PCL XL (PCL-6) Vector Graphics Support

Important

The modern print platform is Windows' preferred means of communicating with printers. We recommend that you use Microsoft's IPP inbox class driver, along with Print Support Apps (PSA), to customize the print experience in Windows 10 and 11 for printer device development.

For more information, see Modern print platform and the Print support app design guide.

Unidrv in Windows XP and later supports PCL XL monochrome graphics. Unidrv in Windows Server 2003 and later supports PCL XL color graphics.

Unidrv's support for PCL XL (PCL-6) vector graphics allows it to create job data in PCL XL format as an alternative to pure raster format. PCL XL format is usually optimal for the device, and typically results in less system overhead, less output data, and faster print throughput.

PCL XL uses most of the currently defined GPD features for job setup, page setup, media selection, and paper size. However, the actual drawing commands are hard-coded within Unidrv. Consequently, most drawing commands within GPD files are ignored. There's no need to remove these commands from the GPD file.

This section contains the following articles:

Writing a PCL XL GPD File

Enabling Support for Color in PCL XL Minidrivers

Specifying New Device Fonts in PCL XL Minidrivers

Using Default PCL XL Fonts

Installing a PCL XL Minidriver

PCL XL Issues