Below are general instructions for using MacPlot. There are important details listed at the bottom of this record and on other records.
In general: Using MacPlot is like using any other printer driver; you must select it in the chooser, make sure that the cable is plugged in to the correct port (modem or printer) shown in the chooser and you should go to Page Setup and hit OK.
The most common issue by far is using the wrong cable! We do not support custom made cables or cables that are not listed on the record entitled, 'Cables Recommended for use with MacPlot.' Even if you can plot from other programs, that doesn't mean that the cable you are using will work correctly with MacPlot.
Once the MacPlot driver is selected, you use the MacPlot Configure program to configure the driver for the particular plotter you are using. To configure the driver:
1) Double click on the MacPlot Configure program. Under system 6.x, if the MacPlot driver is not selected in the Chooser, MacPlot Configure brings up the Chooser for you. In System 7, You must choose the MacPlot driver in the Chooser before launching MacPlot Configure.
2) Go under the Windows menu to Settings. This brings up the window where you select the particular plotter that you are going to plot to. Generally you will not have to change any of the other settings.
3) Go under the Window menu to Pen Info. If the plotter can handle more than one pen, you must add a pen for each color that you want to plot, and you must enter the position number for each color of pen that you wish to use. This is a common error! You must enter a position number.
4) Quit MacPlot Configure, go to your program and use the Print command to get the plot started. You may be prompted to make sure that the carousel and paper are in place.
If you are using System 7.0 or later, the MacPlot driver must be in the System folder and not in the extensions folder. If you drag the driver onto the System folder icon, System 7 will want to put it in the extensions folder. To avoid this, double click on the System folder to open its window and drag the MacPlot driver into the System folder window. The MacPlot Configure program may be anywhere on the drive.
There is a serious issue if you use a MacPlot driver previous to version 1.2 and PrintMonitor. It may corrupt the system. If you have a customer who has used an early version and PrintMonitor and has also printed to a LaserWriter you should assume that there is corruption in their system and it should be replaced!
Slowing down the pen speed may increase the quality of the final output. If you plot in draft mode, you will get a rough equivalent of the final mode plot. Hidden lines may plot, and objects that show on the screen may not plot accurately.