How to scale pen weights with output scale in PlotMaker

written by Gergely Kmethy, 11-10-2004

When plotting from PlotMaker with output scale different than 100%, you might want to re-scale pen weights accordingly, so that your lines will not appear too thick or too thin on paper. You can do this with setting a registry key. (Or editing the matching .plist file on MAC.)

Steps- Windows

1. If you have not ever plotted with PlotMaker, first you have to plot something (e.g. plotting a single line to file) so that the necessary registry key gets created.
2. In the Start Menu select 'Run' and type regedit
3. In the Registry Editor find the key 'My Computer\HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Graphisoft\PlotMaker\PlotMaker 9.0.0 INT R1\Plot\Scale Pen Weights'

   Note: The above example refers to the registry entry of PlotMaker 9 Release 1 International version. Other PlotMaker versions have different registry entry names, e.g. PlotMaker 9.0.0 USA R1 for the US version, etc.

4. Double click the key and type '1' in the value field
5. Click OK and exit the Registry Editor.

From the next plotting job, pen weights will be scaled with the output scale.

Steps - MAC

1. If you have not ever plotted with PlotMaker, first you have to plot something (e.g. plotting a single line to file) so that the necessary plist file entry gets created.
2. Locate the file 'com.graphisoft.PM 9.0.0 INT v1.plist' in the 'Userhome/Library/Preferences' folder

   Note: The above example refers to the .plist file of PlotMaker 9 Version 1 International version. Other PlotMaker versions have different .plist file names, e.g.'com.graphisoft.PM 9.0.0 USA v1.plist' for the US version, etc.

3. Open the file with Text Edit
4. Find (command + F) the string 'Scale Pen Weights'. You will find a line: Scale Pen Weights
5. Under this line change value to
6. Save and close the file

From the next plotting job, pen weights will be scaled with the output scale.

Page last updated: Saturday, December 19, 2009