TROY Group Macro Invocation User Manual

Macro Invocation User’s Guide

Understanding and Using Macros

A macro is the name given to a collection of printer commands that can be stored inside the printer and used
repeatedly without having to send them to the printer each time they are needed. These collections of
commands are used most often to improve printing performance, reducing the size of print jobs sent to printers.
Macros can be used to create a blank form, such as the sample check shown below, or they can be used to
print signatures, logos, and other kinds of graphical information. In most cases, the printer commands
contained in macros will be PCL 5e and HP-GL/2 – the two most common printer languages supported by
Hewlett Packard printers.

Macros can be saved "temporarily" in a printer's RAM (Random Access Memory), or "permanently" on a flash­file system such as a TROY DIMM, TROY Memory Card, or an HP printer hard drive. Temporary macros must
be reloaded each time the printer is powered on, while permanent macros are retained even after the printer is
powered OFF.

The use of macros can do more than just reduce the amount of print data your application has to provide with
each page printed. Macros also provide a form of document security. Unless an individual knows how to print
the macro, they cannot obtain blank forms to be used for inappropriate purposes. This feature eliminates the
need to buy and inventory security papers (like preprinted check stock) and ensures only the latest versions of
forms are used.

The following form was created and printed as a macro, demonstrating the versatility of macro content. Since
this example is a check, also notice the form contains the company logo as a graphic but does not include the
signature. In this case, creating a check as a macro that was readily cashable with a digital signature would not
be a prudent security measure. The selection of macro content, therefore, also needs to reflect your company’s
security policies when appropriate. TROY's experienced team of digital imaging professionals can help you
design macros as well as ensure they comply with industry-standard security practices.

The example check shown above was created using an "overlay" macro. Overlay macros contain objects
typically found on a pre-printed form, allowing an application to "fill in" the form using simple printing methods.
There are other forms of macros – please consult the HP PCL Language Technical Reference Manual for more
information on types of macros.

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Macro Invocation User’s Guide

Understanding and Using Macros (continued)

Multiple macros can be stored in most PCL 5e printers. The number of macros that can be stored depends
directly on the macro size and the memory available to store macros. While it is possible to create macros by
printing documents "to file" using PCL 5e printer drivers and changing the file content into macro form, such files
are typically quite large. TROY's digital imaging experts can help you create the smallest possible macros,
enabling you to store a larger quantity and variety of macros on your printer.

In order for macros to be differentiated, each macro is assigned an identification number from 0 to 32767 that is
used to invoke, or use, a specific macro. This macro ID number must be contained in the macro file in order for
the printer to properly identify the macro and must never be the same as another macro number inside the
printer.

Macros can be downloaded into a printer using the TROY Printer Utility (preferred) or the HP Resource
Manager. Throughout the remainder of this document, it is assumed you have a macro properly created and
downloaded into your printer. Once again, TROY can assist you with the creation and implementation of
macros and forms. Please feel free to call the TROY Digital Imaging Department for assistance. For further
information on macros, please consult the HP PCL Language Technical Reference Manual.

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