How to Choose a Printer or Plotter in AutoCAD
AutoCAD can show system printers and PC3 configurations in the same Printer/Plotter list. Pick the real target before paper because the device controls the available paper list.
Start here — what you are going to do
Your goal: Choose and test the correct PDF, system printer or PC3.
Where to start: Windows Printers/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 — Test the physical device outside AutoCAD
Where: Windows Printers/office queue.
Do this: For physical output, print a basic test outside AutoCAD.
Check: The operating system can use the printer.
Step 2 — Open Page Setup
Where: AutoCAD > Output > Page Setup Manager > Modify.
Do this: Open the target Layout.
Check: Printer/Plotter list is visible.
Step 3 — Choose system printer or PC3
Where: Printer/Plotter > Name.
Do this: Pick the approved device entry.
Check: Paper Size list updates.
Step 4 — Confirm required paper
Where: Paper Size.
Do this: Check A1/ARCH/etc is available.
Check: The device exposes the needed paper.
Step 5 — Preview one sheet
Where: Preview.
Do this: Do not batch until a representative sheet is correct.
Check: CAD-side device mapping is validated.
Step 6 — Save named Page Setup
Where: Page Setup Manager.
Do this: Name by deliverable/device.
Check: Users can choose the correct configuration again.
Beginner example
The office has both a desktop A3 printer and a 36-inch plotter. Choose the device before paper size because AutoCAD refreshes the available media for the selected printer or PC3.
Understand what AutoCAD is doing
Start with the real destination
Before choosing paper or scale, decide whether the job is going to PDF, a Windows printer or an AutoCAD PC3 configuration.
A PC3 is not the hardware itself
A PC3 Files Explained stores AutoCAD-specific configuration. A physical system printer still needs to exist and work at the operating-system level.
Test one sheet before a batch
Use Plot Preview and one real output. If a physical plotter works outside AutoCAD but not inside it, compare the selected device/PC3 and paper definitions.
Useful next guides: Printers & Plotters · Choose Paper Size · PC3 Files Explained · Plotter Manager · Plotting Troubleshooting
Common problems and what to check first
| What you see | What may be causing it | Check this first |
|---|---|---|
| Paper size is missing | Wrong device/PC3 or driver paper list | Choose the correct output device first and recheck Paper Size. |
| Plotter is not listed | Driver/queue missing or PC3 issue | Verify the printer outside AutoCAD, then inspect the AutoCAD device list. |
| Border is clipped on one device | Device printable area differs | Use the exact device paper definition and test its margins. |
| Works as PDF but not on plotter | Problem is downstream of PDF | Keep the correct PDF and troubleshoot viewer, driver, media and hardware. |
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
Why does the Paper Size list change when I choose another printer?
Paper choices come from the selected printer, plotter or PC3 configuration. Different devices can expose different standard and custom sizes.
Should I create a PC3 for every printer?
Not necessarily. A system printer can often be used directly. A PC3 is useful when you need AutoCAD-specific, repeatable device settings.
Why should I test the printer outside AutoCAD?
It separates operating-system or hardware problems from AutoCAD configuration problems. If the device cannot print normally outside AutoCAD, fix that layer first.
Explore more in AutoCAD Printing & Plotting Guide.