README File of HPGL2PS1.23 January 20, 1990 This is a complete rewrite of the original HPGL2PS which I uploaded in June 1989. The first program worked fine with HPGL-files generated by Xcad but would not understand some of the HPGL commands generated by other programs such as for example Superplan. Now it will convert those files into Postscript as well. You should set the plotter selection in Xcad, Draw2000, or Superplan to HP7475A and send the plotter commands into a file in rad: or ram: . You can then print such files directly on a Laserprinter using HPGL2PS. I have also added the option to set in the command line the linewidths of the 6 pens the HP7475A plotter uses. Usage: HPGL2PS infile outfile [options] Command line options are: [?] as only parameter after HPGL2PS prints a help file on the screen. [L] prints in landscape mode (the default is portrait mode). [P][n] [number] sets the linewidth of pen n to number (in points). The default settings for linewidths of pen 1 to pen 6 are 0.5, 0.8, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, and 0.01 points. Here is an example of a valid command line: 1. HPGL2PS infile outfile P1 1 P2 .5 P3 1.5 P4 3.0 This would create a Postscript file in outfile with the linewidths of pens 1 to 4 set to 1, 0.5, 1.5, and 3, respectively. Pens 5 and 6 retain their default values. I have chosen the default linewidth of pen 6 as 0.01 because it is used by Xdraw to draw a grid on the plot, if requested in the command line. 2. HPGL2PS infile ser: L This would print the HPGL-file infile directly on the laserprinter in landscape mode with all default linewidths left unchanged. ----------------------- UPDATE INFO on version 1.23 (January 1990): I have added the ability to specify the location of the graph on the paper (left lower coordinates). For example, the command line command "C 2.0 2.5" will move the origin of the plot two inches up and 2.5 inches to the right. The option S lets you scale the graph. "S .5" will scale the plot to 50% of its original size. Combinations of S and C commands let you place the graph at any place on the paper at any size. ---------------------- UPLOAD TO BIX (October 1990) This program has been posted on PLink since January 1990. I was asked to upload it to BIX because some people at BIX do not subscribe to PLink. I have used the program myself over the last 10 months to print the figures for an entire biochemistry textbook on a laserwriter II. I never had a problem. ---------------------- This program is freeware, i.e., you are free to use it for your own purpose and distribute it freely, but you may not sell it for profit. I own the copywright of Xdraw and, therefore, ask that you retain my name in the program. If you find any bugs or have suggestions for improvements and features you would like to see, please leave E-mail at BIX for rwerner or write to me. If you have any questions in using this program or if you discover bugs, please leave E-mail or write to me. Rudolf Werner 1325 Bella Vista Coral Gables, FL. 33156