The SETPRT macro controls how information is printed. It is used with the IBM 3800 Printing Subsystem, IBM 3900 Printing Subsystem, with various other universal character set (UCS) printers, and SYSOUT data sets.

For printers that are allocated to your program, the SETPRT macro is used to initially set or dynamically change the printer control information. For more information about using the SETPRT macro, see z/OS DFSMS Macro Instructions for Data Sets.

For printers that have a universal character set (UCS) buffer and optionally, a forms control buffer (FCB), the SETPRT macro is used to specify the UCS or FCB images to be used. Note that universal character sets for the various printers are not compatible. The three formats of FCB images (the FCB image for the 3800 Printing Subsystem, the 4248 format FCB, and the 3211 format FCB) are incompatible. The 3211 format FCB is used by the 3203, 3211, 4248, 3262 Model 5, and 4245 printers.

IBM-supplied UCS images, UCS image tables, FCB images, and character arrangement table modules are included in the SYS1.IMAGELIB at system initialization time. For 1403, 3203, 3211, 3262 Model 5, 4245, and 4248 printers, user-defined character sets can be added to SYS1.IMAGELIB.

The FCB contents can be selected from the system library (or an alternate library if you are using a 3800 or 3900), or defined in your program through the exit list of the DCB macro. For information about the DCB exit list see DCB Exit List.

If the image is not found, the operator is asked to specify an alternate image name or cancel the request.

For a printer that has no carriage control tape, you can use the SETPRT macro to select the FCB, to request operator verification of the contents of the buffer, or to allow the operator to align the paper in the printer.

For a SYSOUT data set, the specified images must be available at the destination of the data set, which can be JES2, JES3, VM, or other type of system.