Input file
HPGL
- Full Name: Hewlett Packard Graphics Language Plot Format
- Developer: Hewlett-Packard
Output file
DXF
- Full Name: AutoCAD DXF Drawing Exchange Format
- Developer: Autodesk
What is HPGL file?
The HPGL file extension is associated with the HP Graphics Language Plotter File. HPGL is a folder of commands, bitmap images and ASCII strings used by Hewlett-Packard plotters, designjet printers and palm-top computers to create two-dimensional drawings. HPGL files are easier to share than vector graphics format (CGM) and give more control than pre-printed hardcopy. Structure HPGL files use points in a two-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system and commands such as PU, PD, PM, AA and LT. [ ⏩ ] HPGL file extension
What is DXF file?
The DXF (.DXF) file extension is a popular CAD drawing format developed by Autodesk and intended for enabling data interoperability between different applications. It was first introduced in 1982 as part of the AutoCAD 1.0 software package. The DXF format is based on the Drawing Interchange Format (DIF) and consists of ASCII strings organized into various types of records. [ ⏩ ] DXF file extension
Software, that you can use to convert
How to convert the file from HPGL to DXF?
To successfully convert the HPGL file to DXF, you should install one of the applications from the list. After installing the software, open the program and select the file you want to convert (file-name.HPGL). The next step is to select the target format from the list, in this case DXF (usually converters allow you to convert to several different formats, so check out their features - maybe one of the available formats will suit you more than DXF).
What is a file conversion?
A data conversion is normally an automated process to some extent. The effect of the operation of one program is automatically the input product of another application. If that does not happen we need to help the process a little bit and convert the file on our own, e.g. HPGL to DXF. To obtain a matched structure of the data, it is necessary to use an appropriate converter.
Program for converting HPGL files to DXF files is a kind of a "binary code translator" compensating for the differences in the code or translating it in such a way so that another application could use it. For us, as users, the visible change will be only another file extension. (After converting the file, it will be the extension DXF, while before this step we had the HPGL file). For the programs, the difference is on a much higher level – either the application will be able to open a new DXF file, or not.