HPGL Import & Export Filters Update

New Features:

The HPGL Export filter has been enhanced to export with double the curve resolution as before, and quadruple if the High Resolution is selected.
The HPGL Export file structure has been modified to adhere to the HPGL standard to increase the compatibility with other applications and devices.
The HPGL Import was modified to recognize certain objects as closed objects, allowing them to be filled.
The High Resolution switch has no function on import.


To install the new filters:

1. Use File Manager and locate the files,"EXPHPGL.DLL" and "IMPHPGL.DLL" in the CORELDRW\FILTERS subdirectory and rename them EXPHPGL.OLD and IMPHPGL.OLD.
2. Copy the new EXPHPGL.DLL and IMPHPGL.DLL to the CORELDRW\FILTERS subdirectory.
3. To verify the filters have been installed correctly, select File, Import, then select the About button for the HPGL Import. It should read Rev. B+. When exporting HPGL, the About window should read Rev. B2.
Note: Both the import and export filters must be installed to insure compatibility.


Special notes:

If plotting to conventional plotters:

The current HPGL Export use a bottom left origin. When plotting to a bottom left origin plotter(ie. HP7475), select the same page size and orientation in Page Setup in CorelDRAW and the Windows Control Panel. If the images are distorted when plotting, try changing the page orientation. If plotting larger page sizes than the maximum 30" x 30" page that CorelDRAW supports, then try a PROPORTIONALLY smaller page size and use the Stretch Factor in the HPGL Export menu to bring the image back up to the original size for plotting. For example, if the plotter is set for a 22" x 34" page, then use an  11" x 17" page in CorelDRAW and scale it 200%.

NOTE: If using a CENTER ORIGIN PLOTTER (ie. HP DraftPRO) then the center of the image MUST be moved over the bottom left corner of the CorelDRAW work page before exporting the file. This method will only work up to a C size plot(17" x 22").


If plotting to a vinyl cutter:

First create your image, then create a custom work page under Page Setup which will comfortably surround the graphic. The bottom left corner will usually be the plot origin or the 0,0 mark. If cutting longer length than the maximum 30" x 30" that CorelDRAW allows, then use a PROPORTIONALLY smaller sized image in CORELDRAW and use the Stretch Factor in the HPGL Export menu to scale it back to the necessary size. For example, if cutting an image that is 15" wide and 60" long, then use an image that is  roughly 3" x 12".  Place the image a in a custom work page of 3" x 12" and then use a Stretch Factor of 500% in the HPGL Export menu.





To plot an exported HPGL file:

Plotting from DOS:

From DOS, use the MODE command to initialize the port. 
ie.  MODE LPT1:,,p  or  MODE COM1:9600,n,8,1,p
From the directory which contains the exported plot file, copy the file to the plotter.
ie. COPY filename.PLT LPT1:/b

Plotting from Windows 3.1:

In order to facilitate plotting, you may want to use the Windows File Manager to Copy the file to the plotter. Select the plot file, then choose File, Copy, and enter the plotter port name in the "To:" window(ie. LPT1). Select Yes for the next window to Confirm File Replace and the file will now download directly to the plotter.

PLEASE NOTE: The above paragraph on plotting from the File Manager is strictly a suggestion to facilitate plotting and will not be supported, should it fail to work.