How to set a default plotting device in AutoCAD

Autodesk Support

Dec 9, 2024

Products and versions covered

Issue:

Is it possible to set a specific plotting device to be used each time a drawing is plot in AutoCAD?

Solution:

To solve the issue, check the one of the following points depending on the situation:

AutoCAD uses a page setup to set an output device for each drawing, instead of using a default device.
 

Configure default output device

It is possible to set a default output device for 'new drawings' unless the drawing is based on a template, or the drawing being opened was created in versions earlier than AutoCAD 2000 format. Existing drawings and drawings created using templates are not affected by this setting.
  1. Enter OPTIONS in the AutoCAD command line.
  2. Go to Plot and Publish tab.
  3. Under Default plot settings for new drawings, select 'Use as default output device'.
  4. Select the default plotter and Click OK.
Options dialog box Default plot settings for new drawings
 

Configure plot settings

For plots from Model Space and Paper Space, run the following steps. 
Note that this step might be run for every layout or once in the drawing template to apply for new drawings.
  1. Enter PLOT in the AutoCAD command line.
  2. Select the Printer / plotter driver.
  3. Activate the icon Save changes to layout.
  4. Click Apply to Layout.
  5. Click OK.
PLOT dialog box

Note: Another option to apply the changes to the layouts is using the Page Setup Manager (See: Page Setup Manager).
 

Products:

AutoCAD Products;

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