How to Set Default Plotter in AutoCAD?

Understanding AutoCAD Plotters

Knowing how to effectively manage plotters in AutoCAD is crucial for achieving quality prints and ensuring that your designs are accurately represented. Plotters, specifically configured through PC3 files, handle print jobs for various drawing outputs. Here’s how to set a default plotter in AutoCAD.

Steps to Set a Default Plotter in AutoCAD

1. Access the Plotting Menu:
   Open AutoCAD and click on the Application menu in the upper left corner. Navigate to Print and then select Manage Plotters. This opens the Plotters dialog box, where you can view all configured plotters.

2. Choose Your Desired Plotter:
   In the Plotters dialog, you will see a list of available plotters. Find the plotter you want to set as your default. This could be a specific printer or a virtual plotter.

3. Open Plotter Configuration:
   Double-click on the PC3 file associated with the plotter you want to set as default. This opens the Plotter Configuration Editor where you can tweak its settings.

4. Configure Plotter Settings:
   In the editor, head to the General tab. Here, you can see critical settings like the plotter’s name, its driver, and output options. Review these settings to ensure they meet your requirements.

5. Set Default Options:
   In the configuration editor, go to the Page Setup section. Here you can specify parameters such as paper size, plot area, and plot scale. Make the necessary adjustments to suit your default plotting needs.

6. Save the Configuration:
   After updating your plotter’s settings, click OK to save any changes. Ensure the plotter is highlighted in the Plotters dialog box as the default plotter before closing the dialog.

7. Check Plot Style Table:
   Navigate back to the Plot menu and select Plot Styles. Ensure the plot style table is set correctly to match your newly selected default plotter, which may affect line weights, colors, and patterns during printing.

Useful Tips for Managing Plotters

• Organization: Keep your plotter configurations organized by using clear naming conventions, especially if you manage multiple plotters.
• Test Prints: Always run a test print after changing settings to confirm that everything appears as expected.
• Backup Settings: Regularly save copies of your PC3 files, especially after significant changes. This ensures you can restore previous configurations if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How can I add a new plotter to AutoCAD?

   • To add a new plotter, go to the Page Setup Manager, select the desired layout, and click on Modify. Under the Printer/Plotter section, choose your new printer or plotter from the list, or click Add a plotter to set up a new configuration.

2. What’s the difference between CTB and STB plot style tables?

   • CTB (Color-dependent Plot Styles) uses color to determine how objects are plotted, while STB (Named Plot Styles) allows you to assign styles based on names rather than colors. Choose one based on your project’s requirements.
3. Where can I find my saved plotter configuration files?
   • Plotter configuration files are typically stored in the Plotters folder within the AutoCAD support files. You can find the exact location by going to the Options dialog box and checking the Printer Support File Path under the Files tab.