How to Add a Custom Paper Size for a Windows System Printer in AutoCAD
When AutoCAD uses a Windows system printer, custom-paper creation is handled through the printer driver's Custom Properties rather than the non-system Custom Paper Size wizard.
Start here — what you are going to do
Your goal: Create a custom media size through the Windows printer driver and make it available to AutoCAD.
Where to start: Open AutoCAD with the real Windows system printer installed.
Beginner rule: Use the manufacturer’s driver interface for system printers; do not follow the non-system PC3 wizard.
Step by step — follow this in AutoCAD
Step 1 — Open Plotter Manager
Where: Output > Plot > Plotter Manager.
Do this: Open the configuration for the system printer.
Check: Plotter Configuration Editor opens.
Step 2 — Open Custom Properties
Where: Device and Document Settings > Custom Properties.
Do this: Click the Custom Properties button.
Check: Manufacturer driver dialog opens.
Step 3 — Find custom media
Where: Manufacturer driver dialog.
Do this: Locate paper/form/custom-size controls.
Check: You are editing driver media.
Step 4 — Create the size
Where: Driver custom paper/form dialog.
Do this: Enter width, length and source/roll settings.
Check: Driver accepts dimensions.
Step 5 — Save driver settings
Where: Driver dialog > Save/OK.
Do this: Return to AutoCAD.
Check: Configuration is updated.
Step 6 — Reopen Page Setup
Where: PAGESETUP > Paper Size.
Do this: Look for the new media.
Check: AutoCAD can select it.
Step 7 — Preview and test
Where: Preview > physical plot.
Do this: Check margins and scale.
Check: Media works in practice.
Beginner example
If a Windows-installed large-format printer needs a 24 × 48 in form, create it in the manufacturer’s driver Custom Properties, then reopen AutoCAD and test one sheet.
Understand what AutoCAD is doing
The manufacturer owns the custom-media UI
AutoCAD cannot provide one universal sequence after Custom Properties.
Driver media must be visible to AutoCAD
Reopen Page Setup/Plot after creating the form.
Physical test matters
Driver dimensions do not guarantee borderless output.
Useful next guides: Custom Paper Sizes: Complete Guide · Add a Custom Paper Size to an AutoCAD PC3 · Roll Paper: How to Set Custom Width and Length · AutoCAD Printable Area and Plot Margins Explained · Printers & Plotters
Common problems and what to check first
| What you see | What may be causing it | Check this first |
|---|---|---|
| No custom-size option in AutoCAD wizard | Expected for system printer | Use Custom Properties. |
| New form not listed | Driver/list did not refresh | Reopen Page Setup. |
| Works in another app but not AutoCAD | Different selected printer/configuration | Verify device. |
| Plot clips | Driver printable area differs | Adjust media/margins. |
When you need a more repeatable workflow
Deploy custom Windows forms through managed printer-driver standards and record the exact device, driver and form name.
Official Autodesk references
AutoCAD labels and available media can vary by release, driver and output device. These Autodesk pages document the core workflow used in this guide.
Frequently asked questions
Why is this different from PC3 custom media?
Windows system printers use the manufacturer driver.
Can AutoCAD create the form itself?
Autodesk directs system-printer users to Custom Properties.
Should every PC recreate the form?
Prefer managed printer-driver deployment.
Explore more in CAD Paper Sizes, Margins & Printable Area.