RTF and PDF logging plugin for Data Loggers

Latest version: 5.0.1 build 1126. November 28, 2025.

The PDF logging and RTF logging plugin modules convert raw data flow from serial printers into Adobe PDF or Microsoft Word RTF files. These modules work as an output layer for supported logging products and produce ready-to-use documents that accurately reflect source printer output. You can reprint these documents later, transfer them to another system, or store them in archives without any additional processing. Support for ESC/P and ESC/P 2 control sequences allows the plugin to render fonts, graphics, and layout with high fidelity.

RTF logging: Download | Documentation

PDF logging: Download | Documentation

Most serial and dot matrix printers use ESC/P codes to control character size, font, bold and italic font attributes, line spacing, and raster graphics. The plugin decodes these ESC/P control codes and translates them into equivalent PDF or RTF formatting commands. As a result, complex tickets, receipts, production logs, and reports appear in the PDF or RTF output almost exactly as they would on the physical printer. This is especially valuable in environments where you must archive printed records for compliance or quality control. Instead of storing paper, you get compact, searchable, and portable document files.

The plugin operates inside specific host applications and does not work as a standalone component. You can enable the PDF and RTF logging plugin in the following products: Serial Printer Logger, Data Logger Suite, and Advanced OPC Data Logger.

Integration with Serial Printer Logger

In a typical configuration, Serial Printer Logger captures raw bytes from a serial port where an old printer was connected and forwards the data flow to the logging engine. Instead of writing plain text files, you configure the output to use PDF or RTF file types and enable the ESC/P decoding option. The logger then passes each packet to the plugin, which converts ESC/P sequences into formatted document content.

For example, assume your serial device or PLC sends the following data (hex) to a printer:

Incoming bytes (hex):

1B 40 1B 45 00 1B 4D 01
43 6F 6D 70 61 6E 79 20 52 65 70 6F 72 74 0D 0A
54 6F 74 61 6C 3A 20 24 31 32 33 2E 34 35 0D 0A
0C

In this example, 1B40 is ESC @ (initialize printer), 1B4500 clears bold, 1B4D01 sets a condensed mode, and the printable text contains two lines with a total amount. The plugin decodes the control codes and generates a PDF or RTF document with regular header text and condensed body. The resulting file can be viewed in Adobe Reader or Microsoft Word, where fonts and line breaks align with the original printout.

Key Features

Converts ESC/P and ESC/P 2 printer data streams into ready-to-use PDF or RTF documents.
Supports fonts, font styles, condensed mode, and graphics from most ESC/P-compatible printers.
Flexible paper type and font configuration, including charset selection for non Latin text.
Idle timeouts and state reset controls to prevent data loss and the necessary document and page boundaries.
Seamless integration with Serial Printer Logger, Data Logger Suite, and Advanced OPC Data Logger.

Summary

The PDF and RTF logging plugin is useful when you need to turn printed jobs into electronic files for tasks like archiving. Typical environments include manufacturing, where production line printers generate shift reports and you need to replace an outdated or damaged hardware printer. In all these cases, the plugin captures the same output the printer receives and produces a reliable document file.