How to Modify Paper Size in AutoCAD?

Modifying Paper Size in AutoCAD

Adjusting the paper size in AutoCAD is essential for ensuring your designs print accurately and fit appropriately within your intended output. This guide provides detailed steps on how to create and modify custom paper sizes in AutoCAD 2025.

Step 1: Access the Plotter Configuration Editor

1. Open AutoCAD and Your Drawing: Start by launching AutoCAD and opening the drawing you want to work on.
2. Navigate to the Plot Command: Type PLOT in the command line and press Enter to open the Plot dialog box.
3. Select the Plotter: In the Printer/Plotter section, select your printer or plotter from the drop-down list.

Step 2: Configuration Settings

1. Click on “Properties”: With the desired printer selected, click the Properties button next to the printer name. This will launch the Plotter Configuration Editor.
2. Switch to Device and Document Settings: In the configuration editor, navigate to the Device and Document Settings tab.
3. User-Defined Paper Sizes: Locate and double-click on User-Defined Paper Sizes & Calibration to access further options.

Step 3: Creating a Custom Paper Size

1. Add Custom Paper Size: Under the Custom Paper Sizes section, click the Add button. A new dialog box will appear for you to define your custom size.
2. Input Dimensions: Specify the width and height for your paper size in the appropriate fields. Make sure to enter these dimensions in the units that your printer recognizes, typically in millimeters or inches.
3. Name Your Custom Size: Provide a unique name for your new paper size to easily identify it later.
4. Save Your Settings: After entering the required details, click OK to save your new custom paper size.

Step 4: Setting the New Paper Size for Your Drawing

1. Return to the Plot Dialog: Close the Plotter Configuration Editor to return to the main Plot dialog box.
2. Select Your Custom Size: In the Paper Size drop-down menu, scroll through the list to find the custom size you just created. Click on it to select it.
3. Adjust Other Settings: Modify other plotting options as necessary, such as scale, plot area, and orientation.

Step 5: Save the Settings

1. Preview Your Plot: Before finalizing, always use the Preview option in the Plot dialog to ensure everything is set correctly.
2. Finalize Your Plot: If satisfied with the settings, click on the OK button to begin the printing process.

FAQ

How can I change the scale of my drawing in AutoCAD?

You can change the scale of your drawing by typing PROP in the command line and selecting the viewport you want to modify. Under the Properties palette, you can either choose a standard scale or enter a custom scale ratio.

What should I do if my custom paper size doesn’t appear?

If your custom paper size does not show up in the list, ensure you have saved it correctly in the Plotter Configuration Editor and restart AutoCAD to refresh the settings. Double-check the dimensions you entered to ensure they are valid.

How can I change the paper size for an existing template?

To change the paper size for an existing template, open the template file in AutoCAD, go to the Page Setup Manager, and edit the current page setup to select a different paper size or create a new one following similar steps for creating a custom size.