Removing plotter configurations in AutoCAD can be essential for maintaining an organized setup and ensuring that you are using the correct devices for your printing tasks. This guide provides a step-by-step process to help you efficiently delete unnecessary plotter configuration files (.PC3) and other associated files in AutoCAD 2025.
Step 1: Access the Plotter Manager
To begin, open AutoCAD 2025 and access the Plotter Manager. This can be done easily by typing the command PLOTTERMANAGER into the command line and pressing Enter. This will open the folder where all currently configured plotters are stored.
Step 2: Locate the PC3 Files
Within the Plotter Manager, look for your existing plotter configuration files (.PC3). These files are essential as they hold the specific settings for each plotter, such as media size and print quality. Identify any files that are unnecessary or duplicates.
Step 3: Delete Unwanted PC3 Files
Once you have located the extra .PC3 files, the next step is to delete them. Right-click on the unwanted PC3 file and select the ‘Delete’ option. Ensure you leave at least one original PC3 file intact, as this will be crucial for future printing tasks.
Step 4: Navigate to the PMP Files Sub-Folder
After clearing out the undesired PC3 files, you may want to look at associated PMP files. Navigate to the PMP Files sub-folder within the Plotter Manager. Similar to the previous step, identify and delete any unnecessary files that you no longer need.
Step 5: Modify Default Plotters (If Necessary)
If you need to change your default plotter after removing other configurations, enter OPTIONS in the command line. Navigate to the Plot and Publish tab and look for the section labelled “Default plot settings for new drawings.” Here, you can select a different plotter to serve as your default by using the corresponding options.
Step 6: Update Plot Style Folder Settings
For those involved in subsequent design projects, modifying the plot style folder settings might also be beneficial. To do this, run the Tools → Options command, and click the File tab. Then, locate the Printer Support File Path and update the settings as necessary, ensuring that AutoCAD knows where to look for styles.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are PC3 Files in AutoCAD?
PC3 files are plotter configuration files used in AutoCAD that store specific settings for printers and plotters. This includes aspects like color settings, media types, and other output criteria.
2. How can I check which plotters are configured in AutoCAD?
To check the configured plotters, simply enter the command PLOTTERMANAGER in the AutoCAD command line. This will display all available plotter configurations in your system.
3. Is it possible to restore deleted PC3 files?
Once PC3 files are deleted, they typically cannot be restored unless you have a backup copy. It is advised to regularly back up your files to avoid loss of important configuration data.
