Free online TIFF to PLT converter

Plotters and some CAD or sign-making workflows require HP-GL files with a .plt extension, while scanned drawings and artwork often arrive as TIFF images. Converting the image makes it usable in those workflows, but raster content may need tracing before it can be plotted as lines.

What TIFF is

TIFF (Tagged Image File Format) stores raster images and is common for scans, archival images, and print production. Scanners, Photoshop, and GIMP can create TIFF files; TIFFs may be uncompressed or use lossless compression, and some can contain multiple pages.

What PLT is

In graphics workflows, PLT usually means a plotter file containing HP-GL or a related plotter instruction set. It describes pen movements and drawing operations for compatible plotters and software. PLT is useful for sending line art to plotters, but support for specific HP-GL variants and device settings differs between applications.

How to convert TIFF to PLT

Online on 101convert.com

1. Upload the TIFF file on the converter page. Several files can be converted in one batch; check the page for the per-file size limit.
2. Choose PLT as the output format and start the conversion.
3. Download the converted file or files.

Offline with desktop software

Inkscape is free and open source for Windows, macOS, and Linux. Import the TIFF, select it, and use Path → Trace Bitmap to create vector paths. Remove or hide the original raster image, then use Inkscape’s HPGL Output extension to save the paths as a plotter file. The extension may not be included in every installation; if it is unavailable, use software with HP-GL export.

CorelDRAW can import TIFF images and export PLT/HP-GL files. For line art, select the bitmap and use Bitmaps → Outline Trace (PowerTRACE); inspect and adjust the traced paths, then export through File → Export and select PLT/HP-GL. Export labels and settings vary by version.

Quality and compatibility

A TIFF is made of pixels, whereas standard HP-GL output describes plotter movements. Tracing can simplify edges and discard photographic tones, so photographs and shaded images usually do not convert into faithful pen-plotter output. Check the PLT file’s scale, units, pen assignments, and HP-GL variant against the target device before plotting.