PCLReader

Note: Free for non-commercial use only. PCLReader has some limitations (100 pages limit for viewing and printing PCL files, 3 pages conversion limit, with watermarks on pages 4 to 100, 3 pages extraction and page splitting limit, search is unavailable, etc.). In order to use the product in a commercial environment and remove these limitations, you must upgrade to PCLWorks.

PCLReader is an application that brings together a set of tools which you can use to view, convert and print HP PCL files.

PCL or Printer Command Language is a page description language and PCLReader enables you to search, index, extract and view the code. This way, you can print PCL files on any given non-PCL printers.

As an application, it displays a straightforward interface that enables you to easily load and view PCL files. You are offered buttons for quick access to all the main features and functions. You can zoom in and out and even rotate the image clockwise.

The application proves its worth if you’re using legacy applications that only need to print in the standard formats such as PDF, TIFF, XPS and PNG. Not only can it open multiple files in one instance and allow you to switch between them, but it also enables you to overlay the data.

PCLReader offers you the use of a comprehensive interface but once you get into its depths, and start clicking on options and settings you get to see how complex of an application it actually is. Before you print a file, the application provides you with a ‘Front Panel Settings’ option that allows you to simulate the settings of a printer in order to accommodate the task at hand. You can set the paper size, orientation, line termination, duplex, font, symbol set, pitch and point size. Moreover, you are able to save the settings in a PCL file that you can later use to make it more printer interdependent.

As far as PDF settings go, you get considerable amount of settings for the file creation, encryption and permission, image magnification and text fields which you can fill with details about the creator, author, keywords and copyright status.

With the above to consider and much more to discover, PCLReader is by all means a handy and reliable tool if you’re looking to print PCL files.