HP DesignJet T1700 for AutoCAD: 44-Inch CAD/GIS Plotting
The HP DesignJet T1700 is a 44-inch workgroup technical-plotter family with single-roll, dual-roll and PostScript variants. In AutoCAD, its extra width and device processing options increase the importance of controlled Page Setups and media mapping.
Beginner takeaway: Treat the T1700 as a high-capability endpoint with explicit office standards for rolls, PDF processing and network deployment.
Where this family fits in CAD plotting
T1700-class 44-inch devices fit larger CAD/GIS workgroups that need wider media and, on some configurations, dual-roll or PostScript/PDF processing. That extra capability makes media-source and queue naming more important because two valid device paths can produce different behavior.
- HP lists the T1700 family at 44 inches with single- and dual-roll variants.
- HP also lists PostScript variants with Adobe PDF Print Engine capabilities.
- The family is intended for medium-size businesses and enterprise CAD/GIS workgroups.
What matters in AutoCAD
- Separate device capability from CAD scale: a 44-inch plotter does not change the 1:1 paper-space rule.
- For dual-roll setups, document which media sizes belong to which roll.
- If the PostScript variant is used, compare output against the standard system-driver path before standardizing it office-wide.
Related CADPlotting guides: HP DesignJet CAD Printing Guide, Large-Format Plotter Uses the Wrong Roll or Paper Source, and Plot Preview Is Correct but Printed Output Is Wrong.
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
44-inch media creates more combinations of roll width and cut length. Keep only approved production sizes in named Page Setups instead of asking users to pick from a long driver list.
Large sheets make border/margin mistakes more expensive. Test the outer border and any crop marks on the exact roll profile.
Driver and PC3 strategy
HP differentiates PostScript and non-PostScript variants. Use the driver path that your exact device supports, and keep the Page Setup/PC3 tied to that real queue.
Common CAD plotting problems with this family
| Symptom | Most likely hardware/driver layer | First check |
|---|---|---|
| Wrong roll or media used | Dual-roll source selection | Check roll policy and driver Custom Properties. |
| Very large drawing slow to process | Rendering/device load | Test same Layout to AutoCAD PDF, then compare device path. |
| PostScript output differs from system driver | Rendering language | Use a calibration PDF/drawing to choose the office standard. |
| 44-inch sheet clips on one edge | Printable area/orientation | Check paper definition and device margins. |
What not to automate or assume
- Do not copy a T1600 PC3 to a T1700 merely because both are DesignJets.
- Do not mix PostScript and non-PostScript driver queues under the same Page Setup name.
- Do not use automatic roll selection without documenting the consequences for batch output.
Practical example
A T1700 has both standard and PostScript-capable output paths. Plot the same calibration Layout through each queue and compare text, raster images, transparency and lineweights. Keep only the tested default in normal user Page Setups; leave the alternate path for a documented exception.
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.