Setting up AS400 for A4 paper size

Tue, 06/25/2019 - 17:45 By Dave Brooks

Q: How do I set up the AS400 for A4 paper size?

A: If you have not changed the page size of the PRTF, it is still 132 66. The Host Print Transform looks at this value and translates it into the escape sequence requesting that the paper at the printer be 13.2"x 11." Paper. It is not possible with some printers so they are not included in the transform - normally you would default to PPRSRC1 parameter; but, if you are using RMTOUTQ there is no DEVD. It must send something so it requests LETTER rather than A4.

To fix you can change the PRTF so that it has a PAGESIZE that reflects A4 or you can edit the transform. We suggest you look at the Rebook IV if you have it. The basic principle is to RTVWSCST *TRANSFORM *HP4 <specify a PF to retrieve into>. Then use SEU to edit this file and either create another PAGESIZE tag for 13.2" x 11" or change the one for LETTER.

To change the entry for LETTER:

  • PAGSIZE
  • PAGWTH=12240
  • PAGLEN=15840 (these are the size of the page in 1/1440ths of an inch)
  • Data='1B266C303241'X

Change this to

  • Data='1B266C323641'X

What you are doing is sending the escape sequence for A4 rather than letter-sized paper. Save this and then CRTWSCST. Add this into the RMTOUTQ under WSCST.

What is A4 size?

A4 is an international standard paper size. In US measurements it is 8.25 x 11.75 in. By comparison, the comparable US letter size is 8.5 x 11 in.

In metric units, A4 is 210 x 297 mm.

A4 and US Letter are very close. A4 is slightly longer and slightly more narrow than US Letter. 

You can find discussions on international standard paper and envelope sizes on the Wikipedia page that discusses ISO 216, the international standard for paper sizes.. I particularly like the presentation at the Neenah website.