How to print a drawing in autocad: A Step-by-Step Guide to Printing Your AutoCAD Drawings Effectively

Printing a drawing in AutoCAD is an essential skill for architects, designers, and engineers. The process allows you to share detailed plans and concepts with clients, contractors, or your team. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you print your drawing in AutoCAD:

1. Open Your Drawing: Launch AutoCAD and open the drawing you want to print.
2. Set Up Layout or Model Space: Decide whether you want to print from Model Space or a Layout tab (preferred for precise scaling and title blocks).
3. Access the Print Command: Type PLOT or PRINT in the command line, or click on the printer icon in the toolbar.
4. Choose Printer/Plotter: In the Plot dialog box, select your desired printer or plotter from the ‘Printer/Plotter’ options.
5. Paper Size & Orientation: Choose the appropriate paper size (e.g., A4, A3) and set the orientation (portrait or landscape) to match your drawing.
6. Plot Area: Decide what to print: ‘Layout,’ ‘Display,’ ‘Extents,’ or a ‘Window’ you specify by selecting a region in your drawing.
7. Scale: For technical clarity, set a specific scale (like 1:100 or 1/4"=1') or fit to paper if the scale is less critical.
8. Plot Style Table: Select a plot style table (such as monochrome.ctb for black and white prints), which controls line weights and colors.
9. Preview and Adjust: Click ‘Preview’ to see how your drawing will look on paper. Make any necessary adjustments to settings.
10. Print: When satisfied, click ‘OK’ or ‘Plot’ to send the drawing to your printer.

As a designer, attention to layout, scale, and clarity is paramount. If you regularly work with floor plans or need to visualize your design’s print presentation before finalizing, leveraging advanced tools like a 3D Floor Planner can streamline your process—ensuring your printouts perfectly represent your creative vision.

Tips 1:

Always check your plot preview for errors like missing lineweights or off-centre drawings—catching these before printing can save paper and time.

FAQ

Q: What is the best paper size to print AutoCAD drawings?

A: It depends on your project requirements. Common sizes include A4, A3, or larger formats for architectural plans. Match the paper size to the drawing’s intended use.

Q: How do I print in black and white instead of color in AutoCAD?

A: In the Plot dialog, select a monochrome plot style table (like monochrome.ctb) to print all lines in black.

Q: Why is my drawing printing too small or too large?

A: This typically happens due to incorrect scale settings in the Plot dialog. Double-check your plot scale to match the intended print size.

Q: Can I print a specific portion of my drawing?

A: Yes, use the ‘Window’ option in the Plot dialog to specify the area of the drawing you want to print.

Q: How can I ensure lineweights show up correctly when I print?

A: Assign lineweights in your layers and select the appropriate plot style table. Use the preview to check lineweight appearance before printing.