Chapter 10: IBM - Standard Functions
10-5
Proportional
spacing
For certain applications the maximum number of characters in a
line has to be indicated. This depends on the pitch selected. The
following table shows the maximum number of characters per line.
Pitch Characters per line
Narrow printer Wide printer
5 cpi 40 68
6 cpi 48 81
7.5 cpi 60 102
8.5 cpi 68 116
10 cpi 80 136
12 cpi 96 163
15 cpi 120 204
17.1 cpi 137 233
20 cpi 160 272
Function Dec. Hex. ASCII
Start proportional spacing 27 80 49 1B 50 31 ESC P 1
Stop proportional spacing 27 80 48 1B 50 30 ESC P 0
With proportional spacing the spacing between the individual let-
ters varies according to the respective character width. With a fixed
pitch all characters are created within a matrix of the same width.
Proportional spacing, however, gives wide characters such as »w«
or »M« more space and narrow characters such as »I« or »f« less
space. The result is an attractive and more legible print image than
with a fixed pitch.
Because of the different character widths proportional fonts do not
have a fixed pitch. Precise margin settings in the case of full justi-
fied text, for example, is only possible if the word processing pro-
gram supports proportional spacing.
This function can also be activated via the Proportional Spacing
menu item or via the control panel. Proportional spacing is also
available via multifunction commands.
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