AutoCAD

How To Turn Off Background Plotting In AutoCAD?

Disabling Background Plotting in AutoCAD

Background plotting can be a useful feature in AutoCAD for multitasking while printing, but there are times when it may interfere with your workflow. If you want to disable this function, follow the steps outlined below.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Open AutoCAD
    Launch your AutoCAD application so you can access its settings.

  2. Access Options Menu
    Navigate to the Application Menu located in the top-left corner of the window. Click on it to reveal a dropdown menu.

  3. Select Options
    From the dropdown, look for and select the “Options” entry. This action opens the Options dialog box.

  4. Navigate to the Plot and Publish Tab
    Within the Options dialog box, find and click on the "Plot and Publish" tab. This section contains various plotting settings relevant to your tasks.

  5. Locate Background Processing Options
    In the "Plot and Publish" tab, scan for the “Background Processing Options” section. This area provides control over how background functions will operate while plotting.

  6. Modify Background Plotting Setting
    Look for the checkbox labeled "Enable Background Plot When Plotting." To disable background plotting, click to uncheck this option.

  7. Save Your Changes
    After unchecking the box, click “OK” at the bottom of the Options dialog box to save your modifications and exit the menu.

Additional Considerations

If you frequently find yourself needing to enable or disable this feature, it can be beneficial to familiarize yourself with the Options settings, as they contain several other useful configurations tailored to enhance your plotting experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What happens when background plotting is enabled?
When background plotting is enabled, you can continue working on other tasks while a plot job is processed. This is particularly useful when working on large drawings that take time to complete.

2. Can I temporarily disable background plotting for a specific job?
Yes, you can change the settings prior to plotting a specific job. Simply follow the steps to disable it only for that session.

3. How can I tell if background plotting is currently active?
You can check the status in the same "Background Processing Options" section in the Options dialog box where you can enable or disable the feature. If the box is checked, background plotting is active.

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.