How to import plot files into autocad for the purpose of saving them out to PDF

[Anonymous]

I have access to AutoCAD 2015. I also have old PLT files that I need to get into a useable format we can look at to review data periodically. Can the PLT files be imported back into autocad and then saved out again as PDF's. if not how is the best way to go about this task???

[john.vellek]

Hi @Anonymous,

I see that you are visiting as a new member to the AutoCAD forum. Welcome to the Autodesk Community!

 Are the PLT files in  HPGL format? If so there is an express tool that might bring them into AutoCAD as geometry.

Please select the Accept as Solution button if my post solves your issue or answers your question.

[john.vellek]

Hi @Anonymous,

If you are not able to convert the PL files using the PLT2DWG command, you might try one of the numerous online conversions or try this third party solution.

Please select the Accept as Solution button if my post solves your issue or answers your question.

[Anonymous]

Hello John;

Thank you for taking the time to respond.

Can you tell me how to use the PLT2DWG to convert the PL files?? I have not heard of that before.

[john.vellek]

Hi @Anonymous,

Back in the old days, the HP plotters had 8 pens that mounted in a carousel.  As a plot was being produced, a pen would be used and then swapped for the next one as necessary.  The printer language to control all of this was in HPGL format.  So, if your old drawings were created in this format, the PLT2DWG can read that code and create the geometry in AutoCAD.

Try opening AutoCAD and type PLT2DWG at the command line. Then select the PLT file you want to "import" and see what happens. IF you would like to share a sample PLT file I can see if this works on my side and create a video of the steps for you.

Please select the Accept as Solution button if my post solves your issue or answers your question.

[Anonymous]

What do you mean OLD DAYS!?! 

hahahahahah I am part of that generation!! And that sound familiar. I'm going to try that right now. I'll let you know it it works for me.

[john.vellek]

Hi @Anonymous,

I did not mean to insult.  I go back before such plotters (I remember flatbed plotters) and still sort of miss the elegance of hand-drafting.

Let me know how this works for you.

[Anonymous]

Lost my command line, how to I get it back??

and my old days go back to Leroy pens and contour tape and T-Squares LOL

[john.vellek]

HI @Anonymous, Is it docked somewhere on the screen or underneath your drawing window? Try using CTRL +F9 9 to bring it back if you really closed it. [Edited to correct by stupid mistake!]

Please select the Accept as Solution button if my post solves your issue or answers your question.

[Anonymous]

Tried Ctrl+f9, nope I think I killed it. Command Line go bye-bye.

I love how I can take the simple things and manage to complicate.

[john.vellek · Accepted solution]

Hi @Anonymous,

Can you get to the text screen by using F2? If so, you can try typing COMMANDLINE.

If you still don't have luck with this, you can always perform a  Reset Settings to Default.

Please select the Accept as Solution button if my post solves your issue or answers your question.

[cadffm · Accepted solution]

Command: commandline OR CTRL+9 (not F9, or?)

[imadHabash · Accepted solution]

Hi,

you may try  Ctrl+9  NOT  Ctrl+F9 . 

[john.vellek]

Absolutely right - not F9! My error.

[Anonymous]

Tried from command line PLT2DWG

     Entered File name

           Response was " The selected plt file is not the proper HPGL format"

Did you receive the PLT file I attached earlier??

[john.vellek]

Hi @Anonymous,

I don't see an attachment. You might try putting the Plt file into a Zip first.

[john.vellek · Accepted solution]

Hi @Anonymous,

Thanks for sending me the PLT file. While the built-in command (PLT2DWG) did not work as it looks for HPGL format, the 3rd party solution I provided in post 3 did seem to work. I have attached the resulting DWG from the conversion.

Please select the Accept as Solution button if my post solves your issue or answers your question.

[Anonymous]

This is wonderful !!!!!

MANY many MANY thanks. I am going to try to push Aera to get the program for us.

I appreciate all your efforts and Patience!!