EN Introduction  12-1
12
Macros
Introduction 
A Macro is a group of PCL and H”P-GL/2 commands and/or data 
created by the user that is downloaded and stored in the printer. 
Once stored in the printer, a macro can be invoked upon request 
(using the assigned macro ID number), using a single command. 
When printing letters, for example, which include a company 
letterhead, the letterhead is repeated for each letter. This 
letterhead can be created as a macro and stored in the printer. 
Thus, whenever the letter is printed a macro command, sent to 
the printer, initiates the command sequence to print the 
letterhead.
Note HP-GL/2 commands are not supported within macros on all 
HP LaserJet printers. Refer to the “PCL Feature Support Matrix” 
in Chapter 1 of the PCL 5 Comparison Guide for specifics.
Macros eliminate the need to download the same information 
repeatedly, thus saving transmission time. However, the trade-off 
is that they consume user memory. If memory usage is a 
concern, a possible solution might be an HP custom macro 
cartridge.
Custom macros can be written and stored in ROM (read only 
memory), such as font-type cartridges or SIMM modules. When 
ROM-based macros are installed in the printer, they become 
available for selection. There is no need to download the macro 
and no user memory is consumed.