D3PLOT 22.1

Introduction to Laser Plotting

Introduction to Laser Plotting

By default all graphics images generated by D3PLOT are sent only to the screen, but you can choose to copy them to laser files (postscript and pdf files for a laser printer).

This is done by pressing the "Plot" button when you are in Postscripts/PDF.

Laser language and file format used

At present D3PLOT writes Postscript laser files, using PS ADOBE level 2.0 commands, and PDF files. These are ASCII files that can be viewed and edited using any common editor.

"Encapsulated" Postscript files are not written, but later in Creating Encapsulated Postscript (EPS) files the very simple edits required to convert a file to encapsulated form are given.

Laser output is switchable between A4 (297 x 210mm), A3(420 x 297mm) and US "letter" (11" x 8.5") paper sizes. However the Postscript language makes it easy to edit files to fit other sizes.

The laser driver defaults to "PDF" file format, you can opt for "Postscript" laser file.

Number and orientation of plots on a page

The laser driver defaults to "landscape" orientation, with one plot per page. You can opt for "portrait" orientation and, in both cases, put multiple plots on a page in a variety of layouts.

Resolution setting

Postscript and pdf files generated can have higher than current screen resolution. Screen resolution, twice and four times screen resolutions are all available.