What Is a PMP File in AutoCAD?
A PMP file can hold plotter calibration and paper/media information associated with a PC3. Most beginners do not edit it, but it matters when custom paper or calibration behaves differently between computers.
Start here — what you are going to do
Your goal: Understand when a PMP is part of a working plotter configuration.
Where to start: PLOTTERMANAGER > double-click PC3.
Beginner rule: Follow the steps in order. Do not change several plotting settings at once. After an important change, use Preview or make one test output before continuing.
Step by step — follow this in AutoCAD
Step 1 — Open the relevant PC3
Where: PLOTTERMANAGER > double-click PC3.
Do this: Open Plotter Configuration Editor.
Check: The PC3 is open.
Step 2 — Look for attached PMP
Where: General tab.
Do this: Read PMP file name/location when one is attached.
Check: You know whether PMP is part of the setup.
Step 3 — Open paper/calibration settings
Where: Device and Document Settings > User-Defined Paper Sizes & Calibration.
Do this: Review the PMP association and calibration/custom-media area.
Check: You know where PMP behavior enters the configuration.
Step 4 — Back up before changing
Where: Copy/save working PC3/PMP configuration.
Do this: Do not detach/replace calibration casually.
Check: You can restore the known-good setup.
Step 5 — Test one calibration/reference sheet
Where: Use Page Setup and a known drawing.
Do this: Check borders, scale and custom paper.
Check: The changed configuration still works.
Step 6 — Deploy dependencies together when required
Where: Move documented PC3/PMP/support files according to office standard.
Do this: Test on target workstation.
Check: Custom media/calibration remains reproducible.
Beginner example
A custom paper size works on one workstation but disappears on another even though the same PC3 was copied. Check whether a related PMP file contains calibrated or custom media information that also needs to be part of the working configuration.
Understand what AutoCAD is doing
PMP is attached to a PC3 when needed
A Plot Model Parameters file can store calibration and custom paper/media information associated with a plotter configuration.
Most beginners should not edit it first
If a normal paper size is missing, start with the selected device and PC3. Investigate PMP only when calibration or custom-media behavior is actually part of the problem.
Move dependent files deliberately
When a working configuration relies on a PMP, document it with the PC3 Files Explained and test the combination on the target workstation.
Useful next guides: PC3 Files Explained · Plotter Manager · Paper Sizes & Margins · Printers & Plotters
Common problems and what to check first
| What you see | What may be causing it | Check this first |
|---|---|---|
| PC3 exists but will not plot | Underlying printer/driver/port is unavailable | Open the PC3 and verify what device or port it uses. |
| Custom paper disappeared | PC3/PMP/driver differs | Compare the full working configuration, including any attached PMP or custom media. |
| Works on old workstation only | Environment dependencies changed | Compare OS printer, queue name, driver and AutoCAD configuration files. |
| New plotter appears but paper is wrong | Configuration was not tested with real media | Open a known Layout, choose the new device and verify its actual paper list. |
When you need a more repeatable workflow
Once this basic method works, stop rebuilding the same settings by hand. Save the proven choices in a named Page Setup for Beginners, use a prepared Layout when the sheet is recurring, lock any production viewport, and keep one verified PDF or physical plot as a reference. For larger drawing sets, move toward Sheet Set Manager or publishing rather than repeating a manual Plot operation on every sheet.
Official Autodesk references
Menus and device-specific options can vary by AutoCAD release, workspace and configured printer. These Autodesk pages are the primary references used for the workflow above.
Frequently asked questions
Should I edit a PMP to fix every paper-size problem?
No. Start by verifying the selected printer/PC3 and its paper list. PMP is mainly relevant when the working setup uses calibration or custom paper/media information.
What is the difference between a PC3 and a printer driver?
The driver or system printer provides the operating-system device layer. A PC3 is an AutoCAD plotter configuration that can reference that device and store additional AutoCAD-specific settings.
Can I copy a PC3 to another computer?
Often, but the target computer still needs compatible underlying devices, drivers, queues and any dependent files. Always test the copied configuration.
When does PMP matter?
PMP becomes relevant when calibration or custom paper/media information is attached to a PC3. Many ordinary plotting problems should be checked at the device and PC3 level first.
Explore more in AutoCAD Printing & Plotting Guide.