HPGL Import for Surfcam 1.0

HPGL Import for Surfcam is a plug-in for Surfcam. This plug-in gives Surfcam the ability to import graphical data from HPGL Plot (PLT) files.

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 plot files contain information regarding the movement of the pen of the HP plotter. HPGL Import for Surfcam converts these pen movements into Surfam elements and adds them to the contents of the Surfcam element database. HPGL Import for Surfcam supports plot files created by drivers for the following Hewlett-Packard plotters: 7475A, 7550A, 7580B, 7585B, 7586B, Draftmaster 1 (7595A), Draftmaster 2 (7596A), Draftpro (7570A), Draftpro-DXL (7575A), Draftpro-EXL (7576A).

HPGL Import for Surfcam is very easy to use as it adds a new file type to the Surfcam File Open dialog box. To import a PLT file select Open from the File menu. Select "HPGL Plot Files (*.plt)" from the "File of type" combo box and select a PLT file to import.