Abstract: This patent discloses a dedicated printer control device having at least one input port through which text data is received and an output port means for connection to a printer. The printer control device includes means for designating characters as control codes by which beginning and end of data may be identified. Data so identified may be printed separately. The printer control device further includes a means for recognizing control codes and user operable selection means for selectively directing identified data, to the output port means for separate printing. The printer control device also includes a means for modifying the format of the identified data that is identified and separately printed. In one embodiment of the present invention, the printer control device includes a means for converting at least a part of the identified data into bar code form and transmitting the bar code form to the output port means.