AutoCAD Plot Stamp: Add Drawing Name, Date, Scale and More
Plot Stamp can add drawing name, Layout, date/time, device, paper size and scale to output or a log. Use it only when your document-control workflow needs it.
Start here — what you are going to do
Your goal: Configure a simple plot stamp and verify that it does not cover the drawing.
Where to start: Type PLOTSTAMP.
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 Plot Stamp settings
Where: Type PLOTSTAMP.
Do this: Open the Plot Stamp dialog.
Check: Stamp fields are visible.
Step 2 — Choose fields
Where: Plot Stamp Fields.
Do this: Select only needed items such as drawing/layout, date/time, device, paper or scale.
Check: The stamp is concise.
Step 3 — Configure placement
Where: Plot Stamp options.
Do this: Place it where it will not cover required drawing information.
Check: The location is safe.
Step 4 — Enable it for one test
Where: Plot/Page Setup > Plot Stamp On.
Do this: Use a noncritical test sheet first.
Check: The stamp appears in output.
Step 5 — Inspect the result
Where: Preview/PDF/plot.
Do this: Check text and position.
Check: The stamp is readable and nonintrusive.
Step 6 — Use logging if required
Where: Plot Stamp log options.
Do this: Follow office document-control rules.
Check: The output record method is intentional.
Beginner example
For an internal review set, you want the drawing name and plot date printed in the margin. Configure Plot Stamp on one test sheet first and check that the added text does not overlap the title block or fall outside the printable area.
Understand what AutoCAD is doing
Plot Stamp adds output information
It can include fields such as drawing name, Layout, date/time, device, paper size and plot scale, depending on the configured stamp options.
Keep it away from required drawing content
Test placement on a noncritical sheet. A document-control stamp is useful only if it does not cover notes, borders or title-block information.
Use it because the workflow needs it
Do not add stamps simply because the option exists. Use them when project or office issue-control rules require visible or logged output information.
Useful next guides: Page Setup for Beginners · Plot Preview · PDF & Publishing
Common problems and what to check first
| What you see | What may be causing it | Check this first |
|---|---|---|
| Stamp covers drawing information | Placement or content too large | Reduce fields/size and move the stamp after checking a Preview/test output. |
| Plotting seems stuck | Background job is still processing or failing | Check the plotting status indicator/queue and try foreground mode for diagnosis. |
| Automation behaves differently | Script/API assumptions differ | Test on one sheet and follow the dedicated automation guide. |
| An option fixed one sheet but broke another | Too many changes were made together | Return to the known-good setup and enable one optional setting at a time. |
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 can an AutoCAD Plot Stamp include?
Plot Stamp can include fields such as drawing name, Layout, date/time, login name, device, paper size and plot scale, depending on the selected settings.
Should beginners use Plot Stamp and background plotting?
Only when the job needs them. Learn the basic sheet, scale, paper and Preview workflow first, then add optional features one at a time.
Can background plotting make troubleshooting harder?
It can. Foreground processing can be easier to observe when you are trying to see exactly where a job fails.
Will Plot Stamp change the drawing?
It adds information to plotted output/logging according to the selected stamp settings. Test placement so it does not cover required drawing content.
Explore more in AutoCAD Printing & Plotting Guide.