AutoCAD

AutoCAD Can’t Plot to PDF

by Wei Zhang
4 min read

Troubleshooting AutoCAD Plotting Issues

When encountering plotting difficulties in AutoCAD, particularly the inability to produce a PDF, there are a number of settings and checks that can help identify and resolve the issue. Below is a guide structured into clear steps to assist you in troubleshooting and resolving plot-related problems effectively.

Check Plot Settings

  1. Open the Plot Dialog: Start by pressing CTRL + P on your keyboard or simply type PLOT into the command line and press Enter. This action will open the Plot window.

  2. Select the Correct Plotter: In the Plot dialog, ensure that the plotter type is set to "DWG to PDF.pc3". This is crucial for converting your drawing into a PDF format.

  3. Adjust Shade Plot Options: Look for the "Shade Plot" setting within the plot options. Change this setting from "As Displayed" to "Wireframe" to ensure everything is set to render correctly during the plotting process.

Layer Management

  1. Check Layer States: Some layers may have settings that suppress their display during plotting. Type LAYERSTATE into the command line and review the available layer states. Restore a more appropriate layer state if necessary.

  2. Verify Layer Visibility: Confirm that all layers intended for plotting are set to “Plot” in the Layer Properties Manager. Layers that are turned off or set to non-plotting can lead to missing content in the PDF output.

  3. Defpoints Layer: Be aware that anything on the Defpoints layer will not be printed. If your objects reside on this layer, move them to a different, printable layer.

Text and Annotation Issues

  1. Inspect Text Integrity: If your text does not appear in the final PDF, it may be corrupted. In such cases, consider retyping it or using default fonts provided by AutoCAD.

  2. Disable Background Plotting: Before plotting, check if background plotting is enabled. In the Plot dialog, make sure to uncheck "Plot in Background." You can also use the BACKGROUNDPLOT command and set it to 0 (zero) to ensure that plotting occurs in the foreground.

Performance and Upgrades

  1. Update AutoCAD: Ensure that you have the latest updates for AutoCAD 2025 installed. Regular updates can fix bugs and performance issues related to plotting.

  2. Turn Off Background Plotting: If AutoCAD is slowing down during the plotting process, navigate to the Options menu (found under the Application menu) and select the “Plot and Publish” tab. From there, you can disable background plotting to improve performance.

Finding and Recovering CTB Files

  1. Locating Missing CTB Files: If your plot styles do not appear, check the search paths for your CTB files. Go to the Options menu, click on the Files tab, and look for "Printer Support File Path." Ensure that your CTB files are located in the specified directory.

  2. Recovering Corrupted Files: If you suspect that your drawing file is corrupted, use the RECOVER command. This function attempts to restore any lost data in your DWG file, potentially resolving any plotting issues arising from file corruption.

FAQs

Q1: What should I do if my plot is blank in AutoCAD?
A1: Confirm that your layers are set to plot, the right plotter is selected, and that no layers are hidden. Additionally, ensure that the proper viewing settings are configured in the plot dialog.

Q2: How can I print color plots when using AutoCAD?
A2: Ensure that your drawing’s configuration is set for color printing. Check that you are using a color-dependent plot style (CTB) instead of named plot styles (STB) if you want your plots to be printed in color.

Q3: Can I plot a PDF without AutoCAD installed?
A3: Yes, you can use third-party applications or dedicated DWG viewers like DWG TrueView, which allows for plotting and converting DWG files to PDFs without needing the full AutoCAD software.

About the author

Wei Zhang

Wei Zhang

Wei Zhang is a renowned figure in the CAD (Computer-Aided Design) industry in Canada, with over 30 years of experience spanning his native China and Canada. As the founder of a CAD training center, Wei has been instrumental in shaping the skills of hundreds of technicians and engineers in technical drawing and CAD software applications. He is a certified developer with Autodesk, demonstrating his deep expertise and commitment to staying at the forefront of CAD technology. Wei’s passion for education and technology has not only made him a respected educator but also a key player in advancing CAD methodologies in various engineering sectors. His contributions have significantly impacted the way CAD is taught and applied in the professional world, bridging the gap between traditional drafting techniques and modern digital solutions.

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