AutoCAD Plotter Manager: How to Find and Use It
Plotter Manager opens the folder where AutoCAD PC3 plotter configurations live. It also gives access to Add-a-Plotter and the Plotter Configuration Editor.
Start here — what you are going to do
Your goal: Open Plotter Manager and inspect a PC3 without breaking a production setup.
Where to start: Type PLOTTERMANAGER.
Beginner rule: Follow the steps in order. Do not change several plotting settings at once. After an important change, use Preview or make one test output before continuing.
Step by step — follow this in AutoCAD
Step 1 — Open Plotter Manager
Where: Type PLOTTERMANAGER.
Do this: Use the command rather than hunting for folders manually.
Check: The Plotters folder opens.
Step 2 — Identify what is inside
Where: Plotters folder.
Do this: Find .pc3 files and Add-a-Plotter Wizard.
Check: You can distinguish configurations from the wizard.
Step 3 — Inspect one PC3
Where: Double-click a known PC3.
Do this: Read settings before editing.
Check: Plotter Configuration Editor opens.
Step 4 — Read device information
Where: General / Device and Document Settings.
Do this: Identify driver, port/queue, media and custom settings.
Check: You know what the configuration depends on.
Step 5 — Create a new config rather than risking a shared one
Where: Back to Plotters > Add-a-Plotter Wizard when a new configuration is needed.
Do this: Use clear names.
Check: Production PC3 is not accidentally overwritten.
Step 6 — Test with one sheet
Where: AutoCAD > Page Setup > select PC3 > Preview/test plot.
Do this: Validate before office rollout.
Check: The configuration is proven.
Beginner example
You want to find the PC3 files AutoCAD is actually using. Type PLOTTERMANAGER, open the Plotters folder, and inspect the configuration names there before copying or editing anything.
Understand what AutoCAD is doing
Plotter Manager is the doorway to PC3 files
The PLOTTERMANAGER command opens the Plotters folder where AutoCAD plotter configurations and Add-a-Plotter are available.
Opening a PC3 launches its editor
Double-clicking a PC3 opens the Plotter Configuration Editor. Use this to inspect device information and settings described in PC3 Files Explained.
Do not edit the only production copy
Before changing a working office PC3, make a backup or work on a copy. One small device or media change can affect many Layouts that reuse that configuration.
Useful next guides: PC3 Files Explained · PMP Files Explained · Add a Printer or Plotter · Choose a Printer or Plotter
Common problems and what to check first
| What you see | What may be causing it | Check this first |
|---|---|---|
| PC3 exists but will not plot | Underlying printer/driver/port is unavailable | Open the PC3 and verify what device or port it uses. |
| Custom paper disappeared | PC3/PMP/driver differs | Compare the full working configuration, including any attached PMP or custom media. |
| Works on old workstation only | Environment dependencies changed | Compare OS printer, queue name, driver and AutoCAD configuration files. |
| New plotter appears but paper is wrong | Configuration was not tested with real media | Open a known Layout, choose the new device and verify its actual paper list. |
When you need a more repeatable workflow
Once this basic method works, stop rebuilding the same settings by hand. Save the proven choices in a named Page Setup for Beginners, use a prepared Layout when the sheet is recurring, lock any production viewport, and keep one verified PDF or physical plot as a reference. For larger drawing sets, move toward Sheet Set Manager or publishing rather than repeating a manual Plot operation on every sheet.
Official Autodesk references
Menus and device-specific options can vary by AutoCAD release, workspace and configured printer. These Autodesk pages are the primary references used for the workflow above.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a PC3 and a printer driver?
The driver or system printer provides the operating-system device layer. A PC3 is an AutoCAD plotter configuration that can reference that device and store additional AutoCAD-specific settings.
Can I copy a PC3 to another computer?
Often, but the target computer still needs compatible underlying devices, drivers, queues and any dependent files. Always test the copied configuration.
When does PMP matter?
PMP becomes relevant when calibration or custom paper/media information is attached to a PC3. Many ordinary plotting problems should be checked at the device and PC3 level first.
Explore more in AutoCAD Printing & Plotting Guide.