pbmtolj

Convert a PBM file to an HP LaserJet file

$ pbmtolj [path/to/input.pbm] > [path/to/output.lj]

$ pbmtolj -[packbits|delta|compress] [path/to/input.pbm] > [path/to/output.lj]

$ pbmtolj [[-r|-resolution]] [75|100|150|300|600] [path/to/input.pbm] > [path/to/output.lj]

pbmtolj [ -resolution2 | -resolution4 | -resolution6 | -resolution8 ] [ -densitydots n ] [ -pace n ] [ -scale n ] [ pbmfile ]

-resolution2
    75 dpi resolution

-resolution4
    150 dpi resolution (default)

-resolution6
    225 dpi resolution

-resolution8
    300 dpi resolution

-densitydots n
    Printer dots per inch (default: resolution × 37.5)

-pace n
    Blank lines between pages (default: 0)

-scale n
    Scale factor n/1000 (default: 1000)

pbmtolj is a command-line tool from the Netpbm suite that transforms Portable Bitmap (PBM) images—simple black-and-white bitmaps—into raster printer streams for HP LaserJet and LaserJet+ printers. It generates output directly interpretable by these devices, ideal for direct printing via lpr or piping.

The utility excels in headless environments, batch processing, or legacy printing workflows. PBM input must be monochrome (P1 ASCII or P4 binary); colors are unsupported and may produce errors.

Key features include selectable resolutions (75-300 DPI) for quality vs. size trade-offs, density adjustments for printer calibration, page spacing, and image scaling. Resolution values are scaled by 37.5 DPI (e.g., -resolution4 = 150 DPI).

Though optimized for 1980s LaserJets, it works with many PCL-compatible printers. Modern PostScript/PCL6 devices may require emulation. Combine with Netpbm tools like pgmtoppm for preprocessing.

Example workflow: create PBM, convert, print—enabling efficient monochrome image output without GUI software.

For original LaserJet/LaserJet+; newer printers may need PCL mode.
Strictly monochrome PBM input only.
High resolutions increase file size dramatically.

pbmtolj image.pbm > out.lj
lpr out.lj

pbmtolj -resolution8 -scale1500 big.pbm | lpr

Reads PBM from stdin/file.
Writes LaserJet bitmap stream to stdout.

Originated in Jef Poskanzer's PBMPLUS (late 1980s); evolved in Netpbm for portable graphics conversion.

pbm(5), pnmtolj(1), lpr(1), Netpbm(1)