Plot Files

ActiveDwg Plot Files Page
This article briefly reviews the development and processing of AutoCAD Plot Files.

You will occasionally have need to build or process plot files. These are AutoCAD drawings that have been plotted to file. They are useful for sending drawings to other companies or plotting services when no editing is required, and with the right software, for batch plotting. With a plot file, you do not need to worry that the output will match your expectations, they will plot precisely as they would on your own system. The trade-off is that the plot file MUST be built using a plotter driver that is compatible with the actual output device. So, to use them, you will need to do a little homework.

Building a Plot File:
To begin, be sure you have a plotter driver that is compatible with the target output device.
If you do not, you will need to get the proper driver from the plotter manufacturer and install it on your system. There is usually an output option during the driver installation. If there is, select 'Plot to File', if not, simply select 'LPT1:' and select 'No' when prompted to print a test page. If the device is an HDI driver, it will be installed from within AutoCAD.
When the plotter is setup as you like it, you plot to it as you normally would except select 'Plot to File' on the 'Plot Device' tab of the plot dialog and provide a path for the output. By default, AutoCAD will place the plot file in the same folder as the original '.DWG' file. If you specify an alternate path for your output, you will need to partially respecify it with each plot by clicking the browse button, as AutoCAD will return to its default path. The browse button will then show the last folder to which it directed its output, so you will only need to click 'OK'.

Processing a Plot File:
If you only have a few plot files to process, it may be best to just send them directly to your plotter. To do this you need to get to the DOS prompt. This is usually at 'Start>Programs>MS_DOS Prompt'. There, you can send the files to the plotter by entering:
copy /b c:\drawing.plt lpt1: +ENTER
for each file to be plotted. Just be sure the 'c:\drawing.plt' matches your actual plot file path and 'lpt1:' matches your actual plotter port.
If you have more than a few to process, you may want to use a program to send the plot files to the appropriate plotter. We have a freeware program for just that purpose on our 'Downloads' page.

Here's a quick look at 'PrintFile'(141kb):

You can put files in the plot queue by drag-n-drop(from Explorer)... Or select 'Print File' and you will see the 'Open' dialog...

At this dialog simply select the files to plot and click 'Open'... Either way, you will next see the printer dialog and submit the files.

We've tried to cover the basics of handling your plot files. As usual, we'll update the page as needed if a bit more detail is warranted.