Postscript vs. PCL copier drivers

[Patrick Shannon]

On my computer, I simply use the postscript drivers to print things out on the B&W and color copiers, but the PCs have both Postscript drivers and PCL. I've never really questioned it until today (since I just use Postscript), but what would the difference be between the two and why would you use one over another (or the bigger question, why use PCL over Postscript)?

Patrick Shannon

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[Keyare]

For text and charts PCL is okay, but it is like a poor-mans printer language. It's fast but it used the video hook somehow to render the image. Photos will not be as sharp, it is not terribly high resolution. You cannot specify halftones other than fine, medium or coarse, which are nothing like printing halftones. You cannot use any postscript options.

Colours are best guess, not as accurate to the press as postscript.

It's just for people using their printers in an office setting. I would NEVER use it for any design work.