Converting PCL (Printer Command Language) files to PDF format is a common requirement in various industries, especially for document management and archiving. A common issue faced during this conversion process is the failure to load specific fonts, such as barcode fonts. In this article, we will explore a particular case involving the 'Free 3 of 9' barcode font and provide a solution to ensure a smooth conversion from PCL to PDF.
https://www.verypdf.com/app/pcl-converter/try-and-buy.html
The Problem
A user attempting to convert a PCL file to a PDF encountered an error message stating, "Failed to load Free 3 of 9 Font." Despite having the font installed on their Windows system, the conversion process could not proceed correctly, as shown in the following query:
Customer Query:
> Hi,
>
> I am trying to convert a PCL file to PDF using the 'Free 3 of 9' barcode font.
>
> The font is installed in Windows, but I always get the message 'Failed to load Free 3 of 9 Font', see screenshot below.
>
> Can you provide advice on what could be the problem?
>
> Thanks
>
> Regards,
> Customer
Understanding the Issue
The issue arises due to the way the conversion tool, `pcltool.exe`, handles font loading. In older versions of the tool, users specified the barcode font using the `-barcodefont` function, but this method was not always reliable.
Example of Old Version Usage:
```
pcltool.exe -barcodetext "*00432530070000006081*" -barcodefont "Free 3 of 9" C:\in.pcl C:\out.pdf
pcltool.exe -barcodetext "**" -barcodefont "Free 3 of 9" C:\in.pcl C:\out.pdf
pcltool.exe -barcodetext "*??????????????????*" -barcodefont "Free 3 of 9" C:\in.pcl C:\out.pdf
pcltool.exe -barcodetext "??????????????????????" -barcodefont "Free 3 of 9" C:\in.pcl C:\out.pdf
```
In these examples, the font name "Free 3 of 9" is specified directly, assuming the tool can locate and load it from the system fonts. However, this method is prone to failure if the tool cannot properly access the installed font.
The Solution
To address this issue, the latest version of `pcltool.exe` has improved the font loading mechanism. Users can now specify the path to the TrueType Font (TTF) file directly, ensuring the tool can accurately load and use the font during the conversion process.
Example of Latest Version Usage:
```
pcltool.exe -barcodetext "*00432530070000006081*" -barcodefont "C:\Program Files (x86)\VeryPDF PCL Converter v2.7\FREE3OF9.TTF" C:\in.pcl C:\out.pdf
pcltool.exe -barcodetext "**" -barcodefont "C:\Program Files (x86)\VeryPDF PCL Converter v2.7\FREE3OF9.TTF" C:\in.pcl C:\out.pdf
pcltool.exe -barcodetext "*??????????????????*" -barcodefont "C:\Program Files (x86)\VeryPDF PCL Converter v2.7\FREE3OF9.TTF" C:\in.pcl C:\out.pdf
pcltool.exe -barcodetext "??????????????????????" -barcodefont "C:\Program Files (x86)\VeryPDF PCL Converter v2.7\FREE3OF9.TTF" C:\in.pcl C:\out.pdf
```
By specifying the full path to the `FREE3OF9.TTF` file, users eliminate the ambiguity and dependency on system font registration. This method ensures that the correct font is loaded directly from the specified location.
Steps to Implement the Solution
1. Download and Install the Latest Version: Ensure you have the latest version of `pcltool.exe`. If not, contact the support team with your Order ID to obtain it.
2. Locate the TTF File: Identify the location of your 'Free 3 of 9' TTF file. By default, it might be in the installation directory of the VeryPDF PCL Converter.
3. Update Your Command: Modify your conversion command to use the full path to the TTF file as shown in the examples above.
4. Run the Conversion: Execute the updated command to convert your PCL file to PDF with the barcode correctly rendered.
Conclusion
Converting PCL files to PDF with specific fonts, such as 'Free 3 of 9' barcode font, can be straightforward with the right approach. Using the latest version of conversion tools like `pcltool.exe` and specifying the TTF font file path directly ensures a reliable and error-free conversion process. If you encounter similar issues, consider updating your tool and following the outlined steps to resolve font loading problems efficiently.