WordPerfect for DOS Updated | Site Map | Search | Troubleshooting Guide | Feedback | Voluntary Contributions | FAQ

Create PDF Files from WPDOS - the PCLtoPDF Method


Multiple methods of creating PDF files | PCLtoPDF for WPDOS 6.x | PCLtoPDF for WPDOS5.1 | Home page


Read this first: The methods on this page are designed for WPDOS running in 32-bit Windows. They are not needed (and probably will not work) in with the vDosWP system and the DOSBoxWP system, which each have separate methods of creating PDF files from WordPerfect.


Note: For an automated method of exporting multiple WPDOS files to PDF format, using Microsoft Word to create the PDF files, see a separate page. The same page explains a method that uses LibreOffice or OpenOffice.org to export PDF files from WPDOS documents. Other, older methods for creating PDF files from WPDOS are described on another page.


Multiple methods of creating PDF files from WordPerfect for DOS

This page describes a simple method for "printing" to PDF format from WPDOS under 32-bit Windows. It works with any printer driver that you already use, and will probably produce PDF output that more closely matches ordinary printed output. It uses a special PCL printer driver that supports the 80 fonts found in recent PCL printers, and does not require the use of a PostScript driver and other software required by other, more complex, methods described on another page.


How to install and use the PCLtoPDF method for WPDOS 6.x

(1) Download this PCLtoPDFMacroWP6x.Zip archive.

(2) In WPDOS 6.x, use Shift-F1, Location of Files, and note the two directories listed for Macro/Keyboard/Button Bar and for Printer Files. If no directory is listed for one or both items, use your WordPerfect program folder instead in the instructions that follow.

(3) Copy four files from the downloaded archive as follows:

(4) In WPDOS 6.x, type Ctrl-F10, then PCLtoPDF, and choose Edit from the menu. The PCLtoPDF.WPM macro will open. Study the three user options described at the top of the file and make any changes in the options that may prefer. (But please experiment with the defaults first.) Close the macro, saving it if you made any changes.

(5) Create or open a document in WPDOS and run the PCLtoPDF macro to create a PDF file.


How to install and use the PCLtoPDF method for WPDOS 5.1

(1) Download this PCLtoPDFMacroWP51.Zip archive.

(2) In WPDOS 5.1, use Shift-F1, Location of Files, and note the two directories listed for Keyboard/Macro Files and for Printer Files. If no directory is listed for one or both items, use your WordPerfect program folder instead in the instructions that follow.

(3) Copy four files from the downloaded archive as follows:

(4) In WPDOS 5.1, type Ctrl-F10, then PCL2PDF5, and choose Edit from the menu. The PCL2PDF5.WPM macro will open. You must type the name of your WP directory (typically C:\WP51) between the two tildes near the top of the file. Press F7 to save the modified macro.

(5) Create or open a document in WPDOS and run the PCL2PDF5 macro to create a PDF file.


Home Page  Site Map