CorelDRAW Help | HPGL Plotter File (PLT)

Quick links to procedures on this page:

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To import an HPGL Plotter file

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To export an HPGL Plotter file

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HPGL Plotter (PLT) technical notes

HPGL Plotter File (PLT)

The HPGL Plotter File (PLT) format, developed by Hewlett-Packard, is vector-based. It is used in programs such as AutoCAD for printing drawings on plotters. Other Corel applications can interpret a SUBSET of the HPGL and HPGL/2 command set. This format uses a scaling factor of 1,016 plotter units to 1 inch.

To import an HPGL Plotter file

1 .

Click File

Import.

2 .

Locate the folder in which the file is stored.

3 .

Choose PLT - HPGL Plotter File (*.plt; *.hgl) from the list box next to the File name box.

4 .

Click the filename.

5 .

Click Import.

6 .

In the HPGL options dialog box, adjust any of the settings.

To export an HPGL Plotter file

1 .

Click File

Export.

2 .

Locate the folder where you want to store the file.

3 .

Choose PLT - HPGL Plotter File from the Save as type list box.

4 .

Type a filename in the File name list box.

5 .

Click Export.

6 .

In the HPGL export dialog box, adjust any of the settings.

HPGL Plotter (PLT) technical notes

Importing a PLT file

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Corel programs support versions 1 and 2 of PLT file formats although some features of version 2 are not supported.

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You can import images larger than the Corel program’s maximum page size by enabling the Scale option in the HPGL options dialog box, which lets you resize the imported image.

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The curve resolution factor can be set to a value between 0.0001 and 1.0 inch. The value can be very precise; up to eight decimal places are accepted. A setting of 0.0001 results in the highest resolution, but it also greatly increases file size. A curve resolution of 0.004 inch is recommended.

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The PLT file format does not contain color information. Instead, the various objects in a PLT file have certain pen numbers associated with them. When imported into a Corel program, each pen number is assigned a specific color. You can specify the color assigned to a particular pen, so that you can match the original colors of the graphic.

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The Pen selection list contains 256 pens, although not all of the pens may be assigned. You can change the color assignments by choosing the pen and then choosing a new color for that pen from the Pen color list box. Choosing Custom colors brings up a color definition dialog box that allows you to define a custom color according to RGB values.

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You can change the pen width assignments by choosing the pen and then choosing a new width for that pen from the Pen width list box.

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You can change the pen velocity by choosing the pen and then choosing a new velocity for that pen from the Pen velocity list box. This is useful only for exporting PLT files.

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You can set a defined pen to the Unused option. You can also reset the current Pen Library pen settings to the previously saved settings.

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Corel programs support numerous dotted, dashed, and solid line types of the PLT file format. The pattern number of a line in a PLT file is translated to a line type pattern.

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If the PLT file contains a font that is not on the user’s computer, the PANOSE font matching dialog box lets the user replace the font with an available one.

Exporting a PLT file

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In CorelDRAW X7, you now have the option of setting the Plotter origin to Top left.

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Only the outlines of objects are exported to the PLT file format.

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Dotted lines, dashed lines, and arrowheads are mapped to standard line types of the PLT file format.

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Bézier curves are converted to line segments.

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Outline thickness and calligraphic settings are lost.

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Outline colors are limited to eight: black, blue, red, green, magenta, yellow, cyan, and brown.

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