AutoCAD

How to Print in AutoCAD 2019?

Steps to Print in AutoCAD 2019

Printing in AutoCAD can be accomplished through several straightforward steps. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you print your drawings effectively.

Accessing the Print Command

To initiate the printing process, you can either:

  1. Press CTRL + P on your keyboard.
  2. Type PLOT in the command line and hit Enter.

Selecting the Printer

Once you open the print window, you will see various settings. The first step is to select the appropriate printer:

  1. In the Printer/Plotter dropdown, choose your desired printer.
  2. If you want to create a PDF, select DWG to PDF.pc3 from the list.

Choosing the Paper Size

Next, it’s essential to set up the paper size depending on your project needs:

  1. Locate the Paper Size dropdown menu.
  2. Select the paper size that is suitable for your drawing, like A4, A3, or custom sizes as needed.

Defining the Plot Area

Specifying what part of the drawing to print is crucial for a successful output:

  1. Under the Plot Area, you can choose:
    • Window: Manually select an area by dragging a box.
    • Extents: Prints everything visible in the model.
    • Layout: Prints according to predefined layouts.

Setting the Plot Scale

The plot scale determines how your drawing will be sized on paper:

  1. In the Plot Scale section, set the appropriate scale based on your requirements (e.g., 1:50).
  2. Ensure the Scale is configured correctly, especially if it’s a physical representation of dimensions.

Adjusting Plot Offset

To ensure your drawing prints correctly positioned on the paper:

  1. Check the Plot Offset settings to adjust margins as necessary.
  2. Use Center the Plot option for automatic adjustments.

Review and Print

Before executing the print command, it’s wise to review your settings:

  1. Double-check all selections (printer, paper size, plot area, and scale).
  2. Click on the Preview button to view how it will look on paper.

Executing the Print Command

With all settings in place, you’re now ready to print:

  1. Click the Plot button in the bottom right of the dialog box.
  2. Wait for the drawing to finish processing; your document will then be printed.

FAQs

1. How do I print multiple drawings at once in AutoCAD?

To print multiple drawings, open the Publish option from the Output tab. You can select multiple layouts to print simultaneously by using the Publish Selected Layouts feature.

2. Can I print in black and white in AutoCAD?

Yes, to print in black and white, use a monochrome plot style. Modify your page setup and select the monochrome.ctb file in the plot style table before printing.

3. What if my prints are not aligned correctly on the paper?

If prints are misaligned, adjust the Plot Offset settings in the plot dialog box. Ensuring that Center the Plot is checked can also help align the drawing to the paper correctly.

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.