Theory & Decisions
PCL or PostScript Output
FormTrap supports the output file formats PCL (PCL5e and PCL5c), PCLXL (PCL6) and PostScript (Level 2). The mode of output is selected when you build your project, not at run time. Outputs appear identical, but there may be small differences in font handling. PCLXL (PCL6) output may be transferred to ANY Windows printer if that option has been purchased for your production system.
In some cases you may need to build the same project for different printers, for example for older PCL only printers and color PDF delivery.
When do I choose PCL?
PCL is faster and the output is smaller. You would choose the PCL option:
- For printing forms across networks, particularly networks with low bandwidth or high traffic or;
- For printing checks (cheques). FormTrap supports the MICR font only in PCL mode. (This will be extended to PCLXL (PCL6) if there is sufficient customer interest.)
When do I choose PCLXL (PCL6)?
PCLXL (PCL6) while smaller than PostScript is still at least 2 times larger than PCL. It is a more modern language than PCL and is therefore available as the sole PCL choice in some printers (Xerox and Lexmark printers for example). Select PCLXL (PCL6) when:
- Using printers that no longer support PCL but support PCLXL (PCL6).
- When you wish to use the "Print to ANY Windows Printer" option.
When do I choose PostScript?
PostScript files are typically 3 times larger than the PCL equivalent. You would choose the PostScript option:
- If you want to produce color PDF files for email delivery or;
- If you plan to outsource your printing. PostScript files are more readily supported than PCL by third party printing houses.
Note: If your printer is a less known model, PostScript is the least likely to have glitches or differences from the standard, which we have seen with PCL from time to time.