HP-GL/2

An Introduction to HP-GL/2 Graphics ========================================= What is HP-GL/2? Vector graphics uses less memory than raster graphics, when being stored, as well as having a more efficient Input/Output transfer of large images when printing, (it will print faster). When printing in HP-GL/2, the printer will define points "a" and "b" then draw a line between them, in raster the printer defines every point between point "a" and point "b". HP-GL/2 History HP-GL/2 was added to the PCL language in PCL Level 5, for LaserJet III family printers and is supported in LaserJet 4 family printers with PCL Level 5 Enhanced. To print in HP-GL/2 you are required to leave the PCL environment and enter the HP-GL/2 environment. Switching into and out of HP-GL/2 requires only a few commands, and cannot be done through the front menu panel. Some software applications may easily switch between the two modes as needed without affecting performance. Learning HP-GL/2 The best way to learn HP-GL/2 is to read the "Introduction to HP-GL/2 Graphics" in the PCL 5 Printer Language Technical Reference Manual for an overview of HP-GL/2. Then find the specific commands you need in subsequent chapters. Reading through the examples, then trying to print them using a text editor or programming language is the best way to learn HP-GL/2. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ --------------------------- Absolute Arc Three Point (AT) Command ========================================= The AT command is Absolute Arc Three Point, and draws an arc segment, using absolute coordinates, from a starting point, through an intermediate point, to an end point. For more information see the PCL 5 Printer Language Technical Reference Manual. LEGEND: Ec = [Ctrl] [P] [Esc] in DOS EDIT EcE Resets the printer. Ec%0B Enters HP-GL/2 mode. IN; Initializes HP-GL/2 mode. SP1; Selects pen number 1 (black). Even though there is no physical pen, the SP command must be used to enable printing. PA1000,100;PD2500,100; Specifies (1000,100) as the starting location, places the pen down, and draws a line to (2500,100). PU650,1150;PD1000,1150; Lifts the pen up and moves to (650,1150), then places the pen down and draws a line to (1000,1150). PU650,450;PD1000,450; Lifts the pen up and moves to (650,450) then places the pen down, and draws a line to (1000,450). PU1000,100;PD1000,1500,2500,1500; Lifts the pen up and moves to (1000,100), then places the pen down and draws a line to (1000,1500), then draws a line to (2500,1500). AT3200,800,2500,100; Prints an arc, starting at the current pen position (25,1500), passing through (3200,800) and ending at (2500,100). PU3200,900;PD; Lifts the pen and moves it to (3200,900), and sets the pen down. AT3300,800,3200,700; Prints an arc, starting at the current pen position, passing through (3300,800) and ending at (3200,700). PU3300,800;PD3500,800; Lifts the pen to (3300,800) and then puts the pen down and draws a line to (3500,800). Ec%0A; Enters PCL mode. EcE Sends a reset to end the job and eject the page. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------ Absolute Character Size (SI) Command ========================================= The Absolute character Size (SI) command, specifies the size of labeling characters in centimeters. For more information see the Updated PCL 5 Printer Language Technical Reference Manual. The syntax for this command is as follows: SI width, height; or SI; LEGEND: Ec = [Ctrl] [P] [Esc] in DOS EDIT. EcE Resets the printer. Ec%0B Enters HP-GL/2 mode. IN; Initializes HP-GL/2 mode. SP1; Selects pen number 1, (black). Even though there is no physical pen, the SP command must be used to enable printing. PA700,3000; Enters absolute plotting mode and moves to (700,3000). DT#; Defines the label terminator as the "#" character. LBPrint#; Prints the word "Print" in the default font. PA700,2000;SI1,1.5;LBPrint#; Moves to (700,2000); specifies an absolute character size of 1 cm wide by 1.5 cm high; prints the word "Print". SI; Send SI with no parameters to return to the default size. SD1,21,2,1,4,12,5,0,6,0,7, 4148;SS; Designates a 12 point Universe font and selects it. PA 4000,3000;LBPrint#; Moves to (4000,3000) and prints the word "Print" in the 12 point Universe font. PA4000,2000;SI1,1.5;LBPrint#; Moves the pen to (4000,2000) and specifies a character size of 1 cm by 1.5 cm; prints the word "Print". Ec%0A Enters PCL mode. EcE Sends a reset to end the job and eject the page. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ --------------------------- Anchor Corner (AC) Command ========================================= The AC command positions the starting point of any fill pattern. By using this command you ensure that the selected fill pattern is positioned as expected within the figure. For more information see the PCL 5 Printer Language Technical Reference Manual. LEGEND: Ec = [Ctrl] [P] [Esc] in DOS EDIT. EcE Resets the printer. Ec%0B Enters HP-GL/2 mode. IN; Initializes HP-GL/2 mode. SP1; Selects pen number 1, (black). Even though there is no physical pen, the SP command must be used to enable printing. PA3000,3000; Specifies absolute plotting and moves to location (3000,3000). FT3,400,45;RR1000,1000; ER1000,1000; Specifies a fill type of number 3 (parallel lines), with each line 400 plotter units (plu) apart and set at a 45 degree angle. RR fills a rectangle using the current pen location as the lower left corner, and a point 1000 plu to the right and 1000 plu up as the upper right corner. The ER edges the same rectangle just filled. PR1000,0;FT4,400,45;RR1000, 1000;ER1000,1000; Moves 1000 plu to the right, andselects fill type 4 (cross-hatch); then draws a rectangle the same size as the first one, and fills it with the cross-hatch pattern just specified, then edges it with the ER command. PR1000,0;FT3,400,45; RR1000,1000;ER1000,1000; Moves to the right another 1000 plu, and creates another rectangle of the same size, then fills this one with the number 3 fill pattern again. Then edges the rectangle just specified. PA3000,1500;AC3000,1500; RR1000,1000;ER1000,1000; Moves the pen to absolute position (3000,1500), and moves the anchor corner to location (3000,1500). Fills a rectangle with the fill pattern selected (number 3 from the command above), and edges it. PA4000,1500;AC4000,1500; FT4,400,45;RR1000,1000, ER1000,1000; Moves to location (4000,1500) andspecifies the location as the anchor corner. Selects fill type number 4 again, then fills, and edges a rectangle. PA5000,1500;AC5000,1500; FT3,400,45;RR1000,1000; ER1000,1000; Moves to absolute location (5000,1500)and specifies that location as the anchor corner, then selects fill type 3 again, and fills and edges another rectangle. Ec%0A Enters PCL mode. EcE Sends a reset to end the job and eject the page. NOTE Due to space limitations these lines of code appear on more than one line. When entered into the DOS editor they should appear on one line. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ --------------------------- Bezier Absolute (BZ) Command ========================================= The BZ command or Bezier Absolute command draws bezier curves using absolute coordinates. It uses the current pen position as the first control point, and specifies the oth