• TIF –A TIF file is an image file of your document.  TIF files require no processing and are ready to print; there is no need for pen settings or x-ref files.

• PLT –As with PDF and TIF files pen settings and x-ref drawings are integrated into the file.  If the PLT file was made as described below all pen settings will be embedded in the file.  It is important, however, to let us know if you made your PLT file with your pen settings embedded or not; this could effect the file result of your plots.

• PDF –PDF files require some additional processing, but like a TIFF do not require pen settings or x-ref files.

Plot files can be created from AutoCAD files, such as DWG and DXF files.  To create a PLT file in AutoCAD certain settings must be configured to make the PLT file correctly.

1.  The correct plotter driver must first be installed.   HP DesignJet 755CM C3198B

a.  In AutoCAD under the Tools menu click on Options

b.  In the Plotting tab of the options window click the “Add or Configure Plotters” button.

c.  A new window will open, double click on “Add-A-Plotter Wizard”

d.  Click Next twice.  Select Hewlett-Packard in the Manufacturers box; then select   DesignJet 755CM C3198B in the Models box.

2.  When your drawing is prepared for plotting select Plot from the File menu. Click the Plot Device tab in the Plot window.  Select the HP DesignJet 755

     plotter that you just installed from the Name drop-down box under Plotter Configuration.

3.  Next you must select the correct pen or CTB file for embedding your pen settings into your plot file.  In the Pen style table area select your pen file from the drop-down box.

a.  Click Edit next to you pen selection.

b.  In the Form View tab of the Plot Style Table Editor window your pen can be configured.

c.  Every pen must be set to Color BLACK, and Virtual Pen # and Pen # must both be set to AUTOMATIC for every pen.

d.  Your Lineweight and Screening settings can then be customized for each pen you are using.

4.  Still in the Plot Device tab, the Plot to File option must be checked, you can specify where the file will be saved.

5.  Click on the Plot Settings tab.  Here you can select the correct paper size and scale for your drawing.

6.  Once all your settings are correct you can click on the “Full Preview” button and preview how your drawing will look as a plot file.  When in the preview right-click with your mouse and click Plot to make the plot file or Exit to go back to the settings page.

7.  These steps must be repeated for each file you wish to convert to a PLT file.

Since TIF files are image files they can normally only be created from other image files.  Other image files such as JPEG, GIF, and BMP, can be converted to a TIF file, by using photo editing software.  We can create TIF files for you by scanning your original hard copy document, or by first plotting your original file and then scanning it into a TIF image format.

Many programs which use their own proprietary file formats may allow you save your drawing to a different format.  Some software may allow you to make a PLT file in much the same way as described above in AutoCAD.  It may also be possible to export your drawing into a different file format like a PDF.  If you are unable to export your drawing into one of our usable file formats you can always email the file to bobbroden@nashuarepro.com and ask us to try and open it anyway.