Tipster Brent Shank sends us a tip on using PLT files and the Publisher command in AutoCAD.

"Our network is set up such that each job has a unique job number, and a job folder on the server where we store plot files at various stages of document production. Typically a user will run Publish, then navigate to his or her job folder to save the PLT files. To avoid a lot of folder navigation, I've created a Plot Files folder on my desktop and set the default output location in Publish Options to that folder. Now, I can simply run through the Publish dialog box and know that the PLT files will be in a folder on my desktop. From there I can zip them up, e-mail them out, and then move them to their correct folder on the server."

Notes from Cadalyst Tip Patrol: Although it's something that we all have to do, plotting can be difficult. There are so many settings that sometimes it is next to impossible to produce paper prints. One method is to produce PLT — or plot — files, which are then sent to a plotter or plotting service. Brent's office uses them on every project. They save the files in specific folders for later use and probably for archival purposes as well. Instead of hunting for the proper location every time he plots, he has routed his PLT files to a folder on his desktop; all PLT files go there by default. That makes it easier for him to sort them later, especially if he needs to send them to a client or vendor. There are several settings that you can use with the Publish command — file location is only one of them. The Publisher is a great tool for batch-plotting your drawings.