How to use the command pnmtopclxl (with examples)

Description:

The pnmtopclxl command is used to convert PNM (Portable Anymap) files to an HP LaserJet PCL XL printer stream. It is a part of the Netpbm package, which is a collection of programs for handling various graphics file formats. This command allows users to convert images to a format compatible with HP LaserJet printers, which use the PCL XL language. By converting the image files to a printer stream, users can directly print the images using an HP LaserJet printer without the need for a dedicated printing application.

Use case 1: Convert PNM files to an HP LaserJet PCL XL printer stream

Code:

pnmtopclxl path/to/input1.pnm path/to/input2.pnm ... > path/to/output.pclxl

Motivation:

This use case is useful when you have one or more PNM image files that you want to print using an HP LaserJet printer. By converting the PNM files to an HP LaserJet PCL XL printer stream, you can directly print the images without the need for additional software.

Explanation:

• pnmtopclxl: The command to convert PNM files to an HP LaserJet PCL XL printer stream.
• path/to/input1.pnm, path/to/input2.pnm, …: The paths to the PNM input files.
• > path/to/output.pclxl: Redirects the output of the command to the specified file path/to/output.pclxl, which will contain the converted printer stream.

Example output:

The pnmtopclxl command will convert the PNM files to an HP LaserJet PCL XL printer stream and save it to the specified output file. The output file (path/to/output.pclxl) can then be sent to an HP LaserJet printer for printing.

Use case 2: Specify the resolution and position of the image

Code:

pnmtopclxl -dpi resolution -xoffs x_offset -yoffs y_offset path/to/input1.pnm path/to/input2.pnm ... > path/to/output.pclxl

Motivation:

This use case is useful when you want to specify the resolution of the output image as well as its position on the page. By specifying the resolution and position, you can control the quality and placement of the image on the printed page.

Explanation:

• -dpi resolution: Specifies the resolution (in dots per inch) of the output image.
• -xoffs x_offset: Specifies the horizontal offset (in pixels) from the upper left corner of the page for each image.
• -yoffs y_offset: Specifies the vertical offset (in pixels) from the upper left corner of the page for each image.
• path/to/input1.pnm, path/to/input2.pnm, …: The paths to the PNM input files.
• > path/to/output.pclxl: Redirects the output of the command to the specified file path/to/output.pclxl, which will contain the converted printer stream.

Example output:

The pnmtopclxl command will convert the PNM files to an HP LaserJet PCL XL printer stream with the specified resolution and position. The output file (path/to/output.pclxl) will contain the converted printer stream, which can then be sent to an HP LaserJet printer for printing.

Use case 3: Generate a duplex printer stream for a specific paper format

Code:

pnmtopclxl -duplex vertical|horizontal -format letter|legal|a3|a4|a5|... path/to/input1.pnm path/to/input2.pnm ... > path/to/output.pclxl

Motivation:

This use case is useful when you want to generate a duplex printer stream for a specific paper format. Duplex printing allows printing on both sides of the paper, which is more efficient and can save paper. By specifying the duplex mode and paper format, you can generate a printer stream that supports duplex printing on the specified paper size.

Explanation:

• -duplex vertical|horizontal: Specifies the duplex mode for printing. Use vertical for flipping on the short edge and horizontal for flipping on the long edge.
• -format letter|legal|a3|a4|a5|...: Specifies the paper format for the output printer stream. You can choose from various standard paper formats like letter, legal, A3, A4, A5, etc.
• path/to/input1.pnm, path/to/input2.pnm, …: The paths to the PNM input files.
• > path/to/output.pclxl: Redirects the output of the command to the specified file path/to/output.pclxl, which will contain the converted printer stream.

Example output:

The pnmtopclxl command will convert the PNM files to an HP LaserJet PCL XL printer stream with duplex printing support and the specified paper format. The output file (path/to/output.pclxl) will contain the converted printer stream, which can then be sent to an HP LaserJet printer for duplex printing on the specified paper size.

Conclusion:

The pnmtopclxl command is a versatile tool for converting PNM image files to an HP LaserJet PCL XL printer stream. By using this command, you can easily print PNM images on an HP LaserJet printer without the need for additional software. The command provides options to specify resolution, position, and duplex printing mode, allowing you to customize the output based on your printing requirements.