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Plotter Frequently Asked Questions
Plotting FAQ
What is a Plotter?
Who may use this service?
How much does it cost for a plot?
What are the payment options?
What hours is the plotter available?
What is the largest size I can print?
Is there more than one type of paper available?
What software do I use to make a poster?
How do I convert a file from Word to PDF?
How should I format my document for printing to the plotter?
A plotter is a large format printer that produces both high quality prints in full color or black and white. IT Services has an HP DesignJet Z3200ps 24-inch wide plotter.
Any member of the faculty, staff, or student population may use the plotter provided they have a GL account code to use to pay for the print job. At this point we are not accepting any other form of payment, but we do plan to extend this in the future.
Faculty, staff and student organizations must submit a print request to the Helpdesk via email with the print job attached. We do not accept content on thumb drives or web links. Additionally, each request should be accompanied with the GL Account code for the department that individual represents, so that we can charge for the print job.
Please allow one business day to complete your print job. You will be notified via email when the job is complete. Only the person who submitted the ticket (the ticket owner) will be allowed to pick up the document unless the ticket owner notifies the helpdesk via email with the name of the person who will be retrieving the printout.
How much does it cost for a plot?
The cost of the job depends on the ink usage, size of the print, and the paper that is used. The total cost of the print job will be calculated once the printing has finished. For estimating purposes a full color print on premium paper costs approximately $1.70 per square foot.
Please proof read your document prior to submitting it for printing. IT Services is not responsible for errors in the original document. You will have to pay for any re-prints as a result of errors in the original document.
At this point the only payment option supported is a University GL account code.
The plotter is available during the normal helpdesk hours. Please see the Helpdesk FAQ.
The plotter has 24 inch wide roll feed paper. Therefore your print job can be 24 inches wide. The length of the plot is limited by the length of the paper on the roll.
The following types are available:
Plain bond paper – Typical print jobs
Premium photo paper – For high-color posters and art work
Opaque Scrim – This is a tear resistant paper that is used for making banners
While there are many applications that can be used to make flyers and posters, there are few applications that support creating documents up to the maximum size of the plotter. For the best results, please use Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Publisher, Microsoft Visio, Adobe Photoshop, or Adobe Acrobat.
From within Word choose “File” and then “Save as Adobe PDF”.
When setting up the document set the paper size of your document to ArchD (Architectural D ). If that paper size is not available, then set the paper size to 7.32” x 11”. NOTE: if you use the 7.32” x 11” setting there may be a decrease in print quality due to the image being re-sized when IT prints the document.
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