Creating Plot File

[dalea60]

Hello,

Is there a way to print to a file instead of printing directly to a printer?

Probably sounds like a dumb question but I'm trying to answer a question for someone in a separate location & I don't have access to/or use Inventor.

Thanks,

 

[Yagonyonok]

If it is Inventor 2009 it can save stuff to a pdf. If not you might want to look into a pdf creator type of software (Adobe or some knockoff). It is the easiest way to share drawings.

 

[dalea60]

Thanks Yagonyonok. We can create the pdf's but we archive plot files for all other types of drawings in order to print drawings as needed with a custom program. Drawings from Inventor are the odd ball for us.

Dale

 

[bagarbilla]

u can use primopdf .. it is free and act like a printer

 

[Yagonyonok]

Dale,
What type of files are you archiving (.dwg, .dwf, etc...)? Without knowing what type of files you are needing for your custom program it is hard to tell you how to make them. It may help to know what version of Inventor your "someone in a separate location" is using as well.

 

[dalea60]

The file type is .plt in HPGL2 language. It basically amounts to creating a file of the code instead of spooling the code directly to the printer. A lot of programs have a check box for "Print to File" just below the printer information (or field to choose a printer out of all the printers you have setup).

Thanks,
Dale

 

[mcgyvr]

as long as your using 32 bit operating system you can use KWIK print addin to print to a plot file.

http://www.kwikmcad.com/icode/Addins/Webpages/KWiKPrints32.asp

 

[dalea60]

Thanks, mcgyvr

I'll take a look at KWIK print.