.PLT File Extension
AutoCAD Plotter Document
| Developer | N/A |
| Popularity | |
| Category | Vector Image Files |
| Format | .PLT |
| Cross Platform | Update Soon |
What is an PLT file?
The .PLT file extension is primarily associated with AutoCAD, a leading CAD software developed by Autodesk. It serves as the standard file format for storing plotted drawings, also known as plotter files.
These files contain instructions for plotters or printers to reproduce the digital design on physical media, such as paper or film.
More Information.
The history of .PLT files is intertwined with the evolution of AutoCAD and the broader CAD industry. Introduced in the 1980s, AutoCAD revolutionized the way architects, engineers, and designers conceptualized and executed their projects.
As the software gained popularity, so did the demand for efficient plotting solutions. The .PLT file extension emerged as a solution to streamline the plotting process, allowing users to generate high-quality prints of their CAD drawings with precision and accuracy.
Origin Of This File.
The genesis of .PLT files can be traced back to the early days of computer-aided design. As CAD technology evolved, the need for efficient ways to produce hard copies of digital designs became apparent.
Autodesk, the pioneer in CAD software development, introduced the PLT file format to address this need.
Initially, it was tailored to work seamlessly with AutoCAD’s plotting functionalities, offering users a reliable means to translate intricate designs into tangible outputs.
File Structure Technical Specification.
.PLT files consist of a structured set of instructions that dictate how a plotter or printer should reproduce the corresponding CAD drawing.
These instructions encompass various parameters such as line weights, colors, line types, and plot scale.
The file structure typically includes commands compatible with the HPGL (Hewlett-Packard Graphics Language) or HPGL/2 standards, which are widely supported by plotters and printers.
Technical specifications of .PLT files may vary depending on the settings and configurations used during the plotting process.
They generally adhere to industry standards to ensure compatibility across different devices and software platforms.
How to Convert the File?
Converting .PLT files to other formats or vice versa may be necessary to accommodate specific workflow requirements or interoperability with different software applications. Several tools and methods are available for converting .PLT files, including:
- AutoCAD: AutoCAD itself offers functionality to convert .PLT files to various formats such as DWG (AutoCAD Drawing) or PDF (Portable Document Format) using its plotting and export features.
- Third-Party Software: Numerous third-party software applications specialize in file conversion, allowing users to convert .PLT files to formats compatible with other CAD software or graphic design tools.
- Online Conversion Services: Online platforms provide convenient options for converting .PLT files to different formats through web-based interfaces, eliminating the need for installing additional software.
- Print to PDF: Printing .PLT files to PDF format using virtual printers or PDF conversion utilities is a straightforward method to create digital replicas of plotted drawings.
Advantages And Disadvantages.
Advantages:
- Precision and Accuracy: .PLT files preserve the integrity of CAD designs during the plotting process, ensuring that printed outputs match the digital counterparts with high precision.
- Compatibility: As a widely adopted standard in the CAD industry, .PLT files are compatible with a broad range of plotters, printers, and CAD software applications.
- Customization: Users have the flexibility to customize plotting settings such as line weights, colors, and plot scales to meet their specific requirements.
- Scalability: .PLT files support scalability, allowing designs to be plotted at various sizes without compromising quality.
Disadvantages:
- File Size: .PLT files can be relatively large, especially for complex drawings with intricate details, leading to storage and transmission challenges.
- Limited Editability: Once converted into .PLT format, CAD drawings lose their editability, making it challenging to modify them without reverting to the original CAD file.
- Dependence on Plotter Compatibility: The successful reproduction of .PLT files depend on the compatibility and capabilities of the plotting device, which may vary among different models and manufacturers.
How to Open PLT?
Open In Windows
- AutoCAD: AutoCAD is the primary software for viewing and editing .PLT files on Windows. Simply launch AutoCAD and use the ‘Open’ command to access .PLT files.
- CorelDRAW: CorelDRAW, a popular graphic design software, supports the import of .PLT files, allowing users to view and edit plotted drawings.
Open In Linux
- LibreCAD: LibreCAD, an open-source CAD software for Linux, supports the import of .PLT files, enabling users to view and modify plotted drawings.
- Inkscape: Inkscape, a vector graphics editor available for Linux, can import .PLT files for viewing and editing purposes.
Open In MAC
- AutoCAD for Mac: Autodesk offers a version of AutoCAD tailored for macOS, providing native support for opening and editing .PLT files on Apple computers.
- Preview: The Preview application, pre-installed on macOS, can display .PLT files, although advanced editing capabilities may be limited.
