BricsCAD PC3 Files Explained: Important Differences for AutoCAD Users
BricsCAD uses PC3 plotter configurations, but not exactly the same way AutoCAD users may expect. Bricsys documents that BricsCAD PC3 files apply to Windows system printers only.
Beginner takeaway: Do not migrate PC3 rules blindly from AutoCAD; first identify the BricsCAD platform and the real system-printer/PDF workflow.
What you need to understand first
The shared `.pc3` extension makes the two products look more interchangeable than they are. The important difference affects deployment, troubleshooting and cross-platform standards.
- BricsCAD PC3 files apply to Windows system printers only.
- PC3 files can override settings of installed system printers and are stored under BricsCAD’s PlotConfig location.
- On macOS/Linux, physical printing is PDF-first rather than direct system-printer output.
Related guides: Printer Driver vs PC3 in AutoCAD: The Hardware Layer Explained, Move AutoCAD Plotting Standards to BricsCAD: CTB, STB, DWG, Page Setup and PC3, and BricsCAD Print As PDF.pc3: What It Is and When to Use It.
Step-by-step workflow
Step 1 — Identify what the PC3 points to
Where: Windows printer/plotter environment
Do this: Record the actual installed system printer and driver.
Check: The base device exists.
Step 2 — Find the BricsCAD PC3
Where: PlotConfig location / PLOTTERMANAGER
Do this: Locate the controlled configuration.
Check: You know which file the Page Setup references.
Step 3 — Compare workstation mapping
Where: Second PC if shared
Do this: Verify printer names/drivers match.
Check: The PC3 is portable only within the expected environment.
Step 4 — Check Page Setup
Where: PAGESETUP
Do this: Confirm the intended PC3 is selected with correct media.
Check: Sheet configuration is complete.
Step 5 — Test after migration
Where: Preview > PDF/hardcopy
Do this: Use one calibration drawing.
Check: No AutoCAD-specific assumption survived unnoticed.
What usually goes wrong
| What you see | Likely layer | First check |
|---|---|---|
| PC3 copied from AutoCAD behaves unexpectedly | Product difference | Recreate/test in BricsCAD. |
| PC3 unavailable | System printer missing | Install/map base printer. |
| Paper retained but device missing | Configuration fallback/change | Repair printer reference. |
| macOS/Linux physical PC3 workflow fails | Platform difference | Use Print As PDF then OS print. |
Practical example
A Windows office copies its old AutoCAD PC3 folder into a BricsCAD deployment. Instead, use the AutoCAD files as documentation of intent: install the correct Windows printer, create/test BricsCAD configurations, then bind named Page Setups to those tested devices.
What not to do
- Do not advertise PC3 files as universally interchangeable between AutoCAD and BricsCAD.
- Do not copy PC3 without matching printer drivers/queues.
- Do not use a PC3 as the only record of paper and plot-style standards.
Good office standard
Keep a BricsCAD-specific PlotConfig deployment with a table showing PC3 name, system printer/driver, paper roles and supported operating system.
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
What is the key AutoCAD difference?
Bricsys states that BricsCAD PC3 files apply to Windows system printers only.
Where are BricsCAD PC3 files stored?
Bricsys documents the PlotConfig subfolder of the user’s roamable root as the PC3 location.
Can I share them between computers?
Only after the target systems have compatible printer/driver mappings and the configuration is tested.
Explore more in BricsCAD Printing & Plotting Guide.