HPG File Extension

HPG file icon

HPGL Plot Format

What is a HPG file?

The HPG extension is related to HPGL Plot Format and is classified in the Vector Image Files category, which contains 120 files.

The HPGL Plot Format (HPG) was created by HP, a company that developed file format and produced 11 programs for their use.

HPG files are compatible with various operating systems, including Linux, Windows and Mac OS. If you need to view a HPG file, you can use one of 6 programs, such as XnView, 3D-Tool and AutoCAD.

MIME types

  • application/x-hpgl
  • application/vnd.hp-hpgl
  • vector/x-hpgl2
  • application/x-hpg
  • image/x-hpgl
  • image/x-hpg
  • application/hpg
  • vector/x-hpgl

How to open a HPG file?

If you’re having difficulty opening a HPG file, it is often due to not having the correct software. To solve the problem, choose a compatible program from the list. Then follow the link to the official developer site, download the software, and install it on your device.

XnView, 3D-Tool and AutoCAD are among the most widely used programs for handling HPG files. To set up the newest version of AutoCAD on your device, simply go to the official Autodesk website. There you can download the edition compatible with every operating system.

Once the process is complete, AutoCAD should take over as the default application for HPG files.

Make AutoCAD the default HPG viewer

Change the default app to open files on Mac

  1. Right click or use Control + Left Click on the desired HPG file to access a dropdown menu of actions;
  2. Choose "Open in Application" and click "Other";
  3. At the bottom of the window, you will find the "Enable" menu. Default, will be set to "Recommended Programs";
  4. Choose "All Programs" in this menu and search for AutoCAD. Check the box next to "Always open in app" to make it the default program.

Change default programs in Windows

  1. Start by right-clicking on your HPG file, then select "Open With" and continue by clicking "Choose another app" from the options provided;
  2. Inside the popup window, scroll through the list of applications and specifically choose AutoCAD as the application to associate with your HPG file;
  3. Check the "Always use this app" checkbox and click "OK".

How to edit a HPG file?

To modify HPG files, it is necessary to install dedicated software that lets you open and edit vector image files. Online HPG editors generally offer fewer tools compared to programs designed for HPGL Plot Format.

Best HPG Editor Software in 2026

Based on the criteria above, here is a selection of HPG editors you can use.

HPG Editor SoftwareDeveloperPlatformsOverall Rating
AutoCADAutodeskWindows, Mac OS4.4 out of 5 (37 reviews)

Convert files to and from HPG

If you struggle with a HPG file, consider converting it to alternative formats such as DXF, IGS, PDF or other similar file types.

It is important to understand that converting a HPG file might limit certain functions, but this conversion is usually reversible.

Convert HPG to other file formats

Converting Files to HPG Format

Finding answers to HPG file problems

Rest assured, any issues with HPG files can typically be addressed with simple software adjustments. See the tips below for help.

What are the steps to repair a damaged HPG file?

Open the damaged HPG file in a recovery program and select the "Repair" menu item to start the repair operation. Allow the recovery process to complete, which will automatically repair the damaged vector image files.

What are the methods to detect if my HPG file has been corrupted?

The signs of corrupted HPG vector image files can manifest as:

  • Unexplained HPG file size inflation;
  • AutoCAD or other programs stop responding or crash when trying to handle the file;
  • When opening the file, errors occur or the inability to access its contents;
  • While working with the file, error alerts are encountered;
  • The file shows slow performance when edited in AutoCAD;

What are the reasons behind AutoCAD crash?

Insufficient software updates can contribute to AutoCAD crash. To avoid this, make sure that you have installed the latest updates for Autodesk products.

A computer restart is often the key to solving numerous common problems. That’s why, it is recommended to restart the computer before making any changes to the software settings.