences, 2-1
character width, 8-14
class, 8-14 —F—
continuation, 8-13 Fill graphics, 9-10
delta X, 8-15 area fill (pattern ID), 9-12
descriptor size, 8-14 fill rectangle area, 9-15
format, 8-13 horizontal rectangle size (decipoints),
left offset, 8-14 9-10
orientation, 8-14 horizontal rectangle size (dots), 9-11
top offset, 8-14 rectangle area fill examples, 9-15
Command extensions, 2-1 vertical rectangle size, 9-11
form length, 2-2 vertical rectangle size (dots), 9-11
PCL bar code, 2-6 Font characteristics, 6-1
print and cut, 2-6 font selection by characteristic, 6-1
print and tear, 2-5 font selection example, 6-13
print density, 2-5 height, 6-9
print speed, 2-4 HPGL/2 font selection, 6-16
Configuration and status group, 9-46 ISO symbol sets, 6-6
advance full page, 9-52 orientation, 6-13
default values, 9-49 pitch, 6-8
initialize, 9-50 primary and secondary fonts, 6-4
input relative P1 and P2, 9-48 selection of the default font, 6-15
input window, 9-47 set pitch mode, 6-9
replot, 9-53 stroke weight, 6-10
rotate coordinate system, 9-51 style, 6-10
scale, 9-46 symbol set, 6-4
Creating a macro, 10-1 transparent print data, 6-15
Cursor position commands, 5-1 typeface, 6-12
absolute/relative position, 5-1 underline command, 6-16
cursor addressing units, 5-2 Font descriptor format, 8-2, 8-4
half-line feed, 5-7 baseline distance, 8-5
horizontal control (columns), 5-3 cell height, 8-5
horizontal control (control codes), 5-4 cell width, 8-5
horizontal control (decipoints), 5-3 font descriptor size, 8-4
horizontal control (dots), 5-4 font name, 8-10
line termination, 5-7 font type, 8-4
Index-2

height, 8-8 HPGL/2 font selection, 6-16

height extended, 8-10 absolute character size, 6-21
orientation, 8-5 absolute direction, 6-19
pitch, 8-7 alternate font definition, 6-26
pitch extended, 8-10 character fill mode, 6-27
serif style, 8-9 character plot, 6-30
spacing, 8-5 character slant, 6-23
stroke weight, 8-8 define label terminator, 6-30
style, 8-8 define variable text path, 6-32
symbol set, 8-5 extra space, 6-24
text height, 8-10 label, 6-29
text width, 8-10 label origin, 6-28
typeface, 8-9 primary font, 6-16
underline distance, 8-9 relative character size, 6-22
underline height, 8-10 relative direction, 6-21
width type, 8-8 scalable or bitmap fonts, 6-18
Font management and soft font secondary font, 6-17
downloading, 7-1 select alternate font, 6-19
downloading soft fonts, 7-1 select standard font, 6-19
font control, 7-2 standard font definition, 6-25
font selection by ID, 7-3 transparent data, 6-31
temporary/permanent fonts, 7-2 HPGL/2 graphics, 9-23
Font selection by characteristic, 6-1 configuration and status group, 9-46
font specification, 6-3 enter HPGL/2 mode, 9-24
location, 6-2 enter PCL mode, 9-24
number of fonts, 6-3 line and fill attributes group, 9-24
orientation, 6-2 polygon group commands, 9-40
priority of characteristics, 6-2 vector group commands, 9-34
Font selection example, 6-13
—I—
—G— ISO symbol set, 6-6
Graphics commands, 9-1
fill graphics, 9-10 —L—
HPGL/2 graphics, 9-23 Line and fill attributes group, 9-24
PCL print model, 9-18 anchor, 9-30
raster graphics, 9-1 fill type, 9-29
vector graphics, 9-20 line attributes, 9-25
line type, 9-24
—H— number of pens, 9-26
Height, 6-9, 8-8 pen width, 9-26
Horizontal control (control codes), 5-4 pen width unit selection, 9-26
Horizontal control codes raster fill definition, 9-30
backspace, 5-4 screened vectors, 9-32
carriage return, 5-4 select pen, 9-27
horizontal tab, 5-5 symbol mode, 9-28
space, 5-4 transparency mode, 9-33
 Index-3

user defined line type, 9-31 bar code height, 2-7, 2-8
bar code ratio, 2-8
—M— bar code subset mode, 2-8
Macro commands and programming hints, bar code type, 2-7
10-1 bar code width, 2-8
controlling a macro, 10-1 calculate optional check digit, 2-10
creating a macro, 10-1 PDF417, 2-11
macro control, 10-3 print bar code, 2-12
macro example, 10-4 print human-readable text, 2-9
macro ID, 10-3 supported bar codes, 2-7
programming hints, 10-5 UPC-E bar code method, 2-9
temporary/permanent macros, 10-2 PCL print model, 9-18
select pattern command, 9-20
—O— select pattern transparency mode, 9-20
Offset registration select source transparency mode, 9-19
long-edge (left), 3-2 Pitch, 6-8, 8-7
short-edge (top), 3-2 Polygon group commands, J-40
Orientation, 2-3, 6-13 circle, J-40
landscape print area, 2-5 edge polygon, J-46
PCL portrait print area,2- 5 edge rectangle absolute, J-41
Range, 2-4 edge rectangle relative, J-43
edge wedge, J-44
—P— fill polygon, J-45
Page format commands, 4-1 fill rectangle relative, J-42
clear horizontal margins, 4-8 fill retangle absolute, J-41
horizontal motion index, 4-10 fill wedge, J-43
left margin, 4-6 polygon mode, J-44
line spacing, 4-11 Primary and secondary fonts, 6-4
orientation, 4-4 Print and format commend extensions, 2-1
page length, 4-2 Print area, 1-5
page size, 4-1 character clipping,1-6
paper source, 4-4 landscape orientation, 1-5
perforation skip, 4-9 portrait orientation, 1-5
print direction, 4-5 raster graphic clipping, 1-7
right margin, 4-7 Print commands, 2-1
text length, 4-9 number of copies, 3-1
top margin, 4-7 offset registration, 3-2
vertical motion index, 4-10 print and cut, 2-6
PCL background, 1-1 print and tear, 2-5
addressable area, 1-1 print density, 2-5
orientation, 1-3 print speed, 2-4
PCL coordinate system, 1-1 reset, 3-1
PCL bar code command extensions, 2-6 variable form length, 2-2
auto incrementing/decrementing Print density, 2-1, 2-5
fields, 2-12 Print human-readable text, 2-9
bar code generation example, 2-14 positioning after printing bar code, 2-9
Index-4

positioning with bar code, 2-9 —V—

printing in notched bar code, 2-10 Variable form length, 2-2
Programming hints, 10-5 disabling, 2-2, 2-4
display functions mode, 10-5 setting, 2-2
end of line wrap, 10-5 Vector graphics, 9-20
HPGL/2 plot horizontal size, 9-20
—R— HPGL/2 plot vertical size, 9-21
Raster graphics, 9-1 picture frame horizontal size
end raster graphics, 9-7 (decipoints), 9-22
example, 9-8 picture frame vertical size
raster graphics presentation, 9-3 (decipoints), 9-23
raster graphics resolution, 9-3 set picture frame anchor point, 9-21
raster height command, 9-4 Vector group commands, 9-34
raster wifth command, 9-5 absolute arc three point, 9-35
raster Y offset command, 9-6 arc absolute, 9-34
set compression method command, arc relative, 9-35
9-6 pen down, 9-37
start raster graphics, 9-5 pen up, 9-37
transfer raster data, 9-7 plot absolute, 9-36
plot relative, 9-36
—S— polyline encoded, 9-39
Selection of the default font, 6-15 relative arc three point, 9-38
Set pitch mode, 6-9 Vertical control (decipoints), 5-6
Soft font design, 8-1 Vertical control (dots), 5-6
character code, 8-16 Vertical control (rows), 5-5
character descriptor and data format, Vertical control codes
8-12 form feed, 5-7
coordinate system, 8-1 line feed, 5-7
download character, 8-16
font descriptor command, 8-10
font descriptor format, 8-2
Stroke weight, 6-10, 8-8
Style, 6-10, 8-8
Symbol set, 6-4

—T—
Transparent print data, 6-15
Typeface, 6-12, 6-9

—U—
Underline, 8-9
command, 6-16
distance, 8-9
height, 8-10