DraftSight PageLayouts and Print Configurations Explained
DraftSight provides reusable output settings through PageLayouts and Print Configurations, depending on the enabled workflow/version. Both are meant to keep printer, paper, scale, orientation and PrintStyle choices from being re-entered every time.
Beginner takeaway: Use saved output configurations so production sheets do not depend on last-used dialog settings.
What this workflow is really doing
DraftSight’s documentation describes PageLayouts and Print Configurations as reusable printing defaults. They can include printer/plotter, paper, print scale/range, orientation, offsets and PrintStyle settings.
Related CADPlotting guides: DraftSight Printing for AutoCAD Users: What Changes and What Transfers, How to Create a Named Page Setup in AutoCAD, System Printer vs PC3 in AutoCAD: Which Should You Use?.
Step-by-step workflow
Step 1 — Open the manager
Where: Page Layout Manager or Print Configuration Manager
Do this: Identify which configuration system the installation uses.
Check: You are editing a reusable object, not a one-time print.
Step 2 — Choose output device
Where: Configuration dialog
Do this: Select system printer or built-in PDF.
Check: Correct paper list appears.
Step 3 — Set paper/orientation
Where: Same dialog
Do this: Choose actual final sheet settings.
Check: Title block fits.
Step 4 — Set PrintStyle and lineweights
Where: PrintStyle section/options
Do this: Apply office output standard.
Check: Preview hierarchy is correct.
Step 5 — Save with clear name
Where: Manager
Do this: Use names such as A1-PDF-Mono or ARCH-D-Plotter.
Check: Users can select the correct standard quickly.
Common problems and the first place to look
| Symptom | Likely cause | First check |
|---|---|---|
| No configuration found in batch | Sheet not associated | Assign/import the saved configuration. |
| Printer unavailable | Saved config points to missing device | Repair device mapping. |
| Different paper after printer switch | Device does not support size | Use supported media or dedicated config. |
| Styles not visible | Display/use PrintStyles option | Enable the intended setting. |
Practical example
A reusable name like ‘A1-PDF-Mono’ tells the user more than ‘Setup1’. If a plotter is replaced later, CAD management can repair that standard instead of asking every project to remember a new combination of settings.
Good office standard
Keep the number of production configurations small, descriptive and centrally documented.
Official references
Frequently asked questions
Can DraftSight use CTB and STB files?
Yes. DraftSight supports color-dependent and named PrintStyle tables, including CTB/STB workflows.
Can DraftSight batch print several DWGs?
Yes. Batch Print can add files/folders and process Sheets using saved output configurations.
Should I use Fit to Paper for production sheets?
Not for scale-critical output. Match the paper size and use the intended full-size sheet scale.
Explore more in DraftSight Printing for AutoCAD Users: What Changes and What Transfers.