Convert DXF to PLT — Send CAD Drawings Straight to a Plotter

• Preserves line weights, layers, and drawing scale
• Converts hundreds of DXF files in one batch
• Keeps all processing offline — drawings never leave your PC
• Provides a command-line interface for automation and scripting
• Includes a 30-day free trial with full functionality

Download Total CAD Converter and start converting DXF drawings to PLT today.

DXF vs PLT: What Is the Difference?

DXF (Drawing Exchange Format) is a CAD data format created by Autodesk for interoperability between AutoCAD and other drafting software. It stores 2D and 3D geometry, layers, text, dimensions, and hatches in a tagged text or binary structure. DXF is the standard exchange file when engineers share drawings across different CAD platforms.

PLT (Plotter File) is a vector graphics file based on the HPGL/HPGL2 (Hewlett-Packard Graphics Language) standard. Plotters and wide-format printers read PLT natively — no CAD software needed on the print station. PLT contains pen-up/pen-down instructions, pen selection, and coordinate data optimized for line-based output.

DXF files store design intent: layers, blocks, dimensions, annotations. PLT files store print instructions: pen movements, colors, and line widths. Converting DXF to PLT strips design metadata and produces a clean, plotter-ready output that any HPGL-compatible device can print without AutoCAD installed on the plotter workstation.

How to Convert DXF to PLT

• Step 1. Launch Total CAD Converter. The left panel shows a folder tree for quick navigation.
• Step 2. Browse to the folder containing your DXF files. The central file list displays all supported CAD drawings.
• Step 3. Check the DXF files you want to convert. Use Check All to select every file in the folder for batch processing.
• Step 4. Click PLT in the format toolbar at the top of the window (listed under HPGL).
• Step 5. Set the output folder and adjust plotter settings: paper size, orientation, pen width, and scale factor.
• Step 6. Press Start. The converter processes all selected files and saves PLT output to your chosen folder.

Conversion completes in seconds, even for folders with hundreds of DXF drawings. Original files remain untouched.

Command-Line Conversion

Total CAD Converter includes a command-line interface for automation. Example:

CADConverter.exe C:\Drawings\plan.dxf C:\Output\plan.plt -cHPGL

Wrap this in a .bat file or Windows Task Scheduler job to convert DXF drawings to PLT on a fixed schedule — overnight, every Friday, or whenever new files appear in a watched folder.

Why Use Total CAD Converter?

Batch processing. Select a folder with 500 DXF files and convert them all to PLT in one run. No need to open each drawing individually — the converter handles everything unattended.

No AutoCAD required. Total CAD Converter reads DXF files with its own rendering engine. You do not need AutoCAD, DraftSight, or any other CAD application installed on the conversion machine.

Layer and scale control. Choose which layers to include in the PLT output. Set a custom scale factor, paper size, or orientation before conversion starts.

Line weight adjustment. Increase or decrease line weight scale so that thin construction lines and thick outlines print correctly on your plotter.

100% offline. All processing happens locally. Engineering drawings that contain proprietary dimensions, client floor plans, or classified layouts never leave your computer.

13+ output formats. Besides PLT/HPGL, convert DXF to PDF, TIFF, JPEG, PNG, BMP, SVG, WMF, CGM, and more — all from the same tool.

Online Converters vs Desktop Converter

(includes 30 day FREE trial)

(only $99.00)

Total CAD Converter Customer Reviews 2026

"Our engineering office sends DXF drawings to three different print shops. Each one uses HPGL plotters and refuses to install AutoCAD. Total CAD Converter batch-converts entire project folders to PLT in minutes. Line weights and scale come through exactly right."

Roger Hallberg CAD Manager

"I prepare construction drawings in DXF and need PLT files for the wide-format plotter at the office. The converter handles layer selection perfectly — I can exclude reference layers and keep only the print-ready ones. Saves me from opening every file in CAD."

Isabelle Mercier Architectural Drafter

"Solid tool for converting DXF floor plans to PLT for our legacy plotter. The command line version runs nightly via a scheduled task — new drawings get converted automatically. Works offline, which our IT security policy requires. Would like a folder-watch mode."

Tomasz Wieczorek Facilities Engineer

FAQ ▼