What is a .RTL file?
The file extension .RTL refers to a Raster Transfer Language File, which is a type of file used primarily with printers and plotters. This file format was developed by Hewlett-Packard (HP) and is part of their Raster Transfer Language (HP-RTL). The main purpose of an .RTL file is to guide printers and plotters on how to arrange and handle image objects, such as scanned photos, and how to apply shading to different areas of the printout.
To open an .RTL file, you can use a program called eLynx SwiftView Viewer. This software allows you to view and manage files created in HP-RTL format.
HP-RTL is a specialized language that falls under the broader category of Printer Command Language (PCL), which is used for describing the layout of a print page. HP-RTL is specifically designed for raster (bitmap) images, meaning it deals with images made up of pixels. It works alongside HP-GL/2, which is a vector-based language used for drawing lines and shapes. By combining these two languages, HP-RTL and HP-GL/2, printers can efficiently manage and print complex images that include both sharp line art and detailed bitmap images.
Additionally, the Arcpress printer engine, used by the mapping software ArcGIS, supports printing maps using HP-RTL. It includes specific drivers like HP Universal, HP RTL (RGB) TrueColor, and HP RTL (CMYK Color/B&W) Halftone, all of which are compatible with the RTL format. This compatibility ensures that users can print high-quality maps with detailed color and shading.
Overall, .RTL files are supported by a variety of large format printers from different manufacturers, making them a versatile choice for high-quality, detailed printing tasks involving both raster and vector graphics.
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