Printer, Plotter & PC3 collects practical CAD plotting guidance for this topic within Troubleshooting. Use these articles for setup, verification, troubleshooting and reliable final output.
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.
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.
Opening Plot or Page Setup reports that the PC3 references a printer or plotter that cannot be found. 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 same PC3 produces correct output on one workstation but is missing, invalid or different on another. 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 custom paper or roll size that worked before a driver update is no longer selectable. 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 Layout or publish job repeatedly returns to an old printer/plotter instead of the intended device. 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 device is shown as unavailable, fails to connect, or AutoCAD waits indefinitely when trying to plot. 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 job is sent to the correct plotter but uses the wrong roll, tray or media source. 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 long-format plot is cut too early, too late, or leaves excessive blank roll paper. 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.