How To Plot In AutoCAD?

Understanding the Plot Command in AutoCAD

The Plot command in AutoCAD is pivotal for generating printed versions of your designs. Depending on whether you’re in Model space or Paper space (Layout tab), the Plot command allows you to create prints from the current viewport or layout. Understanding how to effectively utilize this command is essential for ensuring accuracy and professionalism in your work.

Steps to Plot a Drawing in AutoCAD

1. Accessing the Plot Command

To initiate plotting, follow these steps:

• Navigate to the Output tab on the ribbon.
• Click on the Plot panel, then select Plot from the dropdown. Alternatively, type PLOT in the command line and press Enter.

2. Selecting the Printer/Plotter

In the Plot dialog box:

• Choose a printer or plotter from the Name dropdown list. Ensure that the selected device supports the desired output.

3. Setting the Paper Size

• Under the Paper Size dropdown, select the appropriate size that matches your drawing area. This step is crucial for ensuring that your plot appears correctly on the selected medium.

4. Defining the Plot Area

• In the Plot Area section, you have multiple options like Display, Extents, Window, or Layout. Choose the option that best suits your needs:
  • Display plots everything visible in the current viewport.
  • Extents includes all objects, excluding those on frozen layers.
  • Window allows you to select a specific area to print by defining a rectangle around it.

5. Adjusting the Plot Scale

• In the Plot Scale section, you can specify the scale at which your drawing will be printed. Select the Fit to Paper option for automatic scaling or input custom values to match the desired scale.

6. Previewing Your Plot

• Click the Preview button to see how your plot will look. This step is crucial for identifying any potential issues (like clipping or scaling errors) before the actual print.

7. Finalizing the Plot

• Once satisfied with the preview, click OK to proceed with plotting. Choose a destination for the plot file if applicable and finalize any printing options.

Troubleshooting Common Plotting Issues

If you encounter issues while attempting to plot, take the following steps:

• Confirm that the correct printer is set up and that the settings are appropriate for your layout.
• Check all layers to ensure they are visible and configured to plot. You can do this by typing LA to open the Layer Manager and verifying the plot settings.
• Review the page setup options if necessary, ensuring that the selected paper size and orientation match what you require.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I plot multiple layouts at once in AutoCAD?
Yes, you can plot multiple layouts simultaneously by selecting the desired tabs while holding the Ctrl key and then using the Publish feature.

2. How can I convert my AutoCAD drawing to a PNG or JPG image?
To convert a drawing to PNG or JPG, utilize the PNGOUT or PLOT command, selecting the appropriate image format in the dialog that appears.

3. What is the difference between plotting and printing in AutoCAD?
Historically, plotting referred to vector output while printing was primarily for text. In modern usage within AutoCAD, these terms are often interchangeable as both functionalities generate physical representations of your design work.