PCL File Extension

What is PCL file?

PCL filename suffix is mostly used for Printer Command Language Document files. Printer Command Language Document specification was created by HP. PCL files are supported by software applications available for devices running Linux, Mac OS, Windows. PCL file belongs to the Layout Files category just like 137 other filename extensions listed in our database. PCL Reader supports PCL files and is the most frequently used program to handle such files, yet 4 other tools may also be used.

Programs which support PCL file extension

The following list contains programs grouped by 3 operating systems that support PCL files. Files with PCL extension, just like any other file formats, can be found on any operating system. The files in question may be transferred to other devices, be it mobile or stationary, yet not all systems may be capable of properly handling such files.

How to open file with PCL extension?

Problems with accessing PCL may be due to various reasons. What is important, all common issues related to files with PCL extension can be resolved by the users themselves. The process is quick and doesn’t involve an IT expert. The list below will guide you through the process of addressing the encountered problem.

Step 1. Install PCL Reader software

Problems with opening and working with PCL files are most probably having to do with no proper software compatible with PCL files being present on your machine. This issue can be addressed by downloading and installing PCL Reader or different compatible program, such as OpenPCL Viewer, EscapeE, PCL Works. Above you will find a complete listing of programs that support PCL files, classified according to system platforms for which they are available. If you want to download PCL Reader installer in the most secured manner, we suggest you visit website and download from their official repositories.

Step 2. Check the version of PCL Reader and update if needed

You still cannot access PCL files although PCL Reader is installed on your system? Make sure that the software is up to date. Software developers may implement support for more modern file formats in updated versions of their products. The reason that PCL Reader cannot handle files with PCL may be that the software is outdated. The most recent version of PCL Reader is backward compatible and can handle file formats supported by older versions of the software.

Step 3. Associate Printer Command Language Document files with PCL Reader

If the issue has not been solved in the previous step, you should associate PCL files with latest version of PCL Reader you have installed on your device. The next step should pose no problems. The procedure is straightforward and largely system-independent

Selecting the first-choice application in Windows

• Choose the Open with entry from the file menu accessed by right-mouse clicking on the PCL file
• Click Choose another app and then select More apps option
• The last step is to select Look for another app on this PC option supply the directory path to the folder where PCL Reader is installed. Now all that is left is to confirm your choice by selecting Always use this app to open PCL files and clicking OK.

Selecting the first-choice application in Mac OS

• By clicking right mouse button on the selected PCL file open the file menu and choose Information
• Open the Open with section by clicking its name
• Select PCL Reader and click Change for all...
• Finally, a This change will be applied to all files with PCL extension message should pop-up. Click Continue button in order to confirm your choice.

Step 4. Check the PCL for errors

If you followed the instructions form the previous steps yet the issue is still not solved, you should verify the PCL file in question. Problems with opening the file may arise due to various reasons.

1. Check the PCL file for viruses or malware

If the PCL is indeed infected, it is possible that the malware is blocking it from opening. Scan the PCL file as well as your computer for malware or viruses. PCL file is infected with malware? Follow the steps suggested by your antivirus software.

2. Ensure the file with PCL extension is complete and error-free

If the PCL file was sent to you by someone else, ask this person to resend the file to you. During the copy process of the file errors may occurred rendering the file incomplete or corrupted. This could be the source of encountered problems with the file. When downloading the file with PCL extension from the internet an error may occurred resulting in incomplete file. Try downloading the file again.

3. Check if the user that you are logged as has administrative privileges.

Sometimes in order to access files user need to have administrative privileges. Log out of your current account and log in to an account with sufficient access privileges. Then open the Printer Command Language Document file.

4. Check whether your system can handle PCL Reader

If the system is under havy load, it may not be able to handle the program that you use to open files with PCL extension. In this case close the other applications.

5. Verify that your operating system and drivers are up to date

Up-to-date system and drivers not only makes your computer more secure, but also may solve problems with Printer Command Language Document file. Outdated drivers or software may have caused the inability to use a peripheral device needed to handle PCL files.

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