PLT Import for SolidWorks is a HPGL Plot (.plt) file import add-in for SolidWorks®. This add-in gives SolidWorks the ability to import geometric data from PLT files.

PLT Import for SolidWorks reads pen movement data stored PLT files and imports it into SolidWorks. A HPGL PLT file is comprised of a set of instructions related to pen movements of HPGL plotters. PLT Import for SolidWorks reads these pen movement instructions and creates curve objects in a SolidWorks document. The curves can me created as a 3D Sketch in a part or assembly document or a 2D Sketch in a drawing document.

PLT Import for SolidWorks is very easy to use as it adds new commands to SolidWorks. It also adds a submenu to the SolidWorks menu called "PLTImport".

The 'PLTImport' submenu consists of the following commands:
# Import - Import a PLT file
# Help - Display the PLT Import for SolidWorks help file
# Register - Register your copy of PLT Import for SolidWorks
# About - Display the PLT Import for SolidWorks About box

PLT Import for SolidWorks comes with detailed documentation for each command as well as a tutorial to get you started in the shortest possible time.


The PLT File Format

HPGL is the Hewlett-Packard Graphics Language designed for specifying 2D graphical information for the HP range of plotters. It was not intended as an interchange format but some software suppliers use it as such. HPGL is a command set embedded in the ROM of pen plotters to help reduce the work required by applications programmers to create plotted output. HPGL uses two-letter mnemonics as instructions for drawing lines, circles, text, and simple symbols. HPGL is the primary printer control language used by Hewlett-Packard plotters. It later became a standard for almost all plotters.