PLT File Extension

What is PLT file?

Files with PLT extension are used by AutoCAD. PLT is a vector-based plotter file that can store geometrical shapes, images, mathematical calculations, objects, and other AutoCAD-specific elements.

Additional information

1. PLT files are used by plotters to print projects using lines instead of dots.
2. PLT format is based on HPGL standard, a language in which instructions for printers are written.

Programs which support PLT file extension

Programs that can handle PLT files are as follows. Files with PLT suffix can be copied to any mobile device or system platform, but it may not be possible to open them properly on target system.

Updated: 02/16/2022

How to open file with PLT extension?

Being unable to open files with PLT extension can be have various origins. On the bright side, the most encountered issues pertaining to AutoCAD Plotter Document files aren’t complex. In most cases they can be addressed swiftly and effectively without assistance from a specialist. We have prepared a listing of which will help you resolve your problems with PLT files.

Step 1. Get the AutoCAD

Problems with opening and working with PLT files are most probably having to do with no proper software compatible with PLT files being present on your machine. This one is an easy one. Select AutoCAD or one of the recommended programs (for example, ArtCut, XnView, Corel Presentations) and download it from appropriate source and install on your system. Above you will find a complete listing of programs that support PLT files, classified according to system platforms for which they are available. If you want to download AutoCAD installer in the most secured manner, we suggest you visit Autodesk, Inc. website and download from their official repositories.

Step 2. Check the version of AutoCAD and update if needed

If you already have AutoCAD installed on your systems and PLT files are still not opened properly, check if you have the latest version of the software. It may also happen that software creators by updating their applications add compatibility with other, newer file formats. If you have an older version of AutoCAD installed, it may not support PLT format. The latest version of AutoCAD should support all file formats that where compatible with older versions of the software.

Step 3. Associate AutoCAD Plotter Document files with AutoCAD

If the issue has not been solved in the previous step, you should associate PLT files with latest version of AutoCAD you have installed on your device. The method is quite simple and varies little across operating systems.

Change the default application in Windows

• Clicking the PLT with right mouse button will bring a menu from which you should select the Open with option
• Next, select the Choose another app option and then using More apps open the list of available applications
• Finally select Look for another app on this PC, point to the folder where AutoCAD is installed, check the Always use this app to open PLT files box and conform your selection by clicking OK button

Change the default application in Mac OS

• From the drop-down menu, accessed by clicking the file with PLT extension, select Information
• Proceed to the Open with section. If its closed, click the title to access available options
• Select the appropriate software and save your settings by clicking Change all
• If you followed the previous steps a message should appear: This change will be applied to all files with PLT extension. Next, click the Continue button to finalize the process.

Step 4. Ensure that the PLT file is complete and free of errors

If you followed the instructions form the previous steps yet the issue is still not solved, you should verify the PLT file in question. It is probable that the file is corrupted and thus cannot be accessed.

1. Verify that the PLT in question is not infected with a computer virus

If the PLT is indeed infected, it is possible that the malware is blocking it from opening. Scan the PLT file as well as your computer for malware or viruses. If the PLT file is indeed infected follow the instructions below.

2. Verify that the PLT file’s structure is intact

Did you receive the PLT file in question from a different person? Ask him/her to send it one more time. During the copy process of the file errors may occurred rendering the file incomplete or corrupted. This could be the source of encountered problems with the file. When downloading the file with PLT extension from the internet an error may occurred resulting in incomplete file. Try downloading the file again.

3. Check if the user that you are logged as has administrative privileges.

Sometimes in order to access files user need to have administrative privileges. Switch to an account that has required privileges and try opening the AutoCAD Plotter Document file again.

4. Verify that your device fulfills the requirements to be able to open AutoCAD

If the systems has insufficient resources to open PLT files, try closing all currently running applications and try again.

5. Check if you have the latest updates to the operating system and drivers

Regularly updated system, drivers, and programs keep your computer secure. This may also prevent problems with AutoCAD Plotter Document files. It may be the case that the PLT files work properly with updated software that addresses some system bugs.

Do you want to help?

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