Tips to open PCL file

Can't open the PCL file? You are not the only one. Thousands of users face similar problems every day. Below you will find tips on how to open PCL files as well as a list of programs that support PCL files.

PCL file extension

File Name Printer Command Language Document
File Developer HP
File Category Layout Files

The PCL file is supported on 3 operating systems. Depending on your operating system, you may need different software to handle the PCL files. Below is a summary of the number of programs that support and open the PCL file on each system platform.

Operating systems
  • 3
  • 1
  • 1
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0

What is PCL file?

The file in the PCL format belongs to the Layout Files category. The creator of this file is HP. In addition to this file, the Layout Files category includes 137 related files. Printer Command Language Document is supported by 3 operating systems. The file will work on Linux, Mac OS, Windows systems, unfortunately not on others. This file type can also be opened by 4 other programs. PCL Reader, EscapeE, PCL Works will apply when it is not possible to use OpenPCL Viewer.

How to open PCL file?

The most common problem when using Printer Command Language Document is that a specific PCL is not associated with the program. This causes the file PCL to open by system applications not designed for this purpose, or to display a message that there is no associated program. This problem can be easily remedied.

The first thing you should do is just "doubleclick" on the PCL file icon you want to open. If the operating system has an appropriate application to support it and there is also an association between the file and the program, the file should be opened.

Step 1. Install OpenPCL Viewer

The first step is to check if the computer has the OpenPCL Viewer program installed. The easiest method is to use the system search engine by entering the program name OpenPCL Viewer in it. If we do not have this program, it is worth installing it, as it will help you automatically associate the file PCL with OpenPCL Viewer. Later in this article you will find a list of programs that can open PCL files.

Programs to open PCL file

Remember to download programs supporting PCL files only from verified and safe sources. We suggest using the websites of software developers.

Step 2. Create association of OpenPCL Viewer with PCL files

If the application is or has been freshly installed, but the PCL file still does not use the OpenPCL Viewer program, it means no association. This option is available from the level of Properties of a specific file available in the context menu. The displayed window will contain information about the program that supports this type of file. Using the "Change" button we can set the program to handle this type. If there is no software on the list, simply select "Browse" and manually select the directory where the application is installed. Checking the "Always use the selected program ..." box will permanently associate the PCL file with the OpenPCL Viewer program.

Step 3. Update OpenPCL Viewer to the latest version

If, however, after binding OpenPCL Viewer with Printer Command Language Document there were still problems, you should update the program to the latest version.

Step 4. Check for the following problems with the PCL file

Of course, it may happen that despite the above steps, the file still does not work. File problems can be divided into the following:

The PCL file may be unusually small compared to the original file. This suggests truncating the PCL file contents when downloading or copying. The only repair option is to download the file again.
The most common cause here is computer viruses. A quick virus scan using an up-to-date antivirus program should clear up any doubts. Alternatively, you can use the scanners available online. For the best results, we will scan the entire operating system, not just our PCL file. As a result of the scan, sometimes it is not possible to recover PCL files, which are deleted if there is a backup of this file, then after restoring it, it must also be scanned.
A typical compatibility error - the program does not support the older version of the PCL file. On their websites, developers usually offer free solutions to such problems, e.g. in the form of a conversion program or an older version of the program.
There can be many reasons for the failure. Depending on the type of file, it is necessary to repair it accordingly. Some programs offer the option of recovering data from damaged PCL files.
The program indicates that the file is encrypted or corrupted. The encrypted file PCL except for the special designation, works normally, but only on the device where it was encrypted, before transferring it to another machine, decryption is required.
Some of the system directories are excluded from modification. The problem is only writing to the file, not reading it. Copying the PCL file to another location will fix the problem.
This problem only occurs with more complex files. You may find that another program you are using is preventing you from working with the file. Running programs (including those in the background) should be verified. Sometimes you have to wait for the session to the file PCL to close. Antivirus programs or a backup being made may lock the file for a while without the user's knowledge. If nothing helps, please reset the device.