PCL
2-50
Commands
PCL emulation commands are multibyte strings (also known as “escape sequences”)
that begin with the Escape control code (
ESC
,
←
, decimal 27, or hexadecimal 1B). The
ESC
control code notifies the printer that the characters that follow are to be interpreted
as part of a command and are not control codes or data to be printed.
Command Structure
Most PCL emulation commands have the following structure:
ESC
& a # C
Spaces have been added to this example for readability. The command parameter
variables are indicated by a number sign (#).
Command Parameters
A command parameter sets the value for a command. This value stays constant until
either a different value resets the command or a command resets the printer to the
default values. For example, after the printer receives a command that selects a right
margin beginning at column 63, the right margin of each printed page begins at
column 63. That margin stays constant until a right margin command with a different
value resets it or until the printer is reset.
SI
15
0F
Primary Font
Selects the primary font
SO
14
0E
Secondary Font
Selects the secondary font
Table 2-15: Description of Command Structure
Element
Description
ESC
Decimal 27 or hex 1B
&
Parameterized character from American National Standard Code for Information
Interchange (ASCII) table (ranging from 33 to 47 decimal)
a
Group character from ASCII table (ranging from 96 to 126 decimal) that specifies a
group type of control
#
Decimal character string value within specified numeric ranges; may be preceded by
a + or - sign and contain a decimal point
C
Termination character from ASCII table (ranging from 64 to 94 decimal)
Table 2-14: Control Codes (Continued)
Code
Dec
Hex
Function
Result
