How to Set Plotter in AutoCAD?

Understanding Plotters in AutoCAD

Plotters are crucial tools in the AutoCAD environment, enabling the creation of detailed graphical representations on physical media. They interpret digital designs and output them in various formats, especially for high-quality line drawings.

Steps to Set Up a Plotter in AutoCAD

Accessing the Plotter Manager

1. Open the Application menu and navigate to Print > Manage Plotters. This will direct you to the Autodesk Plotter Manager.

Launching the Add-a-Plotter Wizard

2. Within the Plotter Manager, look for the Add-a-Plotter Wizard shortcut icon and double-click it. This will initiate the setup process.

Selecting Printer Type

3. On the initial page of the wizard, choose System Printer. This option allows you to configure a plotter based on your existing system printers.

Choosing Your Printer

4. When prompted on the System Printer page, select the system printer that you want to use to create your plotter configuration file. Ensure that this printer is properly installed and functional on your machine.

Configuring Printer Settings

5. Follow the instructions provided by the wizard to customize settings like paper size, orientation, and quality. Each configuration option will guide you through optimizing the plotter for your specific requirements.

Saving Your Configuration

6. Once all settings are confirmed and customized as needed, finalize the configuration by clicking Save. This creates a new plotter configuration file (.pc3) that can be accessed later for printing.

Changing the Default Plotter

To set a specific plotter as the default option for future projects:

1. Type OPTIONS in the AutoCAD command line and press Enter.
2. Navigate to the Plot and Publish tab.
3. Look for the section labeled Default plot settings for new drawings. Choose Use as default output device, then select your preferred plotter from the dropdown menu.
4. Confirm your selection by clicking OK to finalize the changes.

Managing Existing Plotters

For those who need to modify the settings of existing plotters:

1. Go back to the Application menu, click on Print > Manage Plotters.
2. Identify the plotter configuration (.pc3) file you want to modify and double-click it.
3. The Plotter Configuration Editor will open. Here, you can adjust various settings, including media type, output quality, and other specifications.
4. To document changes, modify the Description field as needed and click OK to save your adjustments.

Adding a New Plotter

If you wish to add a new EPS plotter:

1. From the main menu, select Tools > Wizards > Add Plotter.
2. Click the Add Plotter tab to initiate the process. A dialog box will provide further instructions on using the wizard.

FAQ

1. What is a plotter configuration file?
A plotter configuration file, known as a PC3 file, allows you to save and manage plotter settings for consistent use across multiple projects. It stores configurations such as paper sizes and print quality settings.

2. Can I use multiple plotters simultaneously in AutoCAD?
Yes, AutoCAD allows you to configure multiple plotters and easily switch between them using the Plot dialog box. This flexibility enables you to choose the best plotter for each specific project need.

3. How can I troubleshoot plotter issues in AutoCAD?
To troubleshoot plotter problems, ensure that the printer is connected and recognized by your system. Verify that the correct plotter configuration file is selected and check the printer settings within AutoCAD to ensure they align with your requirements.