.plt is Vector-based Plotter File
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| File type | Vector-based file format |
| Developed by | Hewlett-Packard (HP) |
| Used for | Storing and printing vector graphics, such as line drawings, technical drawings, and blueprints |
| Key features | Scalable to any size without losing quality, high precision, widely supported by CAD and graphics software |
| Common uses | CAD drawings, technical drawings, sign making, PCB design |
What's on this Page
A PLT file is a vector-based plotter file format. It was originally developed by Hewlett-Packard (HP) and is based on the HP Graphics Language (HPGL) file format. PLT files are used to store vector graphics, such as line drawings, technical drawings, and blueprints.
PLT files are typically created by CAD (computer-aided design) software, such as AutoCAD and CorelDRAW. They can also be created by other graphics programs, such as Adobe Illustrator and Inkscape.
PLT files can be used to print vector graphics on plotters. Plotters are specialized printers that can print high-precision line drawings and other technical graphics. PLT files can also be used to create electronic files, such as PDF and SVG files.
Here are some of the key features of PLT files:
Here are some common uses for PLT files:
Overall, PLT files are a versatile and widely used file format for storing and printing vector graphics.
PLT files can be opened using a variety of CAD and graphics software programs. Some popular options include:
To open a PLT file in one of these programs, simply open the program and then go to File > Open. Navigate to the PLT file that you want to open and select it. The program will then open the file and display the contents.
To create a PLT file, you can use any CAD or graphics software program that supports the PLT file format. Once you have created your drawing, simply go to File > Save As and select the PLT file format from the drop-down list.
To edit a PLT file, you can open it in any CAD or graphics software program that supports the PLT file format. Once you have opened the file, you can make your changes and then go to File > Save to save the changes.
PLT and HPGL files are very similar, but there are a few key differences. PLT files are a vector-based file format, while HPGL files are a raster-based file format. This means that PLT files can be scaled to any size without losing quality, while HPGL files may lose quality if they are scaled.
Another difference is that PLT files support a wider range of features than HPGL files, such as color and line styles. HPGL files are typically used for simple line drawings, while PLT files are often used for more complex technical drawings.
One of the most common problems with PLT files is that they can become corrupted. This can happen for a variety of reasons, such as a power outage or a hardware failure. If you encounter a corrupted PLT file, there are a few things you can try to fix it:
If you are unable to fix the corrupted file, you may need to recreate the drawing from scratch.
There are a number of ways to convert PLT files to other vector formats, such as SVG and EPS.
One way is to use a CAD or graphics software program that supports both file formats. Simply open the PLT file in the program and then go to File > Save As. Select the desired vector format from the drop-down list and save the file.
Another way to convert PLT files to other vector formats is to use a file converter. There are a number of online and offline file converters available. Some of the most popular options include:
To use a file converter, simply upload the PLT file to the converter and select the desired output format. The converter will then convert the file and provide you with a download link.
To use a PLT file for 3D printing, you will need to convert it to a 3D printing file format, such as STL or OBJ. This can be done using a variety of CAD software programs or online converters.
Once the PLT file has been converted to a 3D printing file format, you can then slice it using a 3D slicing software program. This will create a set of G-code instructions that can be sent to your 3D printer to print the object.
Here are some additional tips for using PLT files for 3D printing:
With a little practice, you can use PLT files to create a wide range of objects for 3D printing.