A Step-by-Step Approach to Recover .PCL Files After Errors

Have files been deleted due to a user’s error or software error? Have you formatted a disk by accident and need to know how to recover the files? Read our .PCL file recovery guide for Windows, MacOS, Android and IOS in 2025.

A Step-by-Step Approach to Recover .PCL Files After Errors
Data Recovery Tool

What is a .PCL file?

Digital printed document created in the Printer Command Language (PCL) page description language; describes the layout of text and graphics for the document; originally used by Hewlett-Packard printers in the 1980s and now used by HP LaserJet printers and others; widely used but offers fewer features than the PostScript (.PS) format.

What Are Common Causes of ".PCL" Files Lost or Failure?

There are several common causes of ".PCL" files lost or failure:

  1. Accidental deletion: Users may accidentally delete ".PCL" files while organizing or cleaning up their computer's storage.
  2. File system corruption: Issues with the file system, such as disk errors or improper shutdowns, can lead to corruption of ".PCL" files, making them inaccessible or unusable.
  3. Virus or malware infection: Malicious software can infect and damage ".PCL" files, leading to their loss or failure.
  4. Hardware failure: Hard drive failures, power surges, or other hardware issues can result in the loss or corruption of ".PCL" files.
  5. Software conflicts: Incompatible or faulty software installations or updates can cause errors or conflicts that result in the loss or failure of ".PCL" files.
  6. Human error: Mistakes made by users, such as improper handling or accidental overwriting of ".PCL" files, can lead to their loss or failure.
  7. Software bugs or glitches: Software bugs or glitches in applications that handle ".PCL" files can cause data loss or file corruption.
  8. Unsupported file format: If a program or application does not support the ".PCL" file format, it may fail to open or properly handle these files, resulting in their loss or failure.
  9. Storage media issues: Problems with external storage devices, such as USB drives or external hard drives, can lead to the loss or corruption of ".PCL" files stored on them.
  10. Operating system issues: Errors or issues within the operating system can cause ".PCL" files to become lost or fail to function properly.

How to recover lost ".PCL" files?

Sometimes while working with a computer, laptop or other stationary or mobile devices, you may encounter various bugs, freezes, hardware or software failures, even in spite of regular updates and junk cleaning. As a result, an important ".PCL" file may be deleted.

Go to view
🧺 How to Recover Files and Folders After Sending Them to the Recycle Bin and Deleting? (Windows 11)

🧺 How to Recover Files and Folders After Sending Them to the Recycle Bin and Deleting? (Windows 11)

By no means should you think that the only way to recover a ".PCL" file is always to create it once more.

Use programs for recovering ".PCL" files if a file was lost after accidental or deliberate deleting, formatting the memory card or the internal storage, cleaning the storage device, after a virus attack or a system failure.

Programs to recover ".PCL" files

Looking for a way to get files back? In cases when files were deleted and they cannot be restored by using standard operating system tools, use Hetman Partition Recovery.

Partition Recovery™ 5.0
The tool recovers data from any devices, regardless of the cause of data loss.
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Follow the directions below:

  1. Download Hetman Partition Recovery, install and start the program.

  2. The program will automatically scan the computer and display all hard disks and removable drives connected to it, as well as physical and local disks.

    File Recovery Software

  3. Double-click on the disk from which you need to recover ".PCL" files, and select analysis type.

    Hetman Partition Recovery - Analysis Type

  4. When the scanning is over, you will be shown the files for recovery.

    Hetman Partition Recovery - Files that Can be Restored

  5. To find a file you need, use the program’s interface to open the folder it was deleted from, or go to the folder "Content-Aware Analysis" and select the required file type.

    Hetman Partition Recovery - Deep Scan

  6. Select the files you have been looking for and click "Recovery".

    File Recovery Software - Files List for Recovery

  7. Choose one of the methods for saving the files and recover them.

    Saving recovered files in Hetman Partition Recovery

How to open file with ".PCL" extension?

Looking for how to open a stereo printer Command Language Document image file file?

Programs that open ".PCL" files

Windows
OpenPCL Viewer OpenPCL Viewer
PageTech PCL Reader PageTech PCL Reader
RedTitan Technology EscapeE RedTitan Technology EscapeE
PageTech PCL Works PageTech PCL Works
PageTech PCLTool SDK PageTech PCLTool SDK
CoolUtils PCL Viewer CoolUtils PCL Viewer
Mac
OpenPCL Viewer OpenPCL Viewer
Linux
OpenPCL Viewer OpenPCL Viewer

Additional Information

  • File type: Printer Command Language Document

  • File extension: .PCL

  • Developer: HP

  • Category: Page Layout Files

  • Format: N/A

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Comments (1)

  • Hetman Software: Data Recovery
    Hetman Software: Data Recovery 18.12.2019 12:41 #
    Leave a comment if you have any questions about Recovering lost .PCL files after deleting, cleaning or formatting!
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Vladimir Artiukh

Author: Vladimir Artiukh, Technical Writer

Vladimir Artiukh is a technical writer for Hetman Software, as well as the voice and face of their English-speaking YouTube channel, Hetman Software: Data Recovery for Windows. He handles tutorials, how-tos, and detailed reviews on how the company’s tools work with all kinds of data storage devices.

Oleg Afonin

Editor: Oleg Afonin, Technical Writer

Oleg Afonin is an expert in mobile forensics, data recovery and computer systems. He often attends large data security conferences, and writes several blogs for such resources as xaker.ru, Elcomsoft and Habr. In addition to his online activities, Oleg’s articles are also published in professional magazines. Also, Oleg Afonin is the co-author of a well-known book, Mobile Forensics - Advanced Investigative Strategies.

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Questions and answers

  • What is a .PCL backup file and how is it created?

    A .PCL backup file is a file format used for backup purposes. PCL stands for Printer Command Language, which is a language used to control printers and print documents.

    A .PCL backup file contains a backup of printer settings, configurations, and other related data. It can be used to restore printer settings in case of a system failure or when migrating to a new printer.

    To create a .PCL backup file, you typically need to access the printer's administration interface or software. The exact method may vary depending on the printer model and manufacturer. In general, you would navigate to the printer settings or configuration section and look for an option to create a backup or export settings. This process may involve selecting a destination folder or specifying a filename for the backup file.

    Once the backup file is created, it can be saved to a local or network storage location for safekeeping. It is recommended to regularly create backups of printer settings to ensure easy restoration in case of any issues or when setting up a new printer.

  • How can I restore a .PCL backup file to its original format?

    To restore a .PCL backup file to its original format, you can follow these steps:

    1. Identify the software or application that created the .PCL backup file. PCL (Printer Command Language) files are typically associated with printer-related applications.
    2. Install the software or application if you haven't already. You may need the original software that created the backup file to restore it properly.
    3. Open the software or application and look for an option to restore or import data. This option may be found in the File menu or under a specific backup/restore section.
    4. Select the restore or import option and navigate to the location where the .PCL backup file is stored.
    5. Choose the .PCL backup file and initiate the restore process. The software or application will likely guide you through the restoration steps.
    6. Follow any additional instructions provided by the software or application to complete the restoration process. This may include selecting specific settings or confirming the restore operation.
    7. Once the restoration is complete, the .PCL backup file should be restored to its original format within the software or application. You can then access and work with the data as intended.

    Note: If you are unable to restore the .PCL backup file using the original software or application, you may need to seek assistance from the software's support team or consult relevant documentation for further guidance.

  • Are there any specific software or tools required to open and access the contents of a .PCL backup file?

    Yes, you will need specific software or tools to open and access the contents of a .PCL backup file. PCL (Printer Command Language) is a file format commonly used for printing documents. To access the contents of a .PCL backup file, you can use software such as PCLReader, PCLTool SDK, or GhostPCL. These tools allow you to view, convert, and manipulate PCL files.
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