Steps to Add a New Plotter in AutoCAD
Accessing the Layout Tab
To begin adding a new plotter, start by navigating to the relevant layout tab in your AutoCAD project. This is located at the bottom of your workspace. Each layout serves as a designated area for configuring print settings, including specifying the printer or plotter to be used for the active layout.
Page Setup Manager
Once you are on the desired layout tab, open the Page Setup Manager. You can typically find this option by right-clicking the layout tab and selecting "Page Setup." Within the Page Setup Manager, you will see a list of available page setups. Select the one that you wish to modify for your current layout.
Modifying the Page Setup
After selecting the page setup, click on the "Modify" button. This will open the Page Setup dialog box, where you can configure various printing parameters. In the dialog, look for the “Printer/Plotter” section. You will be presented with a dropdown menu listing the currently available printers and plotters. Choose the new plotter you wish to add from this list.
Launching the Add-a-Plotter Wizard
If the desired plotter is not listed, you will need to launch the Add-a-Plotter wizard. You can initiate this process by navigating to the Tools menu, selecting Wizards, and then clicking on “Add Plotter.” This will open up a new dialog box that will guide you through the necessary steps to configure the new plotter.
Selecting the Plotter Configuration
In the Add-a-Plotter wizard, you can either create a new plotter configuration or choose an existing one (usually in the form of a PC3 file). If you choose to create a new plotter, follow the prompts to enter the necessary settings such as plotter port connections and paper sizes. Ensure that all configuration parameters—like media and pen settings—are correctly set according to your printing needs.
Saving the Configuration
Once you have configured the plotter settings to your satisfaction, save the configuration. This can be done by clicking the appropriate button within the wizard to finalize and store your new settings.
Verifying Plotter Setup
After you finish the wizard, return to the Page Setup dialog. Check to confirm that the new plotter is now available in the list of options. Select it once more to ensure it is set for the current layout and click OK to apply these changes.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use multiple plotters for different layouts in a single AutoCAD drawing?
Yes, AutoCAD allows you to assign different plotters to various layouts within the same drawing. You simply need to repeat the steps for each layout where a different plotter is required.
2. What file format is typically used for plotter configurations in AutoCAD?
Plotter configurations in AutoCAD are typically stored in PC3 files, which contain the necessary setup information for different plotters.
3. How do I access my previously saved plotter configurations?
To access saved plotter configurations, open the Page Setup Manager, then select "Modify" for the desired page setup. From the Printer/Plotter dropdown, you can find your saved PC3 files listed among the available options.
