How to Create a Custom AutoCAD PDF Preset
Create a custom PDF preset when none of AutoCAD's predefined PC3 files meet the office requirement for quality, layers, fonts or file size. Start from the closest preset, change only documented options, and save it under a new PC3 name.
Start here — what you are going to do
Your goal: Create one office PDF PC3 without overwriting the intent of the built-in presets.
Where to start: Choose the predefined PDF preset closest to the desired result and prepare a representative test drawing.
Beginner rule: Never edit a production PDF preset blindly. Make a named copy and compare output before deployment.
Step by step — follow this in AutoCAD
Step 1 — Open PDF PC3
Where: PLOTTERMANAGER or Page Setup > Printer/Plotter > Properties.
Do this: Open the closest preset.
Check: Plotter Configuration Editor is open.
Step 2 — Review current settings
Where: PDF Options/Custom Properties.
Do this: Read quality, layers, hyperlinks, bookmarks and fonts.
Check: Baseline is known.
Step 3 — Change only required options
Where: PDF options.
Do this: Adjust documented requirements.
Check: Each change has a reason.
Step 4 — Save under a new name
Where: Plotter Configuration Editor > Save As.
Do this: Use a controlled name such as Office-PDF-Issue.pc3.
Check: Built-in preset remains untouched.
Step 5 — Create named Page Setup
Where: PAGESETUP.
Do this: Use custom PC3 in a test Layout.
Check: Preset is reproducible.
Step 6 — Plot representative sheets
Where: Preview > PDF.
Do this: Test vector, raster, fonts and layers as relevant.
Check: Behavior is proven.
Step 7 — Deploy/version
Where: CAD standards location.
Do this: Distribute same PC3 to team.
Check: Users do not create variants.
Beginner example
An office wants General Documentation-like output but higher raster quality and no layer information for external issues. Create Office-PDF-Issue.pc3 and test it instead of modifying a built-in preset in place.
Understand what AutoCAD is doing
Custom PDF presets are PC3 files
They use AutoCAD’s plotter-configuration concept.
Quality/functionality trade off against file size
Higher resolution and data can make heavier PDFs.
A new name protects intent
Users can distinguish built-in presets from office standards.
Useful next guides: AutoCAD PDF Presets Explained · AutoCAD PDF Resolution Settings Explained · AutoCAD PDF Fonts: Capture Fonts vs Convert Text to Geometry · Include AutoCAD Layer Information in a PDF · PC3 Files
Common problems and what to check first
| What you see | What may be causing it | Check this first |
|---|---|---|
| Works only on one PC | PC3 not deployed | Share controlled file. |
| File size excessive | Resolution/data too high | Tune after measurement. |
| Fonts differ | Font strategy changed | Test representative text. |
| Layers visible unexpectedly | Include Layer Information on | Use project policy. |
When you need a more repeatable workflow
Maintain custom PDF PC3 files with the same discipline as CTB/STB and DWT standards: version, test, deploy and keep reference PDFs.
Official Autodesk references
AutoCAD labels and available media can vary by release, driver and output device. These Autodesk pages document the core workflow used in this guide.
Frequently asked questions
Should I overwrite High Quality Print.pc3?
Prefer a separate office PC3.
What should I test?
Vector-dense, raster-heavy, fonts and required PDF data.
Can a project use several custom presets?
Yes for distinct deliverables, with clear names.
Explore more in CAD PDF & Publishing Guide.