Opening PLT Files

The PLT file type is primarily associated with AutoCAD.

PLT	File extension: PLT
	File type:	plot drawing

What is a PLT file?

PLT files mostly belong to AutoCAD by Autodesk. PLT filename extension is associated with a wrapper (container) file format for storing various plotter files encoded in various printer/plotter control languages such as HPGL (Hewlett-Packard Graphics Language) and PostScript. This PLT format is mainly used to store vector-based plotter files created with AutoCAD 2D/3D drawing software. PLT filename extension is also directly associated with the HPGL (Hewlett-Packard Graphics Language) format used to store data sent to Hewlett-Packard plotters and printers. Tecplot scientific data visualization software uses PLT binary files to store frames and datasets which are used to render static/animated 2D and 3D visualizations. Spectra data used by MODTRAN atmospheric electromagnetic radiation modeling software, are saved in PLT files. The 3700 sample sheet data used by dnaLIMS DNA sequence processing and management software are also saved in PLT data files. Baldur's Gate role-playing game uses images saved in Infinity game engine's bitmap file format.

How to open PLT files

You need a suitable software like AutoCAD to open a PLT file. Without proper software you will receive a Windows message "How do you want to open this file?" or "Windows cannot open this file" or a similar Mac/iPhone/Android alert. If you cannot open your PLT file correctly, try to right-click or long-press the file. Then click "Open with" and choose an application. You can also display a PLT file directly in the browser:. Just drag the file onto this browser window and drop it.

Online PLT File Viewer

Choose your .plt file to view

or drag and drop it here

Online File Viewer

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How to convert a PLT file to SVG, PDF, JPG, PNG, ...

You can convert PLT files using our online PLT file viewer (powered by Convert.Guru):

Just click the "Choose your .plt file to view" button on this page.
Your PLT file will then be displayed in the browser.
Now click on "Save as..." at the top of the page.
Then choose the image format (e.g. SVG, PDF, JPG, PNG, ...) you want.
Download the converted file.

Programs that open and convert PLT files:

AutoCAD by Autodesk
See the previous paragraphs to learn more about the main application. PLT files are often referred to as AutoCAD vector images because this type of file is primarily created or used by this software.
ABViewer (plot drawing) by CADSoftTools
ABViewer is a versatile program for viewing, editing, and converting drawings created with various 2D and 3D technical drawing applications. Some drawing file formats supported by ABViewer include DWG drawings and plotter drawings stored in PLT files. This file format is classified as Vector Image. Related links: HP-GL
AVS (video playlist) by AVS4YOU
AVS is a multimedia software for playing various audio and video file formats including but not limited to MP4, MOV, MKV, WMV, OGG, MP3, and WAV. Video playlists created with some versions of AVS are stored in PLT files. This file format is classified as Video.
Baldur's Gate (bitmap image) by BioWare
Baldur's Gate is a series of real-time role-playing video games for PC and console platforms. PLT files used in Baldur's Gate are images stored in the bitmap format used by the Infinity game engine which renders the game. This file format is classified as Game.
CAD file by CST CAD Navigator
Enables to open and convert different 2D/3D files, get their dimensions and create section views. The software is compatible with Windows, macOS, and Linux.
Clipper (pre-linked transfer data) by Corel
Clipper was a source code compiler for xBase programming language. Pre-linked transfer files used by the compiler had PLT filename extension. This compiler has been discontinued. This file format is classified as Developer.
CorelDRAW (plot drawing) by Corel
CorelDRAW is a professional vector graphics design program distributed as part of CorelDRAW Graphics Suite. Drawings created with CorelDRAW may be sent to a printer or plotter as a PLT file encoded in Hewlett-Packard Graphics Language. This file format is classified as Vector Image. Related links: HP-GL
dnaLIMS (3700 sample sheet) by dnaTools
dnaLIMS is an online DNA sequence ordering and sequence retrieval system. The service is used to process and manage DNA sequencing requests. It saves its 3700 sample sheet data in PLT files. This file format is classified as Data.
Focus (plotter document) by Tecplot
Focus is a computer aided design software for plotting 2D and 3D line and surface engineering test data. It saves plot documents in PLT binary files. This file format is classified as Vector Image. Related links: Tecplot Data File Types (DAT, PLT, SZPLT)
GeoWorks Ensemble (data) by Blueway Softworks
GeoWorks Ensemble (later Breadbox Ensemble) was an open source GUI-based operating system written in C and Assembly programming languages. The operating environment ran on classic DOS-based and IBM-compatible PCs. Some data used by GeoWorks Ensemble was saved in PLT format. This file format is classified as Data.
MicroStation (driver configuration for plotting) by Bentley
Microstation is a computer-aided design software for drafting, designing, and modeling 2D and 3D vector graphics in architectural, technical, geographic, and engineering sectors. The driver configuration for plotting graphics created with Microstation is saved in a PLT file. This file format is classified as CAD.
MODTRAN (spectra output data) by Spectral Sciences
MODTRAN (short for MODerate resolution atmospheric TRANsmission) is a PC software that allows users to model and analyze atmospheric propagation of electromagnetic radiation. Spectra output data used by MODTRAN are stored in PLT files. This file format is classified as Data.
Omega (layered image) by Gerber
Omega is an all-in-one software solution for designing, printing, and cutting professional signs, labels, decals. The Layered images, text, and vinyl cutting instructions. That are used by some versions of Omega are stored in PLT files. This file format is classified as Vector Image.
Organiser (paper layout definition) by IBM
Organiser was a personal information manager software for classic IBM PC platforms. The program was used for time, personal information, and contact management. Its paper layout definition was stored in PLT files. This file format is classified as Page Layout.
OziExplorer (plot track) by Des & Lorraine
OZiExplorer is a discontinued GPS software for computers. This program is used to create, view, and upload/download maps to/from GPS devices. It also provided tools for planning trips and monitoring GPS positions in real-time. Plot track data used by OZiExplorer are stored in PLT files. This file format is classified as GIS.
Page Magic (paper) by NEBS
Page Magic was a business-oriented desktop publishing software for Windows 3.x operating system. Paper data used by Page Magic were saved in PLT files. This file format is classified as Data.
PLATO (risk management data) by Unisys
PLATO appears to be a discontinued risk management tool which stores risk management data in PLT files. This file format is classified as Data.
Rhea-PV2D (2D plot) by TITAN Algorithms
Rhea-PV2D is a discontinued 2D plotting program that served as a complimentary tool to Rhea-Emulus (digitizer) and Hyperion-CADRazor (3D OpenGL tool). The program supports native and ASCII PLT (plotter) formats. This file format is classified as Vector Image.
Star Wars: X-wing vs. Tie Fighter (fighter pilot) by Lucasfilm
Star Wars: X-Wing vs. TIE Fighter was a space simulation video game for Windows operating system. Fighter pilot data used by the game was stored in PLT files. This file format is classified as Data.
Tinke (color palette) by Benito Palacios Sánchez
Tinke is a tool for viewing and editing Nintendo DS video game data. This utility is written in C# programming language and it may be used to view or edit Nintendo DS color palettes saved in PLT files. Tinke has been discontinued. This file format is classified as Data.
Windows Update (data) by Microsoft
Windows Update, as the name suggests, is a system software for downloading and installing updates to computers running Windows operating system. Some data used by this program appears to be saved in PLT files. This file format is classified as Data.
XnView (plot drawing) by XnSoft
XnView is an image manipulation program used to view, edit or convert pictures stored in various formats. It can be used to open plotted drawings stored in PLT format. Such PLT files include a series of two-character commands followed by digits that represent start/end points, lines, paths etc. This file format is classified as Vector Image. Related links: SwiftView, HP-GL

PLT format details:

Each file has a definite file format, that is, how the stored data is arranged in the file. The first characters in a file identify the file format, for example, HTML files start with the bytes <html>. However, different programs can use the same file extension. Furthermore, a file extension can be renamed incorrectly and double-clicking on it will then display an error when it is opened. Exact knowledge of the format is therefore important in order to solve problems occurring in files. Our evaluation of the PLT files is as follows:

The PLT file extension is quite widespread and is used by a few programs, each with its own file format. The two most common formats are as follows:

25% of all PLT files start with the magic bytes IN, which are always the first bytes of this file format. These files are plain text, which means they can be viewed with any text editor such as Windows Editor, Nano for Linux, and TextEdit for macOS. Most of these files are 1 KB to 270 KB in size. The file type was developed 10 years ago and is still in use today. Certain words are almost always found in the files, such as PW0.350,2;, PW0.350,3; and PW0.350,4;. Such PLT files store data about logo, conv, back and golf.
20% of all PLT files are Hewlett-Packard Graphics Language 2 files. A typical file size is 410 KB. The following keywords are characteristic: -12345X and PJL JOB NAME. Such files sometimes refer to model, cjardim, layout and site.

All other PLT files (55%) have no consistent format, frequently e.g. OziExplorer track, HPGL plot, PlayLisT for TSV video, PDF, GZIP, BEGMF, Adobe, Geolife, Transient, OceJobBegin, Gerber and PLANT. Files like these are sometimes linked to plot, planta, conjunto, modelo, sheet, discmap, drawing, general, escala, plano or plan. Drag & drop your file here to see the file format and a preview of your PLT file!

Technical Data for PLT File Extension

File classification:

Vector Image

Related files:

plot, platform, hpgl, ptl, pit, ezd, zip, platoon, dxf, lpt, hpg, mmd, pdf, dwg, blt, ipt, slg, jpg, check, tlt, ctb

Mime type:

text/plain, video/x-plt

The following listing is compiled from the database produced by the 'Associate This!' program, selected data from the main FILExt database and file extension information submitted by users.

ProgramID: AutoCADLTPlot, FileType: AutoCAD LT Plot

ProgramID: AutoCADPlot, FileType: AutoCAD Plot

ProgramID: CorelDRAW.Graphic.11, FileType: CorelDRAW 11.0 Graphic, AppName: CorelDRAW(R)
EXEFile: coreldrw.exe

ProgramID: pltile, AppName: PlayListAgent
EXEFile: PlayListAgent.exe

ProgramID: ACDSee.plt
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\ACD Systems\ACDSee\5.0\ACDSee5.exe %1

ProgramID: PLT_UV
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\Advanced Image Viewer and Converter\ImgViewer.exe %1

ProgramID: PLTEditor.Document
EXEFile: C:\NEVERW~1\NWN\_\JUSTIN~1\PLTEDI~1.EXE %1

ProgramID: WinPress
EXEFile: C:\arcgis\arcexe9x\bin\WinPress.exe %1

ProgramID: View Station Document
EXEFile: C:\View\Station\Image.exe %1

ProgramID: PLAYLIST
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\Ulead Systems\Ulead DVD Player\DVDPlayer.exe %1

ProgramID: PLAYLIST
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\Ulead Systems\Ulead DVD MovieFactory 3 Disc Creator Trial\DVDPlayer.exe %1

ProgramID: PLAYLIST
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\MovieFactory 3\DVDPlayer.exe %1

ProgramID: XnView.Image
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\XnView\xnview.exe %1

ProgramID: Setup PLT.Document
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\PLT\Setup PLT.exe -p %1

ProgramID: WinPress
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\ArcGIS\arcexe9x\bin\WinPress.exe %1

ProgramID: CadStd
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\Apperson\CadStd\cadstd.exe %1

ProgramID: PLAYLIST
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\Ulead Systems\Ulead DVD Player Trial\DVDPlayer.exe

ProgramID: PSP7.Image
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\Jasc Software Inc\Paint Shop Pro 7\psp.exe

ProgramID: PlotFlow File
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\ArchiCAD 6.5\PlotFlow\PlotFlow.exe

ProgramID: EMBIRD.File.plt
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\EMBIRD32\EMBIRD.EXE

ProgramID: application/vnd.hp-HPGL
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\SwiftView\sview.exe

ProgramID: PLAYLIST
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\Ulead Systems\Ulead DVD MovieFactory 3 Suite\DVDPlayer.exe

ProgramID: DataFit.Plot
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\DataFit\datafit.exe

ProgramID: PLAYLIST
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\Ulead Systems\Ulead DVD Player 2.0\DVDPlayer.exe

Show all 24 listings To Top

a plt plot drawing is a special file format by Autodesk and should only be edited and saved with the appropriate software.

How to solve problems with PLT files

Associate the PLT file extension with the correct application.
Update your software that should actually open plot drawings. Because only the current version supports the latest PLT file format. Search, therefore, e.g. on the Autodesk manufacturer website after an available AutoCAD update.
To make sure that your PLT file is not corrupted or virus-infected, get the file again and scan it with Google's virustotal.com.
Click here to open your .PLT file online - secure, fast, and no downloads needed.