Title Block Is Cut Off Only on the Physical Plotter
The AutoCAD Preview and PDF show a complete title block, but the physical plotter cuts off one or more edges. Start by identifying exactly where the problem first appears, then test the most likely causes one at a time. This avoids changing a correct drawing to compensate for a PDF, driver or printer problem.
Symptoms — confirm exactly what is wrong
- The AutoCAD Preview and PDF show a complete title block, but the physical plotter cuts off one or more edges.
- Note exactly which edge is missing or which direction the plot has shifted.
- Compare Plot Preview, the saved PDF and the physical sheet; clipping may begin at only one of those stages.
Beginner rule: Change one setting at a time. After each change, repeat the same test so you know what actually fixed the problem.
30-second triage: If the border is already cut in Plot Preview, fix AutoCAD’s paper, Plot Area, offset or printable area. If Preview and PDF are complete but paper is cut, troubleshoot the physical device/driver instead.
Likely causes — check these in order
| Likely cause | Why it creates this symptom | Quick check |
|---|---|---|
| Printable area is smaller than expected | The device cannot mark all the way to the nominal paper edge. | Compare the border with the dashed printable boundary in the Layout. |
| PDF viewer is scaling the page | The PDF may be correct but the viewer prints it smaller or larger. | In the PDF print dialog, check Actual Size / 100% versus Fit/Shrink. |
| Wrong paper source or roll | The driver/PC3 can select a media source different from the one loaded. | Open device Custom Properties and compare roll/tray/media source. |
| Wrong paper size | A near-size sheet can force resizing or clipping. | Compare the exact paper dimensions with the title block. |
| Printer driver changed | Driver updates can change media names, printable areas and device capabilities. | Compare driver version, media list and a known-good Page Setup. |
For the underlying setup behind these checks, use AutoCAD Printable Area and Plot Margins Explained and AutoCAD Border Cut Off When Plotting: Causes and Fixes while you diagnose the symptom.
Diagnostic path — isolate the responsible setting
Work through the checks in order. Do not apply a fix until its diagnostic check differs from the known-good project standard.
Diagnostic 1 — Printable area is smaller than expected
Where: PAGESETUP > Modify.
Do this: Compare the border with the dashed printable boundary in the Layout.
Check: If this differs from the known-good project standard, correct it and retest before continuing.
Diagnostic 2 — PDF viewer is scaling the page
Where: Saved PDF > PDF viewer > Print dialog.
Do this: In the PDF print dialog, check Actual Size / 100% versus Fit/Shrink.
Check: If this differs from the known-good project standard, correct it and retest before continuing.
Diagnostic 3 — Wrong paper source or roll
Where: PAGESETUP > Printer/Plotter > Properties/Custom Properties > media or roll settings.
Do this: Open device Custom Properties and compare roll/tray/media source.
Check: If this differs from the known-good project standard, correct it and retest before continuing.
Diagnostic 4 — Wrong paper size
Where: PAGESETUP > Modify.
Do this: Compare the exact paper dimensions with the title block.
Check: If this differs from the known-good project standard, correct it and retest before continuing.
Diagnostic 5 — Printer driver changed
Where: Windows printer properties/driver information, then the AutoCAD PC3/Page Setup.
Do this: Compare driver version, media list and a known-good Page Setup.
Check: If this also matches the known-good setup, use the isolation test below instead of changing unrelated settings.
Fixes — use only the fix that matches your diagnosis
Fix 1 — Move critical border content inside the printable area
Use this fix when: your diagnosis confirmed that Printable area is smaller than expected.
Do this: Use the dashed printable boundary for the actual device. If the border standard requires more area, use a device/media configuration that supports it.
Check: Run Preview and inspect all four border edges before changing another setting.
Fix 2 — Correct the PDF print setting
Use this fix when: your diagnosis confirmed that PDF viewer is scaling the page.
Do this: In the PDF viewer, select the matching physical paper and Actual Size / 100%.
Check: Run Preview and inspect all four border edges before changing another setting.
Fix 3 — Choose the correct roll/tray
Use this fix when: your diagnosis confirmed that Wrong paper source or roll.
Do this: Open the printer/plotter Custom Properties and select the intended roll, tray or media source, then save it in the controlled PC3/Page Setup if appropriate.
Check: Run Preview and inspect all four border edges before changing another setting.
Fix 4 — Use the exact project paper
Use this fix when: your diagnosis confirmed that Wrong paper size.
Do this: Select the exact ISO/ANSI/ARCH or approved custom media that matches the title block.
Check: Run Preview and inspect all four border edges before changing another setting.
Fix 5 — Revalidate plotting after the driver update
Use this fix when: your diagnosis confirmed that Printer driver changed.
Do this: Recheck PC3, paper names, printable area, custom media and a border calibration plot. Update the controlled setup only after testing.
Check: Run Preview and inspect all four border edges before changing another setting.
Verification — prove the fix before full production
- Preview the entire border at the corrected paper size and orientation.
- Create a PDF and confirm all four border edges are present.
- Check the PDF page dimensions against the title block standard.
- If hardcopy matters, plot one physical test and inspect every edge before the full set.
Still not fixed? Use an isolation test
Create one PDF from the same Page Setup. If the PDF border is complete but paper is not, stop editing the DWG and test the physical printer/driver.
Prevention — reduce the chance of recurrence
- Design borders around the approved device’s printable area, not just the nominal paper edge.
- Keep paper size, orientation and Plot Area in named Page Setups.
- Use documented offsets only for workflows that genuinely require Window/Extents positioning.
- Retest borders after printer-driver, PC3 or custom-media changes.
Official Autodesk references
Use these references when the interface, driver or plot-style behavior on your workstation differs from the checks above.
Frequently asked questions
What should I check first?
Start with Printable area is smaller than expected. Use the quick check in the diagnostic section before changing anything else.
What if that check is correct?
Move to PDF viewer is scaling the page. The goal is to eliminate causes one at a time, not to change several settings together.
Should I shrink the whole sheet to stop clipping?
Not for a production Layout. Correct the paper, printable area, Plot Area or offset that caused the clipping.
Explore more in CAD Printing & Plotting Troubleshooting.