.HPL File Extension

HP-GL Plotter File

Developer Hewlett-Packard
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What is an HPL file?

An HPL file is a vector image format that includes printer instructions written in the Hewlett-Packard Graphics Language (HP-GL). HPL files often store CAD designs sent to a plotter printer (which draws images using lines instead of dots) to print the image. HP-GL files are more commonly saved as .HPGL files.

More Information

Hewlett-Packard developed the HP-GL and introduced it in 1977 when it released the HP-9872 plotter. It soon became a standard for plotters to print vector images, most prominently CAD drawings, such as engineering designs and architectural blueprints. Because of its prominent use in CAD environments, many CAD software packages support the format.

NOTE: Hewlett-Packard replaced HP-GL with Hewlett-Packard Graphics Language/2 (HP-GL/2).

How to open an HPL file

You can open HPL files with various applications, including IMSI TurboCAD, Corel PaintShop Pro, and Lemkesoft CADintosh. For example, to open an HPL file with PaintShop Pro, select File → Open.

How to convert an HPL file

Various applications, such as Corel PaintShop Pro and Lemkesoft GraphicConverter, can convert HPL files to other formats.

For example, PaintShop Pro can convert an HPL file to various file types, including the following formats:

  • .JPG - JPEG Image
  • .PNG - Portable Network Graphic
  • .BMP - Bitmap Image
  • .EMF - Enhanced Windows Metafile
  • .EPS - Encapsulated PostScript File
  • .TIF - Tagged Image File
  • .GIF - Graphical Interchange Format File
  • .TGA - Targa Graphic
  • .WMF - Windows Metafile
  • .PSD - Adobe Photoshop Document
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Programs that open HPL files

Verified by FileInfo.com

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