ESC/P Command Reference
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3. ESC/P Command Limitations
3.1.2 Character pitches
Pitch refers to the spacing between neighboring characters.
When characters are arranged with a fixed pitch, they will be evenly spaced.
If characters extend over several lines, they will align in straight rows.
Fixed spacing
c
a
b
c
b
a
Fixed spacing
When characters are arranged with a proportional pitch, the spacing will vary depending on the character.
(For example, “W” is wide but “I” is narrow.)
As a result, the excess space between characters is eliminated and the text appears more compact.
W
Variable spacing
C
I
W
Variable spacing
C
I
If a fixed pitch is applied to a font that is better with a proportional pitch, all characters are given the same
width as the widest character in the font.
W
Variable spacing
C
I
W
Fixed spacing
C
I
Variable spacing
W
Fixed spacing
C
I
W
C
I
This makes it possible to evenly space the characters of a proportional-pitch font without having to change the
font.
If a proportional pitch is applied to a font that is better with a fixed pitch, all characters are given the same
width, appearing the same as with a fixed pitch.