How to Add a Printer or Plotter to AutoCAD
For a physical system printer, make it work in Windows first. Then create a PC3 only when AutoCAD-specific configuration is useful.
Start here — what you are going to do
Your goal: Add the device in the correct layer and test one sheet.
Where to start: Windows printer settings or office queue.
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 — Install/test the printer in Windows first
Where: Windows printer settings or office queue.
Do this: Print a simple test page.
Check: The operating system can reach the physical printer.
Step 2 — Check whether AutoCAD already lists it
Where: Ctrl+P > Printer/Plotter > Name.
Do this: If the system printer appears and works, you may not need a PC3.
Check: You know whether extra AutoCAD configuration is necessary.
Step 3 — Open Plotter Manager
Where: Type PLOTTERMANAGER.
Do this: Open the Plotters folder.
Check: Add-a-Plotter Wizard is visible.
Step 4 — Run Add-a-Plotter
Where: Double-click Add-a-Plotter Wizard.
Do this: For a Windows printer choose the System Printer route; follow the appropriate model/port route for supported nonsystem configurations.
Check: The wizard recognizes the underlying device.
Step 5 — Name the PC3 clearly
Where: Wizard > Plotter Name.
Do this: Use an office-readable name.
Check: It can be identified later in Plot.
Step 6 — Finish and test
Where: Finish > Page Setup > select new PC3.
Do this: Check paper sizes, Preview and one test plot.
Check: The new configuration works.
Step 7 — Document before sharing
Where: Record driver/queue/PC3/paper setup.
Do this: Deploy only after validation.
Check: Other users can reproduce it.
Beginner example
A supported system printer is installed, but you want an AutoCAD-specific configuration for it. Open Plotter Manager, run Add-a-Plotter, choose the appropriate device path, give the new PC3 a clear name, then test one sheet.
Understand what AutoCAD is doing
Make a Windows printer work in Windows first
For a normal system printer or network queue, AutoCAD depends on the operating system seeing the device. Fix that layer before building a PC3 around a broken printer.
Add-a-Plotter creates AutoCAD configuration
Use Plotter Manager and the Add-a-Plotter wizard when you need an AutoCAD-specific PC3 or a supported non-system output configuration.
Test the new configuration immediately
After adding it, return to a real Layout, choose the new device, confirm Choose Paper Size and create one test output before using it broadly.
Useful next guides: Plotter Manager · System Printer vs PC3 · PC3 Files Explained · Printers & Plotters
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.