Open a PCL, PXL or PRN file as a PDF
Got a printer output file you can't open? Drop it below. It's identified automatically and turned into a PDF you can view, share or print.
Converted entirely in your browser. Your file is never uploaded.
Supported formats
The file type is detected from its contents, not its name, so .prn, .pcl, .pxl, .spl, .bin and extensionless files all work if they contain a supported language.
| Format | Converted? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| PCL 5 (5e, 5c) | Yes | Text with the printer's built-in fonts, raster graphics, color PCL 5c. Also PCL 3 raster from older DeskJet drivers, including KCMY color. |
| PCL XL / PCL 6 | Yes | Mono and color, multi-page. |
| PostScript | Yes | Output of PostScript printer drivers. |
| PJL-wrapped jobs | Yes | Printer job commands around PCL, PCL XL or PostScript are handled. |
| Already a PDF | Some “print to file” outputs are PDFs; they're given back with a .pdf name. | |
| Host-based (GDI) formats | No | HP ZjStream, XQX, JetReady and LIDIL, Canon CAPT and UFR II, Samsung/Xerox SPL, Brother HBP, Konica Minolta LAVAFLOW, Oki HIPERC, Fuji Xerox/Dell HBPL, Lexmark SLX and similar. Pages are pre-rendered for one printer model. |
| Inkjet raster formats | No | HP PCL3GUI, Epson ESC/P and ESC/P-R, PWG, CUPS and Apple URF raster. |
| XPS, HP-GL/2 plotter files | No | Not in this version. |
Questions
Is my file uploaded to a server?
No. The converter itself (GhostPDL, compiled to WebAssembly) is downloaded to your browser, and your file is converted on your device. The file and the PDF never leave your computer.
Why is the first conversion slower?
The first time, your browser downloads the conversion engine: about 6 MB for PCL, or about 8 MB for PostScript. After that it's cached, and most files convert in a second or two on a laptop or desktop.
My file says it can't be converted. Why?
Many printers use their own private format (often called host-based or GDI). Those files only contain data for one printer model and can't be turned back into pages. If you can print again, choose a PCL or PostScript driver, or print to PDF directly.
Will the PDF look exactly like the printout?
Usually very close. The pages are rendered by GhostPDL, the same engine used in many print systems. Fonts, paper trays and finishing options that only exist on the physical printer can't be reproduced.
Is there a size limit?
Files up to 100 MB. Conversions are stopped after 3 minutes, and PDFs are capped at 500 pages.