Tech Tips
How do I import graphics from the VAX to my PC word processor?
We're so glad you asked!
The basic procedure is to generate a graphics file from the VAX
program you are using, download the file, and finally, import
that file into a word processor such as WordPerfect for Windows
or Word for Windows.
Although WordPerfect and Word can read in graphics files in
several different formats, we recommend that you generate an HPGL
file from your application whenever possible. This will allow
you to view the graphic in your word processor and to print it on
any printer (not just PostScript compatible ones).
First, you should generate the HPGL file.
- From MATLAB:
-
After viewing your plot on the terminal screen, type the
following command at the MATLAB>> prompt:
meta metatmp
-
Type the following at the MATLAB>> prompt:
!gpp metatmp /dhpgl
-
This will generate an HPGL file named metatmp.hpgl (your
filename can be different if you wish)
- From ACSL:
- After running your program, type the following command
at the ACSL> prompt (or place it in your .cmd file):
set devplt=4,plt=99
- Plot your graph inside ACSL
- This will generate a file named plot99.dat
- From GNUPLOT:
- Before plotting, type the following command at the
GNUPLOT prompt:
set term hpgl
- Type this command before plotting to redirect the output
from the screen to a file:
set output myfile.dat
- This will create an HPGL file with the name myfile.dat
(you can use any name here you want).
- From TechPlot:
Note: Because of the complexity of creating an HPGL file in
TechPlot, we recommend creating postscript files within this
application.
- After you have created your PSU file, choose option 1 -
Produce Plot from the menu
- Choose 1 - Final Plot
-
Choose PS from the Select Device menu; a PostScript
file with the extension PS will be created. (Note: you can
generate an HPGL file by using Kermit's screen capture and
selecting H from the Select Device menu).
After you create your file, download the file from your VAX
account to a PC (using Kermit or another file transfer program).
Then, you're ready to import the file into your word processor.
- For WordPerfect for Windows:
- Select Graphics Figure Create
- Choose 1 - Filename
- Type in the name of the file
- For Word For Windows:
- Select Insert Picture
-
Choose the file to be inserted from the list that appears in
the dialog box.
When you get ready to print your document, make sure that you
select the correct printer.
The Computing Connection, Vol 3, No 3, June 1993
D. W. Mattson Computer Center, Tennessee Technological University
This page maintained by: Lauren Neal
For additional information, contact Lauren Neal, LNeal@tntech.edu
Last updated: December 11, 1998
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