FIG to PLT Converter

Convert FIG to PLT online — preserve vector quality

Choose Files

Drop files here. 1 GB maximum file size or Sign Up

One-Click Transform

Convert FIG drawings to PLT output in one action — no intermediate formats, no extra steps needed.

Server-Side Power

Conversion happens in the cloud. Your local CPU and memory remain free while Convertio handles the processing.

Browser Freedom

Use whichever browser you prefer — Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge. The converter runs the same everywhere.

How to convert FIG to PLT

Select files from Computer, Google Drive, Dropbox, URL or by dragging it on the page.

Choose plt or any other format you need as a result (more than 200 formats supported)

Let the file convert and you can download your plt file right afterwards

About formats

FIG is the native file format of Xfig, a free vector graphics editor for the X Window System, originally written by Supoj Sutanthavibul at the University of Texas at Austin in 1985. The format uses a plain-text structure where each graphic object is described on one or more lines with numeric parameters specifying object type, coordinates, line properties, fill attributes, and depth ordering. FIG supports compound objects (groups), polylines, polygons, splines, arcs, ellipses, text strings, and imported bitmaps, each with configurable colors, line styles, arrow heads, and area fills. Files begin with a header line declaring the format version (currently 3.2), followed by a resolution specification and the object definitions. One advantage is exceptional simplicity — the entirely text-based format is trivially parsed, generated, and manipulated by scripts, making FIG popular as an intermediate format in automated diagram generation pipelines. The rich ecosystem of conversion tools is another strength: fig2dev exports FIG files to dozens of output formats including EPS, PDF, SVG, LaTeX picture environments, PSTricks, and TikZ. This made Xfig and FIG especially popular in academic and scientific communities, where authors generate publication-quality figures that integrate seamlessly with LaTeX documents. While graphical tools have evolved since the 1980s, FIG remains in use among researchers who value its scriptability, LaTeX integration, and well-documented format stability.

Developer: Supoj Sutanthavibul

Initial release: 1985

PLT is a vector file format associated with HP-GL (Hewlett-Packard Graphics Language), a plotter control language introduced by Hewlett-Packard in 1977 with the HP-9872 pen plotter. PLT files contain a sequence of two-letter ASCII commands that instruct a pen plotter to move, draw lines, select pens, and render text — commands like PU (pen up), PD (pen down), PA (plot absolute), and SP (select pen) form a straightforward instruction set that directly controls physical drawing motion. The language operates on a coordinate grid measured in plotter units (typically 0.025 mm per unit), and the resulting files read almost like machine code for a drawing device. HP-GL became the dominant standard for computer-aided design output, adopted by virtually every CAD application and supported by plotters from all manufacturers throughout the 1980s and 1990s. One advantage is universal CAD compatibility — PLT files generated by AutoCAD, SolidWorks, or any engineering software can be sent directly to plotters and cutting machines without driver translation. The text-based, human-readable command structure is another strength: engineers can inspect, edit, and hand-write PLT files to troubleshoot output or generate simple drawings programmatically. HP-GL/2, an enhanced version introduced with the HP LaserJet III in 1990, added polygon fills, Bezier curves, and raster support. PLT remains actively used in engineering, architecture, and manufacturing for large-format output.

Developer: Hewlett-Packard

Initial release: 1977

Frequently Asked Questions

Why convert FIG to PLT?

FIG is a legacy format with narrow tool support. PLT is recognized by plotter software, AutoCAD, CorelDRAW, and CNC applications.

What apps handle PLT format?

You can open PLT files with plotter software, AutoCAD, CorelDRAW, and various CNC or vinyl cutter applications.

Does Convertio support FIG files from all Xfig versions?

Convertio handles standard FIG format files. Most Xfig versions produce compatible output that converts cleanly.

Does this converter handle complex FIG files?

Yes — Convertio processes FIG files with various elements including splines, arcs, text objects, and embedded images.

Is the FIG to PLT converter available 24/7?

Yes — Convertio runs around the clock. Convert FIG files to PLT any time, from anywhere with an internet connection.

Is FIG to PLT conversion free on Convertio?

Yes — Convertio offers free FIG to PLT conversion for standard use. Upload, convert, and download without any cost.

Related Conversions

FIG to JPG

FIG to PDF

FIG to PNG

FIG to EPS

FIG to SVG

FIG to JPEG

FIG to BMP

FIG to PSD

FIG to DOC

FIG to GIF

FIG to DXF

FIG to DOCX

FIG to TIFF

FIG to AI

FIG to EMF

FIG to HTML

FIG to ODT

FIG to WMF

FIG to PCX

FIG to SGI

FIG to SK

FIG to OTB

FIG to DOT

FIG to RGB

FIG to PS

FIG to CGM

FIG to SK1

FIG to PLT

FIG to JP2

FIG to WBMP

FIG to TGA

FIG to ICO

FIG to CUR

FIG to PBM

FIG to PGM

FIG to PPM

FIG to WEBP

FIG to EXR

FIG to FAX

FIG to FTS

FIG to G3

FIG to HDR

FIG to HRZ

FIG to IPL

FIG to MAP

FIG to MNG

FIG to MTV

FIG to PAL

FIG to PALM

FIG to PAM

FIG to PCD

FIG to PCT

FIG to PDB

FIG to PFM

FIG to PICON

FIG to PICT

FIG to PNM

FIG to RAS

FIG to RGBA

FIG to RGBO

Specific converters

JPG to PLT

PNG to PLT

AI to PLT

DXF to PLT

JPEG to PLT

SVG to PLT

BMP to PLT

EPS to PLT

CDR to PLT

WEBP to PLT

PSD to PLT

GIF to PLT

JFIF to PLT

AVIF to PLT

DST to PLT

WMF to PLT

TIFF to PLT

PS to PLT

XCF to PLT

HEIC to PLT

ICO to PLT

CMX to PLT

PBM to PLT

PCX to PLT

JP2 to PLT

IPL to PLT

HDR to PLT

PCT to PLT

JBG to PLT

JPS to PLT