PCL Tool SDK 32-bit is an industry-exclusive dynamic link library (.dll) that converts HP PCL and PCLXL (including HPGL/2) print files composed of text, font, line draw and raster data into bitmap (.jpg, .tif, et al.) or vector (.emf, .pmf, .wmf) format files with metrically matching TrueType fonts for those used to create the PCL print file. PCLTool SDK is unique in that it uses its own internal font engine to rasterize fonts "on-the-fly" to create either bitmap files (.png, .tif, etc.) at various resolutions or vector files (.emf, .pdf, etc.) with TrueType fonts to match those resident in Windows and in the HP LaserJet Series IV.

The PCLTool SDK provides a full text search of multi-page PCL print files. With up to three text strings, it can generate a hit list of all the pages found. The user can select which PCL pages on the hit list to extract, view and/or print. It can also generate an index from text extracted from fixed field locations on the PCL page.

The SDK comes with a sample application program (PCLTool.exe) that exercises all of the functions of both the DLLs provided. PTC32.dll does the conversion from the source PCL file into the target file format and creates a placeable and device-independent file. PTV32.dll can preview the converted file on the screen or it can print it to the current Windows printer driver.