HP DesignJet T1600 for AutoCAD: 36-Inch Workgroup Plotting
The HP DesignJet T1600 class is a higher-throughput 36-inch technical plotter aimed at CAD/GIS workgroups. AutoCAD setup should separate the drawing standard from advanced device features such as dual-roll or PostScript/PDF processing.
Beginner takeaway: Use the T1600 as a workgroup standard, not as a collection of one-off user settings.
Where this family fits in CAD plotting
T1600-class devices fit larger 36-inch technical workgroups where throughput, queue management and optional multi-roll/PostScript features matter. The CAD standard should hide unnecessary device choices from normal users and expose only the tested Page Setups needed for issue work.
- HP lists T1600 variants in its technical-plotter range, including dual-roll and PostScript configurations.
- The family is built for larger workgroups than compact T200/T600 devices.
- Advanced onboard PDF/PostScript features are device capabilities; AutoCAD still needs a correct Page Setup and media selection.
What matters in AutoCAD
- Create distinct Page Setups for roll 1/roll 2 or different media policies when the driver exposes them.
- Do not assume a PostScript edition eliminates the need for CTB/STB and Layout QA.
- Use the same PDF-vs-hardcopy isolation method when device output differs from Plot Preview.
Related CADPlotting guides: HP DesignJet CAD Printing Guide, How to Publish a Sheet Set to a Physical Plotter, and System Printer vs PC3 in AutoCAD: Which Should You Use?.
Beginner setup: create one reliable AutoCAD test Layout
Step 1 — Install the manufacturer driver first
Where: HP support site / operating-system printer settings
Do this: Install the driver intended for the exact device and operating system. Confirm the printer works outside AutoCAD before building a PC3.
Check: A test page or manufacturer utility can reach the device.
Step 2 — Open one AutoCAD Layout
Where: Layout tab > PAGESETUP > Modify
Do this: Select the system printer or approved PC3, then choose the real paper/roll size used for the test.
Check: The intended media is visible and the orientation matches the title block.
Step 3 — Keep the sheet at real paper size
Where: PAGESETUP > Plot Area / Plot Scale
Do this: For a prepared Layout, use the Layout workflow and keep the paper output at 1:1. Let viewport scale control the model view.
Check: Plot Preview shows the complete border without Fit to Paper.
Step 4 — Preview before hardcopy
Where: Ctrl+P > Preview
Do this: Inspect border edges, rotation, lineweights and raster content before sending a physical job.
Check: The Preview is correct before the plotter driver becomes part of the diagnosis.
Step 5 — Create a controlled PC3 only when useful
Where: PLOTTERMANAGER / Page Setup
Do this: Save a PC3 when you need repeatable device-specific settings that differ from the Windows/macOS printer defaults.
Check: The PC3 is named by device + media/office standard, not by a vague name such as ‘Plotter 1’.
Paper, rolls and printable area
Dual-roll systems are most useful when the office defines which roll belongs to which paper size/media standard. Otherwise automatic source selection can make troubleshooting harder.
36-inch hardware supports wide technical sheets, but the printable area is still driver/media dependent. Validate office borders on the exact roll profile.
Driver and PC3 strategy
Use HP’s current supported driver. If PostScript/PDF features are available, document when the office uses them versus the raster/system driver.
Common CAD plotting problems with this family
| Symptom | Most likely hardware/driver layer | First check |
|---|---|---|
| Wrong roll selected | Driver/roll policy | Check source selection and loaded media. |
| PostScript and raster driver outputs differ | Driver language/rendering | Compare one controlled calibration sheet. |
| Batch stops on one paper size | Media mapping | Verify that every Layout’s paper exists on the target roll/device. |
| Physical output differs from PDF | Device path | Use the PDF as the boundary between AutoCAD and printer troubleshooting. |
What not to automate or assume
- Do not let users choose roll/source ad hoc in every Plot dialog.
- Do not present PostScript as automatically more accurate for every CAD drawing.
- Do not create one generic PC3 if the office deliberately uses different roll/media standards.
Practical example
A T1600 workgroup uses two media configurations and a publish set occasionally chooses the wrong source. Create clearly named Page Setups for each approved roll/media combination and run a two-sheet test that intentionally uses both before releasing the full batch.
Verification before a real issue set
- Run AutoCAD Plot Preview from the named Page Setup.
- Create one PDF and compare page dimensions and scale.
- Print that same PDF or one direct test plot on the intended media.
- Check the border on all four sides, one known dimension, lineweight hierarchy and orientation.
- Only then save the Page Setup/PC3 as the office standard for that device.
Official references
Frequently asked questions
Should I use the generic HP-GL/2 driver for this DesignJet?
For modern HP DesignJet devices, Autodesk’s guidance points users to the current HP system printer driver. Use generic HP-GL/2 only when you have a specific supported/emulation reason.
Do I need a PC3?
Not always. Use one when AutoCAD needs saved device-specific overrides or a controlled office configuration.
Why can the PDF be correct while the physical plot is wrong?
Because the PDF proves the AutoCAD/PDF stage; the physical driver, media source, margins and device still act afterward.
Explore more in CAD Printers & Plotters Guide.