Understanding the Plotting Process in AutoCAD 2007
Plotting in AutoCAD allows you to create hard copies of your designs, ensuring that they accurately reflect the dimensions and details of your work. Follow this step-by-step guide to effectively plot your drawings in AutoCAD 2007.
Step 1: Access the Plot Command
- Navigate to the Output tab located in the main menu.
- find the Plot panel, and select the Plot option to open the plotting interface.
Step 2: Choose Your Plotter
- A dialog box will appear where you can select your preferred plotter from the list of available devices. Ensure that the plotter is correctly connected and set up prior to this step.
Step 3: Set Paper Size and Orientation
- In the same dialog, look for the option to select the Paper Size. Choose the appropriate size to match your drawing needs (A4, A3, etc.).
- Specify the Plot Area to determine which part of your drawing will be printed. Options include drawing limits, view, or window selection.
- Set the Plot Scale to ensure that your drawing is scaled appropriately for the paper size.
Step 4: Define Plot Options
- Choose the orientation for your paper: Portrait or Landscape, depending on how you want your drawing to appear.
- Check other plot settings, like line weights and color options, to tailor the output to your specifications.
Step 5: Additional Settings
- For more advanced settings, locate and click the More Options button. Here you can fine-tune various aspects of your plot, such as adding a title block or border.
Step 6: Preview Your Plot
- It is advisable to preview your drawing before final output. Look for the Preview button to check how your drawing will look once printed. Adjust settings if necessary.
Step 7: Finalize and Plot
- Once all settings are confirmed and to your satisfaction, click the OK button to initiate the plotting process. The plotter will begin printing your drawing based on the configurations you have set.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What if my plotter isn’t showing up in the list?
Ensure that your plotter is correctly installed and connected to your computer. You may need to check the printer settings or install the latest drivers for your plotting device.
2. How can I ensure my plot scale is correct?
Double-check your drawing dimensions against the scale set in the plot dialog. You might want to utilize a scale bar in your drawing to help verify accuracy.
3. Can I save my plot settings for future use?
Yes, after configuring your plot options, you can save them as a page setup. This allows you to reuse the same settings for future plots without having to redefine everything each time.
