Free online HPGL to PS converter
Convert HPGL plotter drawings to PostScript for printing and vector-workflow compatibility.
Convert HPGL to PS online - free
Your file is processed instantly and deleted as soon as you download it.
Import a file from a URL
Paste a direct link to the file. We download it to our server and it is converted exactly like an upload.
How it works
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Upload your .hpgl file
Click to browse to select your file you want to convert or simply drag & drop your file into selected area.
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Perform .hpgl to .ps conversion
After successful file upload, click to convert when you are ready.
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Download converted .ps file
Conversion result is ready to download.
How to convert hpgl to ps file
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Plotter drawings saved as HPGL often need conversion when a print shop or publishing workflow accepts PostScript but not plotter files. PS provides a page-description format for printing and exchanging vector artwork with PostScript-compatible systems.
What the HPGL format is
HPGL (Hewlett-Packard Graphics Language) is a vector plotting language that describes pen movements, lines, and other plotter instructions. CAD and technical-drawing programs, plotters, and plotting utilities create HPGL files, commonly with .plt or .hpgl extensions.
What the PS format is
PS is a PostScript page-description file. It can describe vector paths and page layout for PostScript printers and publishing workflows. Because artwork is represented as scalable drawing instructions, PS is useful for print exchange without converting the drawing to a fixed-resolution image.
Convert the file
Online on 101convert.com
- Upload the HPGL file on the converter page.
- Choose PS as the output format and start the conversion. The page supports batch conversion; its per-file size limit is shown there.
- Download the converted PS file or files.
The conversion runs on the site's server using Inkscape.
Offline with desktop software
hp2xx is free, open-source software for converting HPGL to PostScript. On Linux and other Unix-like systems where it is installed, run:
hp2xx -m ps -f drawing.ps drawing.hpgl
Replace the input and output filenames as needed. The -m ps option selects PostScript output; -f sets the output filename.
In CorelDRAW, use File → Import to open the HPGL/PLT drawing, then use File → Export, select PostScript (PS) as the file type, and save. Available import and export filters can vary by CorelDRAW version.
Quality and compatibility
Check the resulting page size, orientation, and scale before printing: HPGL coordinates and plotter settings may not map to the intended page automatically. Pen selection, line widths, and colors can also be interpreted differently by conversion software. PS retains vector drawing information, but it does not preserve the original HPGL plotter commands as editable HPGL instructions.
Note: This hpgl to ps conversion record is incomplete, must be verified, and may contain inaccuracies. Please vote below whether you found this information helpful or not.
HPGL vs PS: format comparison
How the HPGL and PS formats compare on the properties that matter most for this conversion.
| Property | .HPGL Hewlett-Packard Graphics Language | .PS PostScript |
|---|---|---|
| Open standard | Partly open | Partly open |
| Compression | Uncompressed | Both |
| Typical file size | Small | Large |
| Opens in a web browser | No | No |
| Further editing | Limited | Limited |
| Metadata support | None | Basic |
| Plain-text readable | Yes | Yes |
| Best used for | Embedding in applications | Printing |
| Introduced | 1977 | 1982 |
| Developer | Hewlett-Packard | Adobe Systems |
| MIME type | — | application/postscript |
Information about file extensions and file types is provided by File-Extensions.org
Frequently asked questions
Is the HPGL to PS converter free?
Yes, converting HPGL to PS on 101convert.com is completely free. No registration, email address or installation is required. If you need a higher file size limit or want to convert more files at once, see our plans.
How large can my HPGL file be?
You can upload HPGL files up to 10 MB and convert up to 3 files at once in a single batch. With a paid plan the limit is up to 1000 MB per file and 50 files at once, see our plans.
What happens to my uploaded files?
Files are processed automatically and deleted from our servers within a few minutes after conversion. We never view or share your files.
Do I need to install any software to convert HPGL to PS?
No. The HPGL to PS conversion runs entirely online in your browser and works on Windows, Mac, Linux, Android and iPhone.
Did the conversion fail?
In most cases, the cause is an incorrect file format. Please upload a valid HPGL file for this HPGL to PS conversion. Occasionally, the issue may be on our side. We analyze recurring conversion failures and disable or fix the converter if we detect a defect.