BricsCAD Custom Paper Sizes, Margins and Printable Area
Custom paper in BricsCAD is controlled by the selected output configuration and platform. The title block must fit the actual paper and printable area rather than a paper name alone.
Beginner takeaway: Choose the real device/PDF configuration first; paper options and printable margins belong to that output path.
What you need to understand first
A custom size that exists for one printer may not exist for another, and a nominal paper boundary may include non-printable margins.
- Paper size is selected as part of BricsCAD Print/Page Setup.
- PC3/device configuration influences available media.
- On macOS/Linux, BricsCAD’s physical workflow is PDF-first, so the PDF page and downstream printer paper both need verification.
Related guides: CAD Paper Sizes, Margins & Printable Area, Custom Paper Sizes in AutoCAD: Complete Guide, and Hardware Printable Area, Margins and Borderless CAD Plotting.
Step-by-step workflow
Step 1 — Measure the required sheet
Where: Title block/standard
Do this: Record exact width and height.
Check: You know the target physical page.
Step 2 — Select output configuration
Where: PAGESETUP > Printer/Plotter
Do this: Choose the actual device or PDF configuration first.
Check: Media list belongs to the correct output path.
Step 3 — Choose/create supported paper
Where: Paper size / device properties
Do this: Select the standard/custom definition that matches the sheet.
Check: Paper dimensions match the title block.
Step 4 — Inspect printable area
Where: Layout/Preview
Do this: Keep critical border geometry inside the available output region.
Check: No edge is clipped before printing.
Step 5 — Verify PDF and hardcopy
Where: Output
Do this: Measure the final page and border.
Check: Both stages preserve dimensions.
What usually goes wrong
| What you see | Likely layer | First check |
|---|---|---|
| Custom paper missing | Different driver/configuration | Create/select media on correct device. |
| Border clips | Printable area | Use safe margin or supported borderless mode. |
| Paper rotates | Orientation/driver | Align Page Setup and device. |
| Same name has different dimensions | Local custom definitions | Standardize exact dimensions. |
Practical example
A project uses a custom 900 × 600 mm roll sheet. Do not create a Page Setup named only `Custom`. Create or select that exact size under the approved output configuration, name the setup clearly, and measure the first PDF/hardcopy before issuing the batch.
What not to do
- Do not assume paper names mean identical dimensions on every workstation.
- Do not shrink a scale-critical Layout to fit a hardware margin.
- Do not create many user-local custom sizes with the same name but different dimensions.
Good office standard
Maintain an office paper-size matrix with exact dimensions, approved output device/configuration and minimum safe border.
Quick verification before you move on
- Use one representative drawing or sheet, not a production batch.
- Verify page size, orientation and a known dimension.
- Compare Preview/PDF with the physical output when a printer is involved.
- Save the setting or set only after the result is repeatable.
Official references
Frequently asked questions
Why is a custom size missing after changing printer?
Paper/media lists belong to the selected device/configuration.
Can I solve clipping with Fit to Paper?
Not for scale-critical output. Fix paper/printable-area compatibility instead.
Should I verify the PDF page size?
Yes, especially when the PDF will later be printed by another system or vendor.
Explore more in BricsCAD Printing & Plotting Guide.