I have this crazy idea in my head but I am not the most computer savvy person so I figured might as well ask on here to see if this is even possible. I would like to find out if it is possible to intercept a file being sent to a printer and be able to translate the file back into CAD. I am thinking that the information being sent to the printer is similar to a Gcode so the printer knows where to place the ink and feed the paper while a document is being printed. I know this part would be a stretch but would it be possible that when a different color ink is called for that could translate to a new layer in CAD. Any thoughts or ideas?

It's called backplotting. I will assume that the file type you are talking about has gcode.
RICH

Rich

Thanks for the reply. Backplotting is not what I am trying to do, I know NCplot will backplot a Gcode. Here is an example of what I am trying to accomplish. Take a catalog of picture frame mouldings with various profiles and import the profile data into CAD in order to create a Gcode. I figure if a printer can print the catalog then there must be a way to import the printer coordinates into CAD.

You are not the first to think of that trick.. You print the file out as a plot file or HPGL print file then import the hpgl to CAM then back out as a DXF.

Just a thought, (;-) TP