HP DesignJet CAD Printing Guide
When AutoCAD and an HP DesignJet do not agree, the problem can come from either side. Start with the exact DesignJet model and driver, confirm the paper or roll size at the operating-system level, and only then check AutoCAD and any PC3 file.
When AutoCAD and an HP DesignJet do not agree, the problem can come from either side. Start with the exact DesignJet model and driver, confirm the paper or roll size at the operating-system level, and only then check AutoCAD and any PC3 file.
Start here — what you are going to do
Your goal: Get an AutoCAD Layout to print correctly on an HP DesignJet without guessing at margins, roll settings or PC3 files.
Where to go: First check the HP driver outside AutoCAD; then use AutoCAD Layout > Output > Plot > Page Setup Manager.
Beginner rule: Change one thing at a time. After each important change, use Preview or create one test PDF/print before continuing.
Step by step — follow this in order
Step 1 — Identify the exact DesignJet model
Where: Read the model label or operating-system printer entry.
Do this: Record the exact model, not only “HP DesignJet”.
Check: Driver and margin behavior can differ by model/generation.
Step 2 — Confirm the DesignJet works outside AutoCAD
Where: Operating system / HP utility.
Do this: Print a simple test page or PDF.
Check: If this fails, fix driver/network/media before changing the DWG.
Step 3 — Check the loaded media and available paper
Where: HP driver / printer properties.
Do this: Confirm roll width or sheet size, orientation and supported paper definitions.
Check: The size you need should exist in the driver.
Step 4 — Open the AutoCAD Page Setup
Where: AutoCAD Layout > Output > Plot > Page Setup Manager > Modify.
Do this: Select the DesignJet system printer or the approved PC3.
Check: The Paper Size list should correspond to the selected device.
Step 5 — Match paper and orientation
Where: Page Setup > Paper Size + Drawing Orientation.
Do this: Choose the same nominal paper/roll orientation used by the HP driver.
Check: Preview should place the border correctly.
Step 6 — Print a calibration sheet
Where: Plot a test with border, scale bar and lineweight ladder.
Do this: Check clipping, rotation and scale on paper.
Check: Document the exact model/driver/Page Setup combination that passes.
A simple example
A1 missing in AutoCAD
If A1 appears in the HP driver but not in the AutoCAD paper list, first confirm which printer or PC3 AutoCAD is actually using. Rebuilding the title block will not fix a device-definition mismatch.
The DesignJet settings that affect a CAD plot
Exact model matters
DesignJet spans many generations; margins, languages, firmware and driver options are not universal.
Check the driver first
Verify the current manufacturer-supported driver and available paper/roll definitions before adjusting CAD.
Then check the PC3
Use a PC3 only after the underlying device is correct; a stale PC3 can preserve old paper/device assumptions.
Roll paper settings
Width, rotation, cutting, oversize and margin modes can affect placement and clipping.
Calibration test
Approve each office plotter with a calibration drawing and documented Page Setups.
How a DesignJet plotting chain works
Why we avoid universal DesignJet numbers
HP’s own documentation shows that margin options can depend on model, firmware, media and driver. Therefore CADPlotting will never state “all DesignJets have X mm margins” without exact model evidence.
Standard versus oversize
Some DesignJet workflows distinguish standard/custom sheet definitions from oversize definitions where margins are added outside a nominal document size. The exact behavior is model/driver-specific and must be tested.
Direct CAD versus PDF
Direct plotting can expose CAD-specific device settings, while a tested PDF can act as a stable master and simplify reprints. Offices should choose a standard route, not alternate unpredictably between them.
Deployment record
For each office device record model, driver package/version, connection/queue name, supported paper list, approved Page Setups, CTB/STB required files and settings and date last verified.
Common problems and what to check first
| What you see | What may be causing it | Check this first |
|---|---|---|
| A1/ARCH D missing | Driver/PC3 paper list mismatch. | Confirm exact driver and device first. |
| Bottom/side clipped | Printable area or margin mode. | Use the model’s HP documentation, not another DesignJet’s margins. |
| Unexpected rotation | Driver roll auto-rotation conflicts with CAD. | Disable auto rotation during test. |
| Works from PDF, not CAD | PC3/Page Setup/device mapping issue. | Compare CAD device to system printer. |
| Works on old PC only | Different driver/firmware/PC3/support files. | Record environment versions and rebuild standard. |
For shared DesignJet deployment
For shared DesignJets, record the exact model, driver version, queue name, loaded roll/paper options and approved Page Setups. Use a calibration sheet with border, scale bar and lineweights so a workstation change can be tested quickly.
Official references
Frequently asked questions
Will CADPlotting have a page for every HP DesignJet model?
No. The primary structure is by family or shared workflow. Individual model pages will be added only when a model has a distinct CAD-relevant issue or configuration.
Why does AutoCAD show fewer paper sizes than the HP driver?
CAD may be using a different device definition or PC3, or the selected driver may expose only certain media. The configured device and driver must be checked together.
Should I plot directly from AutoCAD or print the PDF to the DesignJet?
Both workflows can be valid. Direct plotting offers CAD-specific control, while a verified PDF can simplify distribution and reprinting. The best choice depends on the office workflow.
Why should I test the exact DesignJet model instead of using another model’s margin values?
DesignJet families span different drivers, media handling, firmware and margin modes. Use the documentation and calibration output for the exact model and media path being approved.
Explore more in CAD Printers & Plotters Guide.