PCL6 vs PCL5: Which Printer Language Version Is for You?

What are PCL5 and PCL6?

Printer languages are the sets of commands that let a computer describe a page to a printer. PCL (Printer Command Language) is one of the most common families, and PCL5 and PCL6 are two versions of it. PCL5 was the standard for many years, while PCL6 is the newer replacement.

PCL5 was introduced in the early 1990s and brought scalable fonts and a simplified approach to page description. It became the de facto standard for business printing because it was simple, reliable, and supported by a wide range of applications. PCL6, introduced later, was designed to take advantage of faster processor speeds and more memory, allowing it to handle complex graphics and produce output more quickly.

The difference between the two versions matters mainly for driver developers and software compatibility. For most people, the printer driver handles the translation automatically, so you rarely need to think about which version is in use. However, some legacy business applications, especially those that were written before Windows XP, may expect a specific PCL version to work correctly. If you run such software, you need to know which version your printer supports.

The move to driverless printing

The printing industry has been moving away from vendor-specific languages like PCL toward open standards. The Printer Working Group (PWG) developed IPP Everywhere, which allows personal computers and mobile devices to find and print to networked and USB printers without using vendor-specific software. IPP Everywhere printers support standard file formats such as PWG Raster and JPEG, and many also accept PDF.

The Mopria Alliance provides similar convenience for mobile and Windows printing. It certifies printers that work with its printing and scanning apps, so you can print from Android, Windows, and Fire tablets without installing extra drivers. When a printer is Mopria certified, it means the printer has passed a set of tests to ensure consistent output across a range of devices.

These standards reduce the importance of choosing between PCL5 and PCL6 when you buy a printer for a modern setup. Many current printers, especially those aimed at home and small business use, are certified for IPP Everywhere or Mopria, so they can work with almost any computer or phone without a vendor-specific driver. If you are buying a printer for a home office or a small team, this is often more useful than having a particular PCL version.

For more background on how printer languages work, see our printer driver languages guide and what is a printer language.

Operating system compatibility

Windows, macOS, Chrome OS, and Linux all include built-in support for IPP Everywhere or can use open-source clients. That means many printers can work without a vendor-specific driver, as long as they are certified for that standard. This is a major change from the days when you had to install a driver and select a specific PCL version.

If you use older operating systems or specialized business software that lists a PCL version as a requirement, you need to verify that the printer supports that version. Some accounting and inventory systems still ask for PCL5. In that case, look for a printer that explicitly lists PCL5 support in its specifications. Many laser printers do, but you should always confirm before you commit.

The emergence of standards like IPP Everywhere and Mopria also means that printer manufacturers are putting less emphasis on their own driver suites. A printer that qualifies for these standards is likely to work seamlessly with modern operating systems, saving you the trouble of hunting for downloads and dealing with driver errors.

For a thorough look at how operating systems handle printer connections, see our printer OS compatibility guide and AirPrint and Mopria guide.

When the language version matters

For a typical home or small office, the difference between PCL5 and PCL6 is not a buying factor. You will care more about print speed, paper handling, wireless connectivity, and energy efficiency. ENERGY STAR certified printers meet strict efficiency criteria and include automatic duplexing and power management features, which can save electricity compared with conventional models.

The situation changes if you run legacy line-of-business applications that were written for a particular PCL version. Those apps may not print correctly with a newer driver or a different language. In that case, choose a printer that lets you select the language through its driver or firmware. Many printers offer a choice between PCL5, PCL6, and sometimes PostScript, so you can match the language to your application.

Another consideration is print volume and complexity. If you print a lot of pages with graphics, bar charts, or high-resolution images, PCL6 may process the job faster than PCL5 because it is better optimized for modern printers. However, the actual speed you experience depends on the printer's processor and memory, not just the language. Our printer processor speed guide and printer RAM specs guide can help you understand how these components affect performance.

When in doubt, a printer that supports both PCL5 and PCL6 gives you the widest compatibility. Many laser printers include both, but check the spec sheet before buying. Also, look for IPP Everywhere or Mopria certification to ensure that the printer works with the latest operating systems, including Android tablets and Chromebooks.

• Check your software requirements for a specific PCL version.
• Prefer printers that are IPP Everywhere or Mopria certified for easy setup.
• Verify that the printer's specifications list both PCL5 and PCL6 if you need legacy support.
• Consider the printer's processor and memory, which affect how quickly it processes PCL jobs.

Choosing a printer for your needs

Start by deciding whether you need a dedicated laser printer or an all-in-one. For a home office, an all-in-one with scanning and copying is often the better fit. See our best all-in-one printers roundup. If you only need crisp text output, a monochrome laser printer may serve you best.

For mobile printing, look for printers certified by Mopria or supporting IPP Everywhere. That ensures your phone, tablet, and computer can print without extra apps or drivers. Consider the ENERGY STAR label as well; certified imaging equipment meets efficiency requirements and offers energy-saving features.

Finally, think about the way you print. If you produce a mix of documents and need scanning, duplex printing, and wireless access, an all-in-one with modern connectivity is a solid choice. If you only print occasionally, a simpler model may be enough.

If you are replacing an older printer and have no special legacy software, you can focus on the printer's print quality, speed, and paper handling. The PCL version will not be a bottleneck. If you have a specific application that demands PCL5, then make sure the printer you choose explicitly lists that version in its specifications.

For more specific recommendations, you can compare popular models in our guides: best Brother printers, best HP printers, best Canon printers, and best Epson printers. These roundups cover a range of price points and features, and each listing includes the printer languages supported.

What to pick for your use

Questions

What is PCL?

PCL stands for Printer Command Language, a family of page description languages developed by HP. PCL5 and PCL6 are two versions of this language used to communicate print jobs to printers.

Is PCL6 backward compatible with PCL5?

Most printers that support PCL6 also support PCL5 for compatibility, but you should confirm this in the printer's specifications before you buy.

Do I need PCL drivers to print from Windows?

Modern versions of Windows include IPP Everywhere support, so many printers can work without a vendor-specific PCL driver. Some older software may still require a PCL driver, though.

How do I find out which PCL version my printer uses?

Check the printer's specifications page on the manufacturer's website or the manual. It will usually list the supported printer languages.

Does PCL5 or PCL6 affect print quality?

Print quality depends on the printer's engine and resolution, not on the language version. PCL6 may process jobs faster, but it does not change the appearance of the output.