Browse CADPlotting troubleshooting articles by symptom, output stage and software. This archive groups focused fixes for scale, clipping, missing content, plot styles, PDF creation, drivers and physical plotter problems. For the guided diagnostic method, use the main Troubleshooting hub.
The AutoCAD Preview and PDF show a complete title block, but the physical plotter cuts off one or more edges. Start by identifying exactly where the problem first appears, then test the most likely causes one at a time. This avoids changing a correct drawing to compensate for a PDF, driver or printer problem.
A rectangular viewport boundary appears in the PDF or paper output even though it should be construction-only. Start by identifying exactly where the problem first appears, then test the most likely causes one at a time. This avoids changing a correct drawing to compensate for a PDF, driver or printer problem.
A Windows printer that should be available does not appear in AutoCAD’s Printer/Plotter list. Start by identifying exactly where the problem first appears, then test the most likely causes one at a time. This avoids changing a correct drawing to compensate for a PDF, driver or printer problem.
AutoCAD Plot Preview looks correct, but the final physical print has different scale, margins, orientation, color or lineweights. Start by identifying exactly where the problem first appears, then test the most likely causes one at a time. This avoids changing a correct drawing to compensate for a PDF, driver or printer problem.
Only a portion of the expected drawing is plotted even though the missing content is visible in AutoCAD. Start by identifying exactly where the problem first appears, then test the most likely causes one at a time. This avoids changing a correct drawing to compensate for a PDF, driver or printer problem.
A raster or bitonal image that blends into the drawing on screen plots with an unwanted solid background. Start by identifying exactly where the problem first appears, then test the most likely causes one at a time. This avoids changing a correct drawing to compensate for a PDF, driver or printer problem.
A large-format or nonsystem plotter is missing from the AutoCAD output device list. Start by identifying exactly where the problem first appears, then test the most likely causes one at a time. This avoids changing a correct drawing to compensate for a PDF, driver or printer problem.
The saved PDF is correct on screen and measures properly, but the physical printer/plotter output is different. Start by identifying exactly where the problem first appears, then test the most likely causes one at a time. This avoids changing a correct drawing to compensate for a PDF, driver or printer problem.
The plotted content occupies only a small portion of the page or has unusually large blank margins. Start by identifying exactly where the problem first appears, then test the most likely causes one at a time. This avoids changing a correct drawing to compensate for a PDF, driver or printer problem.