How to Import a Page Setup from a DWT Template
Import a named Page Setup from a DWT when an existing project drawing is missing the current office plotting standard. Import the setup first, apply it to one test Layout, then verify its external printer/PC3 and CTB/STB dependencies.
Start here — what you are going to do
Your goal: Import one approved named Page Setup from a DWT and apply it safely to an existing Layout.
Where to start: Open the target DWG and identify one Layout that should use the imported standard.
Beginner rule: Import only the Page Setup you need. Do not replace every Layout setting before you have tested one sheet.
Step by step — follow this in AutoCAD
Step 1 — Open Page Setup Manager
Where: Output > Plot > Page Setup Manager, or type PAGESETUP.
Do this: Keep the target Layout active.
Check: The target drawing and Layout are clear.
Step 2 — Click Import
Where: Page Setup Manager > Import.
Do this: AutoCAD opens the Select Page Setup From File dialog.
Check: You are choosing a source file, not modifying the current setup yet.
Step 3 — Choose the DWT
Where: Select Page Setup From File > Files of type: Drawing Template (*.dwt).
Do this: Browse to the controlled office DWT and click Open.
Check: The Import Page Setups dialog lists named setups stored in the template.
Step 4 — Select the named Page Setup
Where: Import Page Setups dialog.
Do this: Choose only the required setup, such as A1-PDF-MONO, and import it.
Check: The setup appears in Page Setup Manager.
Step 5 — Apply it to the test Layout
Where: Page Setup Manager > select imported setup > Set Current.
Do this: Apply it to this one representative Layout first.
Check: The Layout now uses the imported setup.
Step 6 — Check external dependencies
Where: Select the imported setup > Modify.
Do this: Verify Printer/Plotter, Paper Size and CTB/STB are available on this workstation.
Check: The setup does not point to missing local files or devices.
Step 7 — Preview the sheet
Where: Ctrl+P > Preview.
Do this: Check border, orientation, scale and plotted appearance.
Check: The imported office standard works in the legacy drawing.
Beginner example
An older project has no A1-PDF-MONO setup. Open PAGESETUP, click Import, choose the office DWT, import A1-PDF-MONO, Set Current on one A1 Layout, then verify its PC3 and CTB before applying it to the rest of the project.
Understand what AutoCAD is doing
Import copies the named Page Setup definition into the target drawing
The DWT remains your controlled source; the imported named setup becomes available in the DWG.
The Page Setup can reference files outside the DWT
A PC3, printer driver or CTB/STB still needs to exist in the target workstation environment.
Set Current is the application step
Importing makes the setup available. Applying it to the Layout is a separate action, which is why one-sheet testing is useful.
Useful next guides: Create an Plotting DWT Template · Import a Page Setup from Another DWG · Page Setup & Sheet Sets · CTB Plot Styles · PC3 Files
Common problems and what to check first
| What you see | What may be causing it | Check this first |
|---|---|---|
| The imported setup does not appear | Wrong source file or no named Page Setup was selected | Repeat Import and inspect the DWT’s available setups. |
| The setup imports but output does not change | It was not made current for the Layout | Select it and use Set Current. |
| The CTB is missing | The DWT references an external plot-style file | Deploy the approved CTB/STB separately. |
| The paper size is unavailable | The referenced device/driver differs | Correct the output-device dependency before batch use. |
When you need a more repeatable workflow
Use one controlled DWT as the source of approved Page Setups. Version it deliberately and deploy the required CTB/STB and PC3/device standards alongside it.
Official Autodesk references
Interface labels can vary slightly by AutoCAD release and workspace. The Autodesk pages below document the core workflow used in this guide.
Frequently asked questions
Can Page Setup Manager import from a DWT?
Yes. AutoCAD’s Import workflow supports drawing/template sources for named Page Setups.
Does importing automatically change every Layout?
No. Apply the imported setup to the intended Layouts after testing.
Does the DWT contain the actual CTB file?
No. The Page Setup can reference the CTB/STB name, but the external file must be available separately.
Explore more in AutoCAD Page Setup & Sheet Sets Guide.