AutoCAD 2009

Driver & Peripheral Guide

January 2008
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Contents

Chapter 1 Pointing Devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Pointing Device Buttons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Digitizing Tablets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Chapter 2 Graphics System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Hardware Acceleration Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Hardware Acceleration Known Limitations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Chapter 3 Use Plotters and Printers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Supported Plotters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Set Up Plotters and Printers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Use the Plotter Configuration Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Modify General PC3 File Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Control PC3 File Device and Document Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Adjust Media Settings (For Nonsystem Plotters Only) . . . . . . . 21
Specify Physical Pen Configuration (For Pen Plotters Only) . . . . 22
Specify Settings for Graphical Output . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Adjust Custom Properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Use Initialization Strings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Calibrate Plotters and Work with Custom Paper Sizes . . . . . . . 28
Resolve Conflicts with the Windows Print Manager . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Port Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Adjust Port Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

iii
 Use AutoSpool . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Set the Timeout Value for Devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Configure Serial Ports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

Chapter 4 Set Device-Specific Configurations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

Configure Hewlett-Packard DesignJets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Configure Hewlett-Packard HP-GL Plotters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Configure Hewlett-Packard HP-GL/2 Devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Configure Océ Plotters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Configure Xerox Devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Configure CalComp Plotters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Configure Houston Instruments Plotters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
Use the Autodesk HDI System Printer Driver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62

Chapter 5 Configure for File Output . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65

Configure for File Output . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65

Chapter 6 Configure External Databases . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71

Configure External Databases . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71

Chapter 7 Driver Custom Properties Reference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83

Autodesk-Supplied Plotter Drivers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
DWF Driver Custom Properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
Vector and Gradient Resolution (DWF) . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
Raster Image Resolution (DWF) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
Font Handling (DWF) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
Additional Output Settings (DWF) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
Virtual Pen Set (DWF) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
DWFx Driver Custom Properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
DWFx Driver Graphics Properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
DWFx Driver Custom Properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
DXB Driver Custom Properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
HP-GL Driver Custom Properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
HP-GL Configuration Information (HP-GL) . . . . . . . . . 95
Long Plotting (HP-GL) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
Simplified HPGL (HP-GL) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
Request Hard Clip Limits from Plotter (HP-GL) . . . . . . . 99
Handshaking Instructions for Network Plotting and
Plotting to a File (HP-GL) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
HP-GL/2 Driver Custom Properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
HP-GL/2 Configuration Information (HP-GL/2) . . . . . . 101
Plot Quality (HP-GL/2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
Long Plotting (HP-GL/2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
Merge Control (HP-GL/2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109

iv | Contents
 Gamma Correction (HP-GL/2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
Nonsystem Driver Custom Properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
PDF Driver Custom Properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110
Vector and Gradient Resolution (PDF) . . . . . . . . . . . 110
Raster Image Resolution (PDF) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
PostScript Driver Custom Properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112
Printer Control (PostScript) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113
Preview Thumbnail in EPS Files (PostScript) . . . . . . . . 114
Default Plot to File Extension and Format
(PostScript) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115
Raster Image Compression (PostScript) . . . . . . . . . . . 115
Custom PostScript Error Handler (PostScript) . . . . . . . . 115
Raster Driver Custom Properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116
Raster Configuration Information (Raster) . . . . . . . . . 116
Background Color (Raster) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
Rotate Raster Scanlines 90 Degrees (Raster) . . . . . . . . . 120
System Driver Custom Properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
Third-Party Plotter Drivers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
CalComp Driver Custom Properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
Supported Plotter Families (CalComp) . . . . . . . . . . . 121
Configuring the Plotters (CalComp) . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
Setting Custom Properties (CalComp) . . . . . . . . . . . 129
Plot Cutting (CalComp) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133
Virtual Pens(CalComp) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133
Océ Driver Custom Properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135
Printer Configuration (Océ) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135
Introduction to the Océ Custom Settings (Océ) . . . . . . . 136
About Océ HDI Plotter Driver Help (Océ) . . . . . . . . . . 145
Xerox Driver Custom Properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146
Xerox Wide Format Plotter Configuration Information
(Xerox) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146
Xerox Wide Format Custom Properties Dialog Box
(Xerox) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151
XES Synergix 8825/8830/8855 Driver Custom Properties . . . . . 159
Use the AccXES Optimized System Printer Driver
(XES) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 160
What’s New in the AccXES Optimized System Printer
Driver (XES) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 161
File Changes in the AccXES Optimized System Printer
Driver (XES) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 161
Benefits of Using the AccXES Optimized System Printer
Driver (XES) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 162
Available Settings for the AccXES Optimized Printer
(XES) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 162
Troubleshooting Hints (XES) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 163

Contents | v
 Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 165

vi | Contents
Pointing Devices
1
You can control this program with a pointing device such as a mouse, digitizing puck, or
stylus. A pointing device may have a number of buttons. The first 10 buttons are automatically
assigned by the program, but you can reassign all but button 1, the pick button, by modifying
the menu file. You can change how mouse buttons function by choosing the Mouse icon in
the Windows Control Panel.

Pointing Device Buttons

The first 10 pointing device buttons are automatically assigned; you can reassign
all except button 1, the pick button.
On a two-button mouse, the left button is the pick button used to

■ Specify locations

■ Select objects for editing

■ Choose menu options and dialog box buttons and fields

The operation of the right button on a mouse depends on context; it can be

used to

■ End a command in progress

■ Display a shortcut menu

■ Display the Object Snap menu

■ Display the Toolbars dialog box

1
 Right-click operation can be modified in the Options dialog box (OPTIONS).
The operation of additional buttons on a pointing device is defined in the
menu file.

The Wheel Mouse

The wheel mouse has a small wheel between the buttons. The left and right
buttons behave the same as they do on a standard mouse. You can rotate the
wheel by discrete values. You can use the wheel to zoom and pan in your
drawing without using any commands.
By default, the zoom factor is set to 10 percent; each increment in the wheel
rotation changes the zoom level by 10 percent. The ZOOMFACTOR system
variable controls the incremental change, whether forward or backward. The
higher the number, the larger the change.
The following table lists the wheel mouse actions supported in this program.

To... Do this...

Zoom in or out Rotate the wheel forward to zoom in,

backward to zoom out

Zoom to drawing extents Double-click the wheel button

Pan Hold down the wheel button and drag the

mouse

Pan (joystick) Hold down CTRL and the wheel button,

and drag the mouse

Display the Object Snap menu With the MBUTTONPAN system variable
set to 0, click the wheel button

See also:

■ “Customize Mouse Buttons” in the Customization Guide

2 | Chapter 1 Pointing Devices

To practice using several features of the mouse

1 Move your mouse and notice that the pointer on the screen changes from
crosshairs while the pointer is in the drawing area, to an arrow when it's
not over the drawing area, and to an I-beam when it's in the text window.

2 As you continue to move the mouse, notice that the numbers in the
coordinate display on the status bar change. These numbers indicate the
exact location, or coordinate, of the crosshairs on the screen. Click in the
coordinate display to turn it off. Notice that the coordinates are updated
only when you click in the drawing area.

3 Find the Snap button on the status bar and click it with the pick button
on your mouse (usually the left button). Notice that the button darkens
to indicate that Snap mode has been turned on.

4 Move the pointer around the screen and observe that it seems to adhere,
or "snap," to points at predetermined and equivalent intervals on the
screen. You can change the size of these intervals.

5 Click the Snap button again to turn Snap mode off.

6 Move the pointer over the Standard toolbar at the top of the drawing
area. As you leave the pointer over a button for a few moments, notice
a pop-up label, called a tooltip, that identifies the button.

7 Move the pointer over double bars at the end of a toolbar. Then, as you
hold down the pick button, drag the toolbar around the screen to
reposition it.

8 Dock the toolbar by dragging it to a docking location at the top, bottom,

or either side of the drawing area. When the outline of the toolbar appears
in the docking area, release the pick button.

To turn off all shortcut menus in the drawing area

1 Click Tools menu ➤ Options.

2 In the Options dialog box, User Preferences tab, under Windows Standard
Behavior, clear Shortcut Menus in Drawing Area.

3 Click OK to record the current options settings in the system registry and
close the Options dialog box.

Command entry: OPTIONS

Pointing Device Buttons | 3

 To turn off shortcut menus individually

1 Click Tools menu ➤ Options.

2 In the Options dialog box, User Preferences tab, select Shortcut Menus
in Drawing Area, and then click Right-Click Customization.

3 In the Right-Click Customization dialog box, under Default Mode, Edit

Mode, or Command Mode, select the options to control what happens
when you right-click in the drawing area.

4 Click Apply & Close to close the dialog box.

5 Click OK to record the current options settings in the system registry and
close the Options dialog box.

Command entry: OPTIONS

Quick Reference

Commands

OPTIONS
Customizes the program settings
PAN
Moves the view in the current viewport
ZOOM
Increases or decreases the apparent size of objects in the current viewport

System Variables

MBUTTONPAN
Controls the behavior of the third button or wheel on the pointing device
SHORTCUTMENU
Controls whether Default, Edit, and Command mode shortcut menus are
available in the drawing area
ZOOMFACTOR
Controls how much the magnification changes when the mouse wheel moves
forward or backward

4 | Chapter 1 Pointing Devices

 Utilities

No entries

Command Modifiers

No entries

Digitizing Tablets
You can use the puck or stylus of a digitizing tablet as a pointing device, or
you can trace a paper drawing into a file.
A digitizing tablet, or digitizer, is a peripheral device that can be used to trace
paper drawings into a drawing file or to choose commands from a digitizing
tablet overlay. With the Wintab driver, the tablet pointer can also be used
instead of a mouse as a system pointer to choose menu items and drawing
objects or to interact with the operating system. The tablet pointer can be a
puck or a stylus.
The digitizing tablet must first be configured and then can optionally be
calibrated.

■ When the tablet is configured, portions of the tablet surface are designated
as menu areas and a screen-pointing area.

■ When the tablet is calibrated, it can be used to trace geometry from an

existing paper drawing or photograph into a drawing.

You can easily switch between using the tablet uncalibrated as a system pointer
(Tablet mode off) or calibrated for digitizing a drawing (Tablet mode on). Click
the Tablet button on the status bar. If a screen-pointing area has been
designated, a Float button is displayed on the status bar and toggles the
screen-pointing area on and off.

NOTE A sample digitizing tablet overlay, tablet.dwg, is included in the Sample

folder, which is located in the product installation directory.

See also:

■ “Create Tablet Menus” in the Customization Guide

Digitizing Tablets | 5
 Quick Reference

Commands

OPTIONS
Customizes the program settings
REINIT
Reinitializes the digitizer, digitizer input/output port, and program parameters
file
TABLET
Calibrates, configures, and turns on and off an attached digitizing tablet

System Variables

TABMODE
Controls the use of the tablet

Utilities

No entries

Command Modifiers

No entries

6 | Chapter 1 Pointing Devices

Graphics System
2
You can configure the graphics system to use either software or hardware acceleration. Enabling
hardware acceleration may help to improve the performance of AutoCAD over using software
acceleration.

Hardware Acceleration Troubleshooting

This chapter provides solutions to some of the most common problems when
trying to use hardware acceleration with the AutoCAD.
After starting Windows Netmeeting, hardware acceleration in AutoCAD
disabled or unavailable. Is it possible to re-enable hardware acceleration? To
re-enable hardware acceleration, turn off Remote Desktop Sharing or close
Netmeeting. Then restart AutoCAD and hardware acceleration should be
available.

After running a remote access application such as Remote Desktop, VMware,

or Citrix hardware acceleration in AutoCAD is unavailable. Is it possible to
use hardware acceleration with these applications? To use hardware
acceleration, AutoCAD needs to be run locally from the computer. Hardware
acceleration remains unavailable while any remote access application is running
on the computer.

Why is hardware acceleration unavailable? The most common reason why

hardware acceleration is unavailable is that a graphics display driver cannot be
located on the system. To use hardware acceleration, visit the video card
manufacturer's website or the AutoCAD Certification website
(http://www.autodesk.com/autocad-graphicscard) to download and install the latest
driver available for your system.

Why does hardware acceleration seem to disable on its own at times? There
are some situations when AutoCAD drops out of hardware acceleration. The

7
 following is a list of the known conditions when an error or driver failure
commonly occur:
■ You lock and unlock the workstation while AutoCAD is currently running.

■ Screen saver was activated and AutoCAD is restored.

■ You enable/disable the second monitor on the system.

■ System returns from hibernation/standby.

■ AutoCAD runs out of video memory.

Why is the Direct3D driver unavailable to use with hardware

acceleration? To use the Direct3D driver for hardware acceleration, DirectX
9.0 must be installed on the system. To install DirectX 9.0c, insert the product’s
original installation media (DVD/CD) in your drive. Execute DXSETUP.exe from
the Support\DirectX folder and follow the displayed prompts.

At times when I am using hardware acceleration, I encounter an error

that prevents hardware acceleration from operating correctly and then
it becomes unavailable. What should I do? To help ensure that hardware
acceleration operates correctly, verify that you are running the latest service
pack of the product and video graphics card driver before attempting to
re-enable hardware acceleration.

Quick Reference

Commands

3DCONFIG
Provides 3D graphics system configuration settings

8 | Chapter 2 Graphics System

 System Variables

No entries

Utilities

No entries

Command Modifiers

No entries

Hardware Acceleration Known Limitations

This chapter lists some of the known limitations or differences between using
the OpenGL (OGL) or Direct 3D (D3D) driver when using hardware acceleration
with AutoCAD.

■ Spotlights are defined differently between D3D and OGL, so they will
appear slightly different in the current viewport. The key difference is how
the “hotspot” and “falloff” is displayed.

■ Spotlights and point lights obey limits in D3D, but not in OGL.

■ The intensity of full shadows in D3D is affected by the angle of incidence

of the incoming light which is not the case in OGL. Thus, shadows will
appear lighter and more “natural” looking in D3D than in OGL.

■ If a graphics card supports Pixel Shader 3.0, full shadows are displayed
with a higher quality with the D3D driver.

■ D3D can vary shadow map detail based on available video memory while
OGL cannot.

■ Many hardware vendors do not support anti-aliased lines in their D3D

drivers, so AutoCAD cannot support anti-aliasing for those cards.

Hardware Acceleration Known Limitations | 9

 Quick Reference

Commands

3DCONFIG
Provides 3D graphics system configuration settings

System Variables

No entries

Utilities

No entries

Command Modifiers

No entries

10 | Chapter 2 Graphics System

Use Plotters and Printers
3
You can produce hard copy output of your drawings using many different types of plotters
and printers. You can send output to files using a variety of formats.

Supported Plotters
HDI (Heidi® Device Interface) drivers are used to communicate with hard copy
devices. These drivers fall into three categories: file format drivers, HDI
nonsystem drivers, and HDI system printer drivers.
HDI drivers should be used for older 'legacy' devices that can't be set up through
the Operating System (OS). Newer devices that can be configured through the
OS should be used by AutoCAD as a system printer instead of a nonsystem
printer.
Please check with your vendor to see if there is compatibility with the plotter
and AutoCAD.

NOTE It is highly recommended that you update your drivers regularly to avoid
plotting problems.

Quick Reference

Commands

PLOT
Plots a drawing to a plotter, printer, or file
PLOTTERMANAGER
Displays the Plotter Manager, where you can add or edit a plotter configuration

11
 System Variables

No entries

Utilities

No entries

Command Modifiers

No entries

Set Up Plotters and Printers

Each plotter configuration contains information such as the device driver and
model, the output port to which the device is connected, and various
device-specific settings.
AutoCAD lists printers or plotters configured for use with Windows in the
Plot and Page Setup dialog boxes. You do not need to configure these devices
with the system printer driver unless the AutoCAD defaults differ from the
Windows values.

NOTE Nonsystem devices are referred to as plotters and Windows system devices
are referred to as printers.

If a plotter is supported by AutoCAD, but not by Windows, you can use one
of the HDI nonsystem printer drivers. You can also use a nonsystem driver to
create PostScript, raster, or Design Web format (DWF) files and Portable
Document Format (PDF) files
You must configure local or network nonsystem plotters and Windows system
printers with nondefault settings. You do not need to configure system printers
if you change only the paper size.
AutoCAD stores information about the media and plotting device in configured
plot (PC3) files. Plot configurations are portable and can be shared in an office
or on a project as long as they are for the same driver, model, and driver
version. Shared plot configurations for Windows system printers may also
need to be for the same version of Windows. If you calibrate a plotter, the
calibration information is stored in a plot model parameter (PMP) file that
you can attach to any PC3 files you create for the calibrated plotter.

12 | Chapter 3 Use Plotters and Printers

You can configure AutoCAD for many devices, and store multiple
configurations for a single device. Each plotter configuration contains
information such as the device driver and model, the output port to which
the device is connected, and various device-specific settings. You can create
several PC3 files with different output options for the same plotter. After you
create a PC3 file, it's available in the list of plotter configuration names in the
Plot dialog box.
To create these PC3 files, use the Add-a-Plotter wizard in the Autodesk Plotter
Manager. The Plotter Manager is a Windows Explorer window. The
Add-a-Plotter wizard is modeled after the Windows Add Printer wizard. Using
the Add-a-Plotter wizard, you can specify whether you want to configure a
nonsystem, local, or network plotter, or a system printer. You can create any
number of plotter device configurations that use either the Windows system
printer drivers or Autodesk nonsystem plotter drivers. Your configurations are
stored in your user profile.
There are a number of ways to modify the default settings for a Windows
system printer without creating a PC3 file. For example, you can modify the
properties systemwide from the Control Panel. You can also choose Properties
in the Plot dialog box and plot without saving the properties.

NOTE If you upgrade a driver, try using your existing PC3 file. If it does not work,
then you need to create a new PC3 file. In many cases, it may be possible to copy
and paste some of the settings from the old PC3 file to a new one created with
the new driver.

See also:

■ Use the Plotter Configuration Editor on page 17

■ Calibrate Plotters and Work with Custom Paper Sizes on page 28

To open the Autodesk Plotter Manager

You can also use any of the following methods to open the Autodesk Plotter
Manager:
■ From the File menu, choose Plotter Manager.

■ At the command prompt, enter plottermanager.

■ From the Tools menu, choose Options. On the Plot and Publish tab, choose
Add or Configure Plotters.

Set Up Plotters and Printers | 13

 To create a PC3 file for a Windows system printer

1 Open the Autodesk Plotter Manager.

2 In the Autodesk Plotter Manager, double-click the Add-a-Plotter Wizard

shortcut icon.

3 In the Add-a-Plotter wizard, read the Introduction, and then choose Next
to advance to the Add Plotter - Begin page.

4 On the Add Plotter - Begin page, choose System Printer. Choose Next.

5 On the Add Plotter - System Printer page, select the system printer that
you want to configure.
The list includes all printers known to the operating system. If you want
to connect to a printer that is not in the list, you must first add the printer
using the Windows Add Printer wizard in the Control Panel.
(Optional)The Import PCP or PC2 screen enables you to use configuration
information from a PCP or PC2 file created with an earlier version of
AutoCAD.

6 On the Add Plotter - Plotter Name page, enter a name to identify the
currently configured plotter. Choose Next.

7 When you reach the Add Plotter - Finish page, you can choose Finish to
exit the Add-a-Plotter wizard.
A PC3 file for the newly configured plotter appears in the Plotters window
and the plotter is available for plotting in the list of devices.
At this time, you can change the default settings for the plotter by
choosing Edit Plotter Configuration on the Add Plotter - Finish page. You
can also perform a plot calibration test on your newly configured plotter
by choosing Calibrate Plotter on the Add Plotter - Finish page.

To configure a local, nonsystem plotter

1 Open the Autodesk Plotter Manager.

2 In the Autodesk Plotter Manager, double-click the Add-a-Plotter Wizard

shortcut.

3 In the Add-a-Plotter wizard, read the Introduction, and then choose Next
to advance to the Add Plotter - Begin page.

4 On the Add Plotter - Begin page, choose My Computer. Choose Next.

14 | Chapter 3 Use Plotters and Printers

 5 On the Add Plotter - Plotter Model page, select a manufacturer and model.
Choose Next.
If you are configuring a PostScript device, select Adobe from the
Manufacturers list.
If your plotter is not in the list of available plotters, and you have a driver
disk for your plotter, choose Have Disk to locate the HIF file on that driver
disk, and install the driver supplied with your plotter.
(Optional) The Import PCP or PC2 screen enables you to use configuration
information from a PCP or PC2 file created with an earlier version of
AutoCAD.

6 On the Add Plotter - Ports page, select the port to use when plotting.
Choose Next. The ports available for the specified device are displayed.

7 On the Add Plotter - Plotter Name page, enter a name to identify the
currently configured plotter. Choose Next.

8 When you reach the Add Plotter - Finish page, you can choose Finish to
exit the Add-a-Plotter wizard.
A PC3 file for the newly configured plotter appears in the Plotters window,
and the plotter is available for plotting in the list of devices.
At this time, you can change the default settings for the plotter by
choosing Edit Plotter Configuration on the Add Plotter - Finish page. You
can also perform a plot calibration test on your newly configured plotter
by choosing Calibrate Plotter on the Add Plotter - Finish page.

To configure a network, nonsystem plotter

1 Open the Autodesk Plotter Manager.

2 Double-click the Add-a-Plotter Wizard shortcut icon.

3 In the Add-a-Plotter wizard, read the Introduction, and then choose Next
to advance to the Add Plotter - Begin page.

4 On the Add Plotter - Begin page, choose Network Plotter Server. Choose
Next.

5 On the Add Plotter - Network Plotter page, enter the share name of the
network plotter server that you want to use.
The server must already exist on the network. For more information, see
your system administrator.

Set Up Plotters and Printers | 15

 You must use the universal naming convention (UNC). The correct format
of a UNC path is \\server name\share name. You can select an existing
share name on your network by choosing Browse.

6 On the Add Plotter - Plotter Model page, select a manufacturer and model.
Choose Next.
If you are configuring a PostScript device, select Adobe from the
Manufacturers list.
If your plotter isn't in the list of available plotters and you have a driver
disk for your plotter, choose Have Disk to locate the HIF file on that driver
disk, and install the driver supplied with your plotter.
(Optional) The Import PCP or PC2 screen enables you to use configuration
information from a PCP or PC2 file created with an earlier version of
AutoCAD.

7 On the Add Plotter - Plotter Name page, enter a name to identify the
currently configured plotter. Choose Next.

8 When you reach the Add Plotter - Finish page, you can choose Finish to
exit the Add-a-Plotter wizard.
A PC3 file for the newly configured plotter appears in the Plotters window
and the plotter is available for plotting in the list of devices.
At this time, you can change the default settings for the plotter by
choosing Edit Plotter Configuration on the Add Plotter - Finish page. You
can also perform a plot calibration test on your newly configured plotter
by choosing Calibrate Plotter on the Add Plotter - Finish page.

Quick Reference

Commands

PAGESETUP
Controls the page layout, plotting device, paper size, and other settings for
each new layout
PCINWIZARD
Displays a wizard to import PCP and PC2 configuration file plot settings into
the Model tab or current layout
PLOT
Plots a drawing to a plotter, printer, or file

16 | Chapter 3 Use Plotters and Printers

 PLOTTERMANAGER
Displays the Plotter Manager, where you can add or edit a plotter
configuration

System Variables

No entries

Utilities

No entries

Command Modifiers

No entries

Use the Plotter Configuration Editor

After you create a configured plotter (PC3) file using the Add-a-Plotter wizard,
you can edit the file using the Plotter Configuration Editor.
The Plotter Configuration Editor provides options for modifying a plotter's
port connections and output settings including media, graphics, physical pen
configuration, custom properties, initialization strings, calibration, and
user-defined paper sizes. You can drag and drop these options from one PC3
file to another.

NOTE When dragging and dropping one leaf, the whole branch will come over
with the leaf. If you drag from a Windows system driver, in most cases, the Custom
branch will also be copied. For nonsystem drivers, the Custom leaf is copied only
if it is explicitly selected.

The Plotter Configuration Editor contains three tabs. The General tab contains
basic information about the configured plotter. The Ports tab contains
information about the communication between the plotting device and your
computer. The Device and Document Settings tab contains plotting options.
Depending on your configured plotting device, additional options are available
on the Device and Document Settings tab. For example, when you configure
a nonsystem pen plotter you have the option to modify the physical pen
characteristics.
You can edit the plotter configuration files for both nonsystem and system
plotters. You can also modify the default settings for a Windows system printer

Use the Plotter Configuration Editor | 17

 without creating a PC3 file. For example, you can modify the properties
systemwide in the Windows Control Panel. You can also choose Properties in
the Plot dialog box and plot without saving the properties.

To start the Plotter Configuration Editor

Use one of the following methods:
■ Double-click a PC3 file from Windows Explorer or right-click the file and
choose Open. (By default, PC3 files are stored in the user profile folder.)

■ Choose Edit Plotter Configuration on the Add Plotter - Finish page in the
Add-a-Plotter wizard.

■ On the File menu, click Plot. In the Plot dialog box, under Printer/Plotter
select a device, and then click Properties.

■ On the File menu, click Page Setup. In Page Setup Manager, select a page
setup, and then click Modify. In the Page Setup dialog box, under
Printer/Plotter select a device and then click Properties.

To save a PC3 file under a new file name

1 From the File menu, choose Plotter Manager.

2 In the Autodesk Plotter Manager, double-click to open the PC3 file you
want to use.

3 In the Plotter Configuration Editor, choose the Device and Document

Settings tab.

4 Choose Save As.

5 In the Save As dialog box, enter a new file name for the PC3 file.

6 Choose Save.

Quick Reference

Commands

PLOTTERMANAGER
Displays the Plotter Manager, where you can add or edit a plotter
configuration

18 | Chapter 3 Use Plotters and Printers

 System Variables

No entries

Utilities

No entries

Command Modifiers

No entries

Modify General PC3 File Information

The General tab of the Plotter Configuration Editor contains basic information
about the PC3 file. You can add or modify the information in the Description
area.
The rest of the tab is read-only. The information on the General tab includes

■ Configured plotter file name

■ Description or other information you want to include about the plotter

■ Plotter driver type (system or nonsystem), name, model, and location

■ HDI driver file version number (AutoCAD specialized driver files)

■ UNC name of the network server (if the plotter is connected to a network
server), the input/output port (if the plotter is connected locally), or the
name of the system printer (if the configured plotter is the system printer)

■ PMP file name and location (if a plotter calibration file [PMP] is attached
to the PC3 file)

To add or modify the PC3 file description

1 From the File menu, choose Plotter Manager.

2 Double-click the plotter configuration (PC3) file whose settings you want
to change.

3 In the Plotter Configuration Editor, choose the General tab.

4 Insert the cursor in the Description area.

Modify General PC3 File Information | 19

 5 Add a description or modify the existing description for the PC3 file.

Quick Reference

Commands

PLOTTERMANAGER
Displays the Plotter Manager, where you can add or edit a plotter
configuration

System Variables

No entries

Utilities

No entries

Command Modifiers

No entries

Control PC3 File Device and Document

Settings
In the Plotter Configuration Editor, on the Device and Document Settings
tab, you can change many of the settings in the configured plot (PC3) file.

NOTE Only the settings available for the configured device are displayed in the
tree view. In addition, you might not be able to edit some settings if the device
handles the setting through the Custom Properties option or doesn't support the
capability.

20 | Chapter 3 Use Plotters and Printers

Adjust Media Settings (For Nonsystem Plotters
Only)
Depending on the features supported by your configured plotter, you can
modify the paper source, type, and size of your paper.
You can specify whether you want to print on both sides or just one side. If
your printer supports cutting, collating, and stapling, you can specify your
choice under the Media Destination option. For Windows system printers,
you must configure the Media settings using the Custom Properties option.

To adjust media settings

1 From the File menu, choose Plotter Manager.

2 Double-click the plotter configuration (PC3) file whose media settings

you want to change.

3 In the Plotter Configuration Editor, choose the Device and Document

Settings tab.

4 Double-click Media to view the media settings.

5 Do one of the following:

■ Select Source and Size. Under Media Source and Size, select a paper
source from the Source list. If appropriate, select a roll width from the
Width list or a tray from the Tray Type list. Under Size, select the
paper size you want to use. Select Automatic to tell the printer to
select the appropriate paper source.

■ Select Media Type. Under Media Type, select one of the available
media types.

■ Select Duplex Printing. Under Print on Both Sides (Duplex Printing),

select Short Side or Long Side. This setting may not be available for
your plotter.

■ Select Media Destination. Under Media Destination, specify one of

the available options, for example, cutting. This setting may not be
available for your plotter.

6 When finished, choose OK.

Command entry: PLOTTERMANAGER

Adjust Media Settings (For Nonsystem Plotters Only) | 21

 Quick Reference

Commands

PLOTTERMANAGER
Displays the Plotter Manager, where you can add or edit a plotter
configuration

System Variables

No entries

Utilities

No entries

Command Modifiers

No entries

Specify Physical Pen Configuration (For Pen Plotters

Only)
In the Plotter Configuration Editor, the Physical Pen Configuration setting
controls the pens in the pen plotter.
You can specify pen swapping on a single pen plotter, adjust the polygon area
for pen width, and set pen optimization if the configured plotter supports
these features. The lower pane of the Device and Document Settings tab
displays a table that describes the color, width, and speed of each pen in the
plotter.

NOTE Physical pen information cannot be detected automatically. You must

provide this information for your pen plotter under the Physical Pen Characteristics
option.

You must specify the pen settings even if you don't plan to use plot style
tables. If you choose not to create a plot style table, AutoCAD automatically
assigns pens, using the pen color and width information you provide. AutoCAD
uses the pen whose color is closest to the color assigned to the object. If more
than one pen matches, then the pen with the closest width is used. If the best

22 | Chapter 3 Use Plotters and Printers

pen is narrower than the object's width, several strokes are used to draw the
object. If you use a plot style table, you can assign a physical pen number to
each plot style.

See also:

■ “Switch the Type of Plot Style Table” in the User's Guide

To configure pens

1 From the File menu, choose Plotter Manager.

2 Double-click the plotter configuration (PC3) file whose pen settings you
want to change.

3 In the Plotter Configuration Editor, choose the Device and Document

Settings tab.

4 Double-click Physical Pen Configuration to view the pen configuration

settings.

5 Select Pen Configuration. Under Pen Configuration, do one of the

following:
■ If you use a single-pen plotter and want to use different pens when
you plot, select Prompt for Pen Swapping.

■ For greater accuracy when plotting filled areas and wide polylines,
choose Area Fill Correction. AutoCAD moves the pen inward by half
a pen width.

■ Under Pen Optimization Level, select one of the available methods.

Each method in the list includes the optimization methods preceding
it in the list (except for No Optimization).

6 Select Physical Pen Characteristics. For each pen in your plotter, specify
the color, speed, and width. This step is required.

NOTE Use the Plot Style Table Editor to assign specific colors and pen widths
to your objects that correspond to the plotted colors and widths for your
plotting device.

7 When finished, choose OK.

Command entry: PLOTTERMANAGER

Specify Physical Pen Configuration (For Pen Plotters Only) | 23

 Quick Reference

Commands

PLOTTERMANAGER
Displays the Plotter Manager, where you can add or edit a plotter
configuration

System Variables

No entries

Utilities

No entries

Command Modifiers

No entries

Specify Settings for Graphical Output

Depending on the capabilities of your configured plotter, you can modify the
plotter's color depth, resolution, or dithering and specify whether the output
is color or monochrome for vector drawings.
When printing raster images on a plotter with limited memory, you can specify
some image-quality trade-offs to improve performance. If you use a nonsystem
plotter that supports varying amounts of installed RAM, you can provide
AutoCAD with that information to improve performance.

To specify graphics settings

1 From the File menu, choose Plotter Manager.

2 Double-click the plotter configuration (PC3) file whose pen settings you
want to change.

3 In the Plotter Configuration Editor, choose the Device and Document

Settings tab.

4 Double-click Graphics to view the graphical output settings.

24 | Chapter 3 Use Plotters and Printers

 5 Do one of the following:
■ Select Installed Memory and enter the amount of memory available
in the plotter.

■ Select Vector Graphics and select color depth, resolution, and

dithering.

■ Select Raster Graphics and specify a balance between output quality

and performance.

■ Select TrueType Text and select the way you want to print TrueType
text.

■ Select Merge control and specify whether crossing lines should

overwrite the lines beneath them or merge.

6 When finished, choose OK.

Command entry: PLOTTERMANAGER

Quick Reference

Commands

PLOTTERMANAGER
Displays the Plotter Manager, where you can add or edit a plotter
configuration

Specify Settings for Graphical Output | 25

 System Variables

No entries

Utilities

No entries

Command Modifiers

No entries

Adjust Custom Properties

In the Plotter Configuration Editor, you can modify the device-specific
properties for the configured plotter by selecting Custom Properties from the
tree view on the Device and Document Settings tab.
The settings for each plotter vary. If the plotter manufacturer has not included
a Custom Properties dialog box for the device driver, the Custom Properties
option is unavailable. For other drivers, the Customs Properties option is the
only tree view option available. For Windows system printers, most of the
device-specific settings are made in this dialog box.
For device-specific information, choose Help in the Custom Properties dialog
box for the driver you have configured.

To specify custom properties

1 From the File menu, choose Plotter Manager.

2 Double-click the plotter configuration (PC3) file whose custom properties

you want to change.

3 In the Plotter Configuration Editor, choose the Device and Document

Settings tab.

4 In the tree view, select Custom Properties. Under Access Custom Dialog,
choose the Custom Properties button.

5 Set the properties for the printer or plotter. The properties vary depending
on the plotter and manufacturer.

6 Choose OK to exit each dialog box.

26 | Chapter 3 Use Plotters and Printers

 Command entry: PLOTTERMANAGER

Quick Reference

Commands

PLOTTERMANAGER
Displays the Plotter Manager, where you can add or edit a plotter
configuration

System Variables

No entries

Utilities

No entries

Command Modifiers

No entries

Use Initialization Strings

You can use ASCII text initialization strings to prepare the plotter for printing.
If you're plotting to an unsupported, nonsystem plotter in Emulation mode,
you can use ASCII text initialization strings to prepare the plotter for printing,
set device-specific options, and restore the plotter to its original state. Only
advanced users should use initialization strings.

To set initialization strings

1 From the File menu, choose Plotter Manager.

2 Double-click the plotter configuration (PC3) file whose initialization

string settings you want to change.

3 In the Plotter Configuration Editor, choose the Device and Document

Settings tab.

4 In the tree view, select Initialization Strings to view the initialization

string settings.

Use Initialization Strings | 27

 5 Enter a Pre-Initialization string, Post-Initialization string, and Termination
string as required.

6 Choose OK.

Command entry: PLOTTERMANAGER

Quick Reference

Commands

PLOTTERMANAGER
Displays the Plotter Manager, where you can add or edit a plotter
configuration

System Variables

No entries

Utilities

No entries

Command Modifiers

No entries

Calibrate Plotters and Work with Custom Paper

Sizes
You should perform a plotter calibration only if your drawings must be exactly
to scale and your plotter or printer produces inaccurate plots.
You can adjust plotter calibration to correct scaling discrepancies, and you
can add custom paper sizes for nonsystem plotters.

Calibration Files

Plotter calibration is an optional process. If your plotter meets the

manufacturer's specifications for accuracy of scale, a 10-inch line in a drawing
plotted at a scale of 1:1 should be exactly 10 inches long on paper. If you need

28 | Chapter 3 Use Plotters and Printers

to correct scaling discrepancies, you can adjust the plotter calibration. If your
plotter provides a calibration utility, use that utility instead of the AutoCAD
calibration utility so the calibration is available for all applications using the
plotter.
To calibrate a plotter, you must specify the dimensions of a test rectangle,
print the test rectangle, measure actual dimensions, and enter the actual
measurements in the Calibrate Plotter wizard. AutoCAD calculates the necessary
calibration for the plotter.
When you complete the Calibrate Plotter wizard, AutoCAD creates a plot
model parameter (PMP) file to store the results of the calibration for each plot
device. AutoCAD automatically attaches the resulting PMP file to the plotter
configuration (PC3) file that you used to perform the calibration test.
Calibrating a plotter creates a plotter model parameter (PMP) file that contains
calibration information. If the PMP file is not already attached to the plotter
configuration file (PC3) you are editing, you must create that association so
you can use the PMP file. If the plotter was calibrated from within the
Add-a-Plotter wizard, the PMP file is already attached. You can use the
Calibration and User Defined Paper Sizes option to add PMP files to and detach
PMP files from the PC3 file. If you have more than one PC3 file for a device,
you can attach the same PMP file to them using the Plotter Configuration
Editor. Because PMP files are plotter specific, it's appropriate to attach only
one PMP file to a PC3 file.

NOTE You should perform a plotter calibration only if your drawings must be
exactly to scale and your plotter or printer produces inaccurate plots. Plotter
calibration causes AutoCAD to rescale all plots sent to your plotter to correct errors
in its hardware scaling. It is recommended that you use any calibration setting
provided by your plotter instead of the AutoCAD setting.

Custom Paper Sizes

For a nonsystem plotter, you can choose the Add option to create a custom
paper size or change the printable area of a standard or nonstandard paper
size. Using the Custom Paper Size wizard, you can create a new paper size or
select from a list of available paper sizes (from a PMP file). For a Windows
system printer, use the Custom Properties option to adjust paper settings.
You can modify standard paper sizes to adjust the printable area to match a
printer's capabilities. In the Plotter Configuration Editor, you cannot create
custom paper sizes for Windows system printers, but you can correct errors
in the printable area of standard paper sizes.

Calibrate Plotters and Work with Custom Paper Sizes | 29

 To calibrate a plotter

1 From the File menu, choose Plotter Manager.

2 Double-click the Add-a-Plotter wizard icon.

3 Start the Add-a-Plotter wizard and configure the device you want to add.

4 When you reach the Add Plotter - Finish page, choose Calibrate Plotter.
You can also calibrate a plotter by running the Plotter Configuration
Editor on an existing PC3 file for the device you want to calibrate.

5 In the Paper Size list, select a paper size for the test plot. Choose Next.

6 On the Calibrate Plotter - Rectangle Size page, in the Units list, select the
measurement units.

7 In the Length and Width boxes, enter the dimensions of the test rectangle.
Choose Next. AutoCAD plots the test rectangle.

8 Retrieve the plot and measure the test rectangle. On the Calibrate Plotter
- Measured Plot page, in the Measured Length and Measured Width boxes,
enter the actual dimensions of the plotted test rectangle. Choose Next.
AutoCAD compares the actual plotted measurements to the size you
specified in the preceding screen and computes the correction needed to
accurately calibrate the plotter.

9 On the Calibrate Plotter - File name page, enter a file name. Choose Next.
The resulting PMP file is stored in the AutoCAD Drv folder.

10 On the Calibrate Plotter - Finish page, choose Check Calibration.

AutoCAD plots the text rectangle again. Measure the sides again to verify
that the calibration is correct.

11 Choose Finish to return to the Add-a-Plotter wizard or Plotter

Configuration Editor.

Command entry: PLOTTERMANAGER

To attach a PMP file to a PC3 file

After you create a PMP file, that file is attached to the PC3 file from which
you started the Calibrate Plotter wizard. You can attach an existing PMP file
to a different PC3 file using the Plotter Configuration Editor.

1 From the File menu, choose Plotter Manager.

30 | Chapter 3 Use Plotters and Printers

 2 Double-click the plotter configuration to which you want to attach a
PMP file.

3 On the Device and Document Settings tab, from User-Defined Paper Sizes
& Calibration, select PMP File Name <file name>.
If this PC3 file doesn't have an attached PMP file, the PMP File Name
setting doesn't show an attached file. Choose Attach.

4 Locate the PMP file you want to attach to this PC3 file and choose Open.

5 Choose OK to close the Plotter Configuration Editor.

The PMP File Name setting is updated.

Command entry: PLOTTERMANAGER

To detach a PMP file from a PC3 file

After you create a PMP file, that file is attached to the PC3 file from which
you started the Calibrate Plotter wizard. You can detach a PMP from a PC3
file using the Plotter Configuration Editor.

1 From the File menu, choose Plotter Manager.

2 Double-click the plotter configuration from which you want to detach a

PMP file.

3 On the Device and Document Settings tab, select User-defined Paper Sizes
& Calibration and then select the PMP File Name <file name>.

4 Choose Detach. (If this PC3 file doesn't have an attached PMP file, the
Detach option is unavailable.)

5 Choose OK to close the Plotter Configuration Editor.

Command entry: PLOTTERMANAGER

To save a PMP file to a new file name

After you create a PMP file, that file is attached to the PC3 file from which
you started the Calibrate Plotter wizard. You can save the PMP file with a new
file name using the Plotter Configuration Editor.

1 From the File menu, choose Plotter Manager.

2 Double-click the plotter configuration from which you want to save a

PMP file.

Calibrate Plotters and Work with Custom Paper Sizes | 31

 3 In the Plotter Configuration Editor, choose the Device and Document
Settings tab.

4 Double-click User-Defined Paper Sizes & Calibration to display the

calibration and paper size options.

5 Under PMP File, choose Save PMP.

6 In the Save As dialog box, enter a new file name for the PMP file that's
attached to the PC3 file you're editing.

7 Choose Save.
The new file name is displayed in angle brackets beside the PMP File
Name option in the tree view.

8 Choose OK to close the Plotter Configuration Editor.

Command entry: PLOTTERMANAGER

To add a new custom paper size from scratch (nonsystem HDI drivers only)

1 From the File menu, choose Plotter Manager.

2 Double-click the plotter configuration you want to modify.

3 In the Plotter Configuration Editor, choose the Device and Document

Settings tab.

4 Double-click User-Defined Paper Sizes & Calibration to display the

calibration and paper size options. Then select Custom Paper Sizes.

5 Under Custom Paper Sizes, choose Add.

6 In the Custom Paper Size Wizard, on the Begin page, select Start from
Scratch. Choose Next.

7 On the Media Bounds page, in the Units list, select either Inches or
Millimeters for paper size.
When you plot a nondimensional raster image, such as BMP or TIFF, the
size of the plot is specified in pixels, not inches or millimeters.

8 From the Width and Length lists, select the paper width and length.
Choose Next.
Each plotter has a maximum printable area determined by where it grips
the paper and how far the pen shuttle reaches. Verify that the plotter is
capable of plotting the new dimensions.

32 | Chapter 3 Use Plotters and Printers

 9 On the Printable Area page, in the Top, Bottom, Left, and Right boxes,
specify the printable area. Choose Next.

10 On the Paper Size Name page, enter a name for the paper size. Choose
Next.

11 On the File Name page, enter a name for the PMP file.

12 On the Finish page, specify whether the paper source is Sheet-Fed or

Roll-Fed. Choose Print Test Page to verify the custom size.
AutoCAD prints a cross that defines the paper size and a rectangle that
defines the printable area. If all four sides of the rectangle are not printed,
increase the printable area.

13 Choose Finish to exit the Custom Paper Size wizard.

Command entry: PLOTTERMANAGER

To add a new custom paper size from scratch (system printers only)

1 From the File menu, choose Plotter Manager.

2 Double-click the plotter configuration you want to modify.

3 In the Plotter Configuration Editor, choose the Device and Document

Settings tab.

4 Select Custom Properties.

5 Choose Custom Properties in the Access Custom Dialog area.

The device driver-specific user interface opens.

6 Follow the manufacturer's instructions to add a custom paper size.

You may need to choose the Help button for more information.

Command entry: PLOTTERMANAGER

To add a new custom paper size starting from an existing paper size

1 From the File menu, choose Plotter Manager.

2 Double-click the plotter configuration you want to modify.

3 In the Plotter Configuration Editor, choose the Device and Document

Settings tab.

Calibrate Plotters and Work with Custom Paper Sizes | 33

 4 Double-click User-Defined Paper Sizes & Calibration to display the
calibration and paper size options. Then select Custom Paper Sizes.

5 Under Custom Paper Sizes, choose Add.

6 In the Custom Paper Size wizard, on the Begin page, select Use Existing.

7 From the list of existing standard paper sizes, select a paper size on which
to base the custom paper size you are creating.

8 On the Media Bounds page, select either Inches or Millimeters for paper
size and specify the paper width and length. Choose Next.
Each plotter has a maximum printable area determined by where it grips
the paper and how far the pen shuttle reaches. Verify that the plotter is
capable of plotting the new dimensions.

9 On the Printable Area page, in the Top, Bottom, Left, and Right boxes,
specify the printable area. Choose Next.

10 On the Paper Size Name page, enter a name for the paper size. Choose
Next.

11 On the File Name page, enter a name for the PMP file.

12 On the Finish page, specify whether the paper source is Sheet-Fed or

Roll-Fed. Choose Print Test Page to verify the custom size.
AutoCAD prints a cross that defines the paper size and a rectangle that
defines the printable area. If all four sides of the rectangle are not printed,
increase the printable area.

13 Choose Finish to exit the Custom Paper Size wizard.

Command entry: PLOTTERMANAGER

To edit a custom paper size

1 From the File menu, choose Plotter Manager.

2 Double-click the plotter configuration you want to modify.

3 In the Plotter Configuration Editor, choose the Device and Document

Settings tab.

4 Double-click User-Defined Paper Sizes & Calibration to display the

calibration and paper size settings.

5 Select Custom Paper Sizes.

34 | Chapter 3 Use Plotters and Printers

 6 Under Custom Paper Sizes, select a paper size from the list. Choose Edit.

7 In the Custom Paper Size wizard, make changes to the paper size, printable
area, custom paper size name, and source.

8 Choose Finish to exit the Custom Paper Size wizard.

9 Choose OK.

Command entry: PLOTTERMANAGER

To delete a custom paper size

1 From the File menu, choose Plotter Manager.

2 Double-click the plotter configuration you want to modify.

3 In the Plotter Configuration Editor, choose the Device and Document

Settings tab.

4 Double-click User-Defined Paper Sizes & Calibration to display the

calibration and paper size settings.

5 Select Custom Paper Sizes.

6 Under Custom Paper Sizes, select a paper size from the list.

7 Choose Delete.

8 Choose OK.

Command entry: PLOTTERMANAGER

To modify a standard paper size

1 From the File menu, choose Plotter Manager.

2 Double-click the plotter configuration you want to modify.

3 In the Plotter Configuration Editor, choose the Device and Document

Settings tab.

4 Double-click User-Defined Paper Sizes & Calibration to display the

calibration and paper size settings.

5 Select Modify Standard Paper Sizes.

6 Under Modify Standard Paper Sizes, select the paper size you want to
adjust. Then choose Modify.

Calibrate Plotters and Work with Custom Paper Sizes | 35

 7 In the Custom Paper Size wizard, adjust the printable area as necessary.
Then choose Finish to exit the Custom Paper Size wizard.

Command entry: PLOTTERMANAGER

To filter paper sizes

1 From the File menu, choose Plotter Manager.

2 Double-click the plotter configuration you want to modify.

3 In the Plotter Configuration Editor, choose the Device and Document

Settings tab.

4 Double-click User-Defined Paper Sizes & Calibration to display the

calibration and paper size settings.

5 Select Filter Paper Sizes.

6 In the Size list in the Filter Paper Sizes area, check the paper sizes you
want to appear in the Paper Size lists in the Plot and Page Setup dialog
boxes.

Command entry: PLOTTERMANAGER

Quick Reference

Commands

PLOTTERMANAGER
Displays the Plotter Manager, where you can add or edit a plotter
configuration

36 | Chapter 3 Use Plotters and Printers

 System Variables

No entries

Utilities

No entries

Command Modifiers

No entries

Resolve Conflicts with the Windows Print

Manager
You need to use the appropriate driver for a locally connected plotter.
If you configure an HDI hardcopy driver for a locally connected plotter and
configure a Windows system printer for the same locally connected plotter,
the HDI driver is unable to connect directly to the local port because the
Windows system printer driver has control over it. The driver output is rerouted
to the Windows print spooler.
If the plotter is connected to a serial port, make sure that the Windows Control
Panel settings for that serial port are correct. The settings should match the
settings of the plotter and should be appropriate for the cabling you have
used. You can verify that these settings are correct by printing to the conflicting
Windows system printer.
Plotting from an HDI driver through the spooler is similar to plotting to a file
because there is only one-way communication with the plotter. Performance
varies depending on the device.

Quick Reference

Commands

PLOTTERMANAGER
Displays the Plotter Manager, where you can add or edit a plotter
configuration

Resolve Conflicts with the Windows Print Manager | 37

 System Variables

No entries

Utilities

No entries

Command Modifiers

No entries

Port Settings
The Ports tab in the Plotter Configuration Editor contains information about
the plotter's port configuration.

Adjust Port Settings

There are three possible places to configure your computer's port settings,
depending on how your plotter is connected.
The Ports tab in the Plotter Configuration Editor contains information about
the plotter's port configuration. If you configure a local, nonsystem plotter,
you must specify the port to which the device is connected. You can choose
a serial (local), parallel (local), or network port. For parallel ports, the default
is LPT1. For serial ports, the default is COM1. Change the port name if your
device is connected to a different port.
If you use a serial port, the settings within AutoCAD must match the plotter
settings. Choose Configure Ports to make the AutoCAD settings match your
plotter settings. The available protocols for your plotter are displayed.

NOTE If you are using a device that emulates the configured device and has
additional port options, select Show All Ports.

You can also change settings for communication between the PC3 file and
your computer or network system. You can plot through a port, plot to a file,
or use the AutoSpool feature to plot in the background while you continue
working. If you plot through a parallel port, you can specify the timeout value.
If you plot through a serial port, you can change the baud rate, protocol, flow
control, and input and output timeout values.

38 | Chapter 3 Use Plotters and Printers

There are three possible places to configure your computer's port settings,
depending on how your plotter is connected.

Locally Connected Spooling

Your plotter is locally connected if it's plugged in to a port on the computer

that's running AutoCAD. AutoCAD spools the plot (sends it through the
Windows system spooler) if you also have configured a Windows system
printer to print to the same plotter using the same local port. You are notified
if your plot is being spooled due to a port conflict of this type, although you
can use a setting on the Plot and Publish tab in the Options dialog box to turn
off this warning.
Plotting through the system spooler is quicker. However, this method puts
the conflicting Windows system printer in control of the input/output port
configuration. The AutoCAD-configured port settings are ignored in this case.
To view or adjust the port settings, go to the Windows Print Manager in the
Control Panel and activate the printer that is configured for your plotter. You
can adjust port settings in the Windows system printer's Properties dialog box.
You can print a test page from the Properties dialog box to verify that the
plotter and computer are communicating correctly.

Locally Connected, But Not Spooling

If your plotter is locally connected and there is no conflicting system printer,

AutoCAD can directly control the input/output port settings.

Across a Network

If you're running AutoCAD on one computer and plotting to a device

connected to another computer on the network, the remote computer is in
control of the port settings, and the AutoCAD configured port settings are
ignored. A Windows system printer must be configured on the remote
computer. (This is how the plotter was shared on the network and made
available to you.) The remote system printer controls the port settings; you
can view and change these settings in each system printer file's Properties
dialog box, on the remote computer.

See also:

■ Use AutoSpool on page 41

Adjust Port Settings | 39

 To adjust port settings

1 From the File menu, choose Plotter Manager.

2 Double-click the plotter configuration (PC3) file whose port settings you
want to change.

3 In the Plotter Configuration Editor, choose the Ports tab.

4 Select one of the following options:

■ Plot to the Following Port. Sends the drawing to the printer through
the specified port.

■ Plot to File. Sends the drawing to the file name specified on the File
tab in the Options dialog box.

■ AutoSpool. Uses the AutoSpool utility specified on the File tab in the
Options dialog box to plot the drawing.

5 For a device that emulates the configured device and has additional port
options, select Show All Ports.

6 To connect a nonsystem plotter to another instance of the device, choose

Browse Network. In the Browse for Printer dialog box, select the device
and choose OK.

7 Choose OK.

Command entry: PLOTTERMANAGER

Quick Reference

Commands

PLOTTERMANAGER
Displays the Plotter Manager, where you can add or edit a plotter
configuration

40 | Chapter 3 Use Plotters and Printers

 System Variables

No entries

Utilities

No entries

Command Modifiers

No entries

Use AutoSpool
With AutoSpool you can plot to an automatically generated file name in the
folder you designate in the Options dialog box.
Once the file has been created, the spooler application specified in the Options
dialog box is executed.
Although it is not necessary to use AutoSpool to print to Windows network
printers and plotters, AutoSpool is available for users of other networks and
for users who want to start another application at plot time using the
AutoSpool mechanism.
When you add printers or plotters in the Add-a-Plotter wizard, select a network
port, which meets most printer and plotter network connectivity requirements.
With AutoSpool, you can send a plot file to an assigned device for printing
while you continue working. AutoSpool accommodates special plotting and
printing requirements such as log files or nonstandard networks. You can also
use most plotting routines developed for previous versions of AutoCAD.
When you run AutoSpool, AutoCAD writes the plot job to a random file name
in a folder you specify. Next, AutoCAD runs a print queue submission program
along with a user-specified parameter list. At a minimum, the parameter list
must include the random file name AutoCAD assigned to the plot job. The
parameter list is represented by the %s variable. Other parameters can be used,
for example, to improve resolution at the destination device or generate log
files.
To set up AutoSpool, you must provide the executable file AutoCAD invokes
and specify that executable name and parameter list in the Options dialog
box. The executable file is usually a batch program that you create, but it can
also be a third-party program. If you use a third-party program, the setup is

Use AutoSpool | 41
 essentially the same. To determine the parameter variables required for the
third-party program, refer to the documentation for that program.
You can use several methods for configuring plot spooling:

■ A Windows system printer driver and the Print Manager to enable spooling

■ An HDI driver and a Windows system printer driver configured for the
same I/O port to force the HDI driver's output to the system spooler

■ AutoSpool

If you configure AutoCAD for plot spooling using AutoSpool, you must
configure your printer, specify the AutoSpool executable file, and specify the
print file location.

Create a Batch File for AutoSpool

The following sample plot.bat file shows some of the functions that can be
included in a batch file. This batch file determines the destination hard copy
device, submits the print job through the operating system Copy command,
and then deletes the temporary plot file created by AutoCAD.
This batch file requires two parameters to be passed from AutoCAD, %s and
%c, which are referenced internally in the batch program as %1 and %2,
respectively. The imaginary devices in this example are attached to the local
workstation and two different network printer servers. See the following table
for an explanation of the device names and connections. Note that the order
in which parameters are passed to the AutoSpool executable file determines
how the variable is referenced in the program or batch file. For example, the
first variable becomes %1 and so forth.

Device names and connections

Description Server Network share name AutoCAD configura-

tion name

Local laser printer my_laser

Network-attached milana \\milana\hp755cm hp755cm

plotter

Network-attached kilo \\kilo\laser net_laser

laser printer

42 | Chapter 3 Use Plotters and Printers

 Rem PLOT.BAT
@echo off
Rem determine the destination
if %2 == my_laser goto PlotA
if %2 == hp755cm goto PlotB
if %2 == net_laser goto PlotC
Rem trap for undefined devices
echo *******************Warning**********************
echo %2 is not defined to the Plot Script, PLOT.BAT
echo The plot job has been canceled.
echo ************************************************
pause
goto END
Rem send the job
:PlotA
copy %1 /b LPT1
goto END
:PlotB
copy %1 /b \\milana\hp755cm
goto END
:PlotC
copy %1 /b \\kilo\laser
goto END
Rem clean up and exit
:END
erase %1
exit

NOTE Device names are case-sensitive. Make sure that the name configured for
the device in AutoCAD exactly matches the name in your batch program.

To use AutoSpool

1 Start the Add-a-Plotter wizard.

2 On the Ports page, select AutoSpool.

3 From the Tools menu, choose Options. Then choose the Files tab.

4 Double-click Print file, Spooler, and Prolog Section Names to display the
options in this section.

5 Double-click Print Spool Executable.

6 Double-click the arrow. In the Select a File dialog box, locate the program
you want to execute when the plot file has been created. Add any

Use AutoSpool | 43
 command line arguments you want to use. For example, enter
myspool.bat %s.

When AutoCAD plots to a file, it substitutes a unique plot file name for “%s”
in the Print Spool Executable name and sends the generated command to
DOS.

Print spool executable command line options

Option Function

%d or %D Specifies the AutoCAD drawing name, including the full path

and -extension

%e or %E Specifies the equal sign (=)

%h or %H Returns the height of the plot area in the selected plotting

units

%i or %I Becomes the first letter of the plot units

%l or %L Designates the login name; the login name is stored in the

LOGINNAME system variable

%m or %M Returns the AutoCAD plotter model; AutoCAD lists the

model name during configuration

%n or %N Becomes the plotter name; AutoCAD uses the plotter name

to identify the manufacturer and type of plotter

%p or %P Designates the plotter number; AutoCAD assigns a number

to a configured plotter and lists the plotters in this order

%s or %S Specifies the plot spool file name, including the path and
extension

%u or %U Specifies the user name entered during installation

%w or %W Returns the width of the plotter area in the selected units

44 | Chapter 3 Use Plotters and Printers

Print spool executable command line options

Option Function

%% Specifies the percent sign (%)

%c or %C Specifies the description for the device

(This is the description entered on the General tab of the
Plotter Configuration Editor. This description should not
contain spaces if you want to use it with AutoSpool.)

To specify the location for AutoSpool print files

1 From the Tools menu, choose Options. Choose the Files tab.

2 Double-click Print Support File Path.

3 Double-click the Print Spooler File Location.

4 Double-click the arrow.

5 In the Select a File dialog box, enter the path to the directory where you
want AutoSpool to send its print files.

Quick Reference

Commands

PLOTTERMANAGER
Displays the Plotter Manager, where you can add or edit a plotter
configuration

System Variables

FULLPLOTPATH
Controls whether the full path of the drawing file is sent to the plot spooler

Use AutoSpool | 45
 Utilities

No entries

Command Modifiers

No entries

Set the Timeout Value for Devices

Some plotters support a timeout value, which specifies how much time elapses
while the plotter empties its buffer before more data is sent to the plotter.
After the plotter empties its buffer, it accepts more data from AutoCAD. Enter
the amount of time you want to elapse before AutoCAD prompts you to abort
the plot. If your drawings are complex or your pen speed is very slow, set the
timeout value higher than the default (30 seconds). If you begin to receive
numerous timeout messages, your timeout setting is probably too low. For
plotters that support a timeout value, you can also set the timeout value by
choosing Configure Port on the Ports page during the initial configuration in
the Add-a-Plotter wizard.

To set the timeout value for a local, nonsystem plotter

1 From the File menu, choose Plotter Manager.

2 Double-click the plotter configuration (PC3) file whose timeout value

you want to change.

3 In the Plotter Configuration Editor, choose the Ports tab.

4 On the Ports tab, select the port that you want to use.

5 Choose Configure Port and do one of the following:

■ For a parallel port, in the Transmission Retry box, enter the timeout
value in milliseconds.

■ For a serial port, in the Input Timeout and Output Timeout boxes,
enter the timeout values in milliseconds.

6 Choose OK.

Command entry: PLOTTERMANAGER

46 | Chapter 3 Use Plotters and Printers

 To set the timeout value for network or Windows system printers

1 From the Start menu, choose Settings. Then choose Printers.

2 Right-click the printer you want, and then choose Properties.

3 In the Properties dialog box, choose the Ports tab.

4 On the Ports tab, select the LPT port that the printer uses, and then choose
Configure Port.

5 In the Transmission Retry box, enter the number of seconds.

6 Choose OK to exit each dialog box.

Quick Reference

Commands

PLOTTERMANAGER
Displays the Plotter Manager, where you can add or edit a plotter
configuration

System Variables

No entries

Utilities

No entries

Command Modifiers

No entries

Configure Serial Ports

You can adjust baud rate, protocol, flow control, and hardware handshaking
for serial ports on devices that support these settings.
You should use the fastest available baud rate and the protocol recommended
by your device manufacturer. See the documentation that accompanies your
device.

Configure Serial Ports | 47

 NOTE The settings on your plotter must match the settings in AutoCAD or you
will not be able to plot.

Flow Control and Handshaking

Your computer can produce a plot file faster than most plotters can process
it. Plotters have a limited amount of memory and as this memory fills up, the
plotter must be able to tell your computer to stop sending data temporarily.
Then, when plotter memory is freed up as the plot is processed, the plotter
must be able to tell the computer to resume sending the plot file. This
communication is called flow control or handshaking.
There are two methods of handshaking: hardware and software. Hardware
handshaking uses additional wires in the cable between the plotter and
computer. These wires are dedicated to handshaking signals or on/off voltages.
Software handshaking uses a single wire to send streams of commands that
include start/stop handshaking signals. The most common type of software
handshaking is XON/XOFF. You must provide different cables for hardware
and software handshaking.

To adjust serial port settings

1 From the File menu, choose Plotter Manager.

2 Double-click the plotter configuration (PC3) file whose serial port settings
you want to change.

3 In the Plotter Configuration Editor, choose the Ports tab and select the
serial port that you want to use.

4 Choose Configure Port.

5 In the Settings for COM Port dialog box, select a baud rate and protocol
for your device.
The protocol settings available for the current device are displayed. You
cannot set an invalid protocol.

6 Select a Flow Control method.

The default flow control setting is XON/XOFF (software handshaking)
for compatibility with previous versions of AutoCAD. If you select
Hardware handshaking, you can specify additional settings by choosing
Advanced.

48 | Chapter 3 Use Plotters and Printers

 In the Advanced Settings for COM Port dialog box, the following settings
correspond to different pins on the serial port:
■ CTS. Enables Clear to Send handshaking. This monitors pin 5 of a
25-pin serial port or pin 8 of a 9-pin serial port. CTS is an input bit,
monitored for an output from the plotter or printer.

■ DSR. Enables Data Set Ready handshaking. This monitors pin 6 of a

25-pin serial port, or pin 6 of a 9-pin serial port. DSR is an input bit,
monitored for an output from the printer or plotter.

■ RLSD. Enables Received Line Signal Detector handshaking. This is

sometimes called Data Carrier Detect or DCD. It's an input pin that
can be monitored for an output from the plotter. It's on pin 8 of a
25-pin serial port and on pin 1 of a 9-pin serial port.

■ RTS. Controls the Request to Send output bit. This sends a signal to
the printer or plotter on pin 4 of a 25-pin serial port or on pin 7 of a
9-pin serial port.
Disabled. Disables the RTS line when the device is opened.
Enabled. Enables the RTS line when the device is opened.
Handshake.Enables RTS handshaking. The driver raises the RTS line
when the “type-ahead” (input) buffer is less than one-half full and
lowers the RTS line when the buffer is more than three-quarters full.
Toggle. Specifies that the RTS line will be high if bytes are available
for transmission. After all buffered bytes have been sent, the RTS line
will be low.

■ DTR. Controls the Data Terminal Ready output pin. This sends a signal
to the printer or plotter on pin 20 of a 25-pin serial port or on pin 4
of a 9-pin serial port.
Disabled. Disables the DTR line when the device is opened.
Enabled. Enables the DTR line when the device is opened.
Handshake. Enables DTR handshaking.

7 Choose OK to close the Advanced Settings for COM Port dialog box.
Choose OK to close the Settings for COM Port dialog box.

Configure Serial Ports | 49

 Quick Reference

Commands

PLOTTERMANAGER
Displays the Plotter Manager, where you can add or edit a plotter
configuration

System Variables

No entries

Utilities

No entries

Command Modifiers

No entries

50 | Chapter 3 Use Plotters and Printers

Set Device-Specific
Configurations 4
You can set device-specific configurations in the Autodesk Plotter Manager.

Configure Hewlett-Packard DesignJets

Hewlett-Packard DesignJet plotters are supported by a Windows system printer
driver developed by Hewlett-Packard. Visit http://hp.com/go/designjet to check
for the latest HP DesignJet drivers.
Plotters from other manufacturers that emulate HP DesignJets are supported
through the HP-GL/2 HDI driver.
AutoCAD® supports the Hewlett-Packard DesignJet plotter models through a
serial or a parallel port. Using the parallel port is recommended. If you use a
serial port, set the DesignJet at 9600 baud, with 8 data bits, 1 stop bit, no parity,
and hardware handshaking XON/XOFF.
All DesignJet roll-feed models can produce long-axis plots. Both the 600 and
650C have an optional expanded mode for page formats and margins. You set
the Expanded mode on the plotter's front panel.

NOTE If you experience plotting problems, such as resolution degradation for lines
and shaded solids, when plotting to an Hewlett-Packard DesignJet plotter, contact
Hewlett-Packard for support.

51
 Quick Reference

Commands

PLOTTERMANAGER
Displays the Plotter Manager, where you can add or edit a plotter
configuration

System Variables

No entries

Utilities

No entries

Command Modifiers

No entries

Configure Hewlett-Packard HP-GL Plotters

Hewlett-Packard HP-GL plotters are supported through an RS-232C serial I/O
port.
Set the Hewlett-Packard plotters at 9600 baud with 7 data bits, 1 stop bit, and
even parity.
For detailed cabling, switch setting, and other information related to using
the HP-GL driver, see HP-GL Custom Properties Dialog Box.
For more information about using this driver, see the topic HP-GL Driver
Custom Properties on page 95.

Hard Clip Limits

The 7580, 7585, 7586, DraftPro DXL/EXL, DraftMaster I, 7586B, and 7596A
plotters return hard clip limits to AutoCAD. These limits require two-way
communication between AutoCAD and the plotter. The plotter sends AutoCAD
the installed paper's exact plot area so that AutoCAD can position the plot on
the paper based on the actual sheet size. If you turn off the AutoCAD request
for hard clip limits, AutoCAD positions the plot based on the configured paper
size. In most cases, if you turn off hard clip limits, you must adjust the

52 | Chapter 4 Set Device-Specific Configurations

configured paper size to reflect the actual printable area of the device.
Otherwise, your plot may be clipped. You can adjust the location of the plot
on the paper by changing the plot origin.
If your plot is sent through the Windows print spooler, the AutoCAD request
for hard clip limits is turned off because of a conflict with a Windows system
printer or because you're plotting to a network port. If you see a warning
message, you may have to adjust your configured paper size and plot origin.
AutoCAD sends the plot to the currently configured port in the same manner
that it sends the plot to a file. After the plot is sent, you can plot directly to
plotter buffers or over networks.

HP-GL Long-Axis Plots

For roll-fed media, HP-GL devices limit the frame height. Frame height varies
with roll width. You must perform a long-axis plot to plot more than the
frame height.
AutoCAD determines whether a long-axis plot is necessary when you configure
to use a long-axis paper size and when you create a long-axis plot paper size
using the Add Paper Size wizard in the Plotter Configuration Editor.
The driver sends all vectors to the plotter buffer or hard disk. The pen plotters
automatically advance the page to plot each frame.
Follow the instructions in the Hewlett-Packard user's guide. For long-axis,
multiframe plotting, you need a black 0.3 mm fiber-tip pen (for plotter paper)
or a 0.35 mm drafting pen (for vellum or polyester film) in pen stall 8. Only
these pens enable the plotter to detect the registration marks used for
frame-to-frame alignment.
When you create a long-axis plot with the 7586B roll-feed plotter, the Out of
Limit light comes on occasionally. Generally this is a result of the interaction
between AutoCAD and the plotter when plotting very large drawings.

To configure an HP-GL plotter driver

1 From the File menu, choose Plotter Manager.

2 Double-click the Add-a-Plotter Wizard shortcut icon.

3 On the Begin page, choose My Computer if the plotter is connected to

your computer. Select Network Plotter Server if the plotter is available
through a network. Choose Next.

Configure Hewlett-Packard HP-GL Plotters | 53

 4 On the Network Plotter page, enter the UNC name of the networked
plotter. Choose Next. This page is not displayed if you selected My
Computer in step 3.

5 On the Plotter Model page, under Manufacturers, select Hewlett-Packard.

Under Model, select the type of Hewlett-Packard plotter that you are
using or emulating. Choose Next.

6 On the Import PCP or PC2 page, select a PCP or PC2 file to import
(optional). Choose Next.

7 On the Ports page, select the port that the printer is attached to. This
page is not displayed if you selected Network Plotter Server in step 3.
Choose Next.

8 On the Plotter Name page, enter a name for the plotter configuration
file. Choose Next.

9 On the Finish page, choose Finish.

A new plotter configuration file (PC3) is created.

Command entry: PLOTTERMANAGER

To stop the long-axis plot after all vectors have been sent

■ Press Cancel on the plotter Control Panel to clear the plotter memory.

To stop the long-axis plot while vectors are being sent to the plotter

■ Press ESC. Read your Hewlett-Packard manual for information about

canceling the plot and clearing its memory buffer.

You must reset your plotter after canceling a plot, otherwise portions of the
plot may overlay the next plot.

Quick Reference

Commands

PLOTTERMANAGER
Displays the Plotter Manager, where you can add or edit a plotter
configuration

54 | Chapter 4 Set Device-Specific Configurations

 System Variables

No entries

Utilities

No entries

Command Modifiers

No entries

Configure Hewlett-Packard HP-GL/2 Devices

The HP-GL/2 nonsystem driver supports a variety of HP-GL/2 pen plotters
and ink jet plotters.
This is a generic HP-GL/2 driver; it is not optimized for a particular
manufacturer's devices. This driver is intended to support obsolete pen plotters
and newer devices made by manufacturers other than HP.
The DesignJet, DraftPro Plus, and the DraftMaster with roll feed can perform
long-axis plots.
For more information about using this driver, see the topic HP-GL/2 Driver
Custom Properties on page 101.

To configure an HP-GL/2 plotter driver

1 From the File menu, choose Plotter Manager.

2 Double-click the Add-a-Plotter Wizard shortcut icon.

3 On the Begin page, select My Computer if the plotter is connected to

your computer. Select Network Plotter Server if the plotter is available
through a network. Choose Next.

4 On the Network Plotter page, enter the UNC name of the networked
plotter. Choose Next. This page is not displayed if you selected My
Computer in step 3.

5 On the Plotter Model page under Manufacturers, select Hewlett-Packard.

Under Model, select the type of Hewlett-Packard plotter that you are
using or emulating. Choose Next.

Configure Hewlett-Packard HP-GL/2 Devices | 55

 6 On the Import PCP or PC2 page, select a PCP or PC2 file to import
(optional). Choose Next.

7 On the Ports page, select the port that the printer is attached to. This
page is not displayed if you selected Network Plotter Server in step 3.
Choose Next.

8 On the Plotter Name page, enter a name for the plotter configuration
file. Choose Next.

9 On the Finish page, choose Finish.

A new plotter configuration file (PC3) is created.

Command entry: PLOTTERMANAGER

To perform a long plot

1 Plot in the normal manner. For best results, plot to extents, don't rotate
the plot. Use an explicit one-to-one scale (not Scale to Fit).

2 To stop your plotter after AutoCAD has finished sending all the vectors,
clear the plotter memory using the plotter Control Panel.

3 To stop a long-axis plot while AutoCAD is sending vectors to the plotter,

press ESC.

4 Clear the plotter memory as indicated for the following devices:

■ DraftMaster X series. Press the Cancel button.

■ HP 7600 240D/E. Press the plotter Reset button.

■ HP 7600 250/255/355. Press the Plot Management button. Select

Queuing Operations, and then select the plot and delete it from the
queue.

■ HP DesignJet Series. Press the Cancel button.

■ HP DraftPro Plus. Press the Cancel button.

56 | Chapter 4 Set Device-Specific Configurations

 Quick Reference

Commands

PLOTTERMANAGER
Displays the Plotter Manager, where you can add or edit a plotter
configuration

System Variables

No entries

Utilities

No entries

Command Modifiers

No entries

Configure Océ Plotters

Although the primary configuration choice for Océ plotters is through a parallel
port, Océ plotters can be supported through an RS-232C serial I/O port.
Set the Océ plotters at 9600 or 19,200 baud, with 8 data bits, 1 stop bit, and
no parity. Serial port cabling instructions are available from your dealer or
manufacturer.
For more information about using this driver, see the topic Océ Driver Custom
Properties on page 135.

To configure an Océ plotter driver

1 From the File menu, choose Plotter Manager.

2 Double-click the Add-a-Plotter Wizard shortcut icon.

3 On the Begin page, select My Computer if the plotter is connected to

your computer. Select Network Plotter Server if the plotter is available
through a network. Choose Next.

Configure Océ Plotters | 57

 4 On the Network Plotter page, enter the UNC name of the networked
plotter. Choose Next. This page is not displayed if you selected My
Computer in step 3.

5 On the Plotter Model page under Manufacturers, select Océ. Under Model,
select the type of Océ plotter that you are using. Choose Next.

6 On the Import PCP or PC2 page, select a PCP or PC2 file to import
(optional). Choose Next.

7 On the Ports page, select the port that the printer is attached to. This
page is not displayed if you selected Network Plotter Server in step 3.
Choose Next.

8 On the Plotter Name page, enter a name for the plotter configuration
file. Choose Next.

9 On the Finish page, choose Finish.

A new plotter configuration file (PC3) is created.

Command entry: PLOTTERMANAGER

Quick Reference

Commands

PLOTTERMANAGER
Displays the Plotter Manager, where you can add or edit a plotter
configuration

58 | Chapter 4 Set Device-Specific Configurations

 System Variables

No entries

Utilities

No entries

Command Modifiers

No entries

Configure Xerox Devices

It is highly recommended that you use the Xerox HDI driver.
It is highly recommended that you use the Xerox HDI driver for AutoCAD.
Along with improved performance, this new driver provides the same settings
that now exist in the Windows system driver as well as the ability to get
information from the printer in a bi-directional environment, such as roll
status and what raster stamps are installed in the printer.
For more information on the latest Xerox devices and drivers, see the Xerox
website.
For more information about using this driver, see the topic Xerox Driver
Custom Properties on page 146.

To configure an HDI Xerox plotter driver

1 From the File menu, choose Plotter Manager.

2 Double-click the Add-a-Plotter Wizard shortcut icon.

3 On the Begin page, select My Computer if the plotter is connected to

your computer. Select Network Plotter Server if the plotter is available
through a network. Choose Next.

4 On the Network Plotter page, enter the UNC name of the networked
plotter. Choose Next. This page is not displayed if you selected My
Computer in step 3.

5 On the Plotter Model page under Manufacturers, select Xerox Engineering

Systems. Under Model, select the type of Xerox plotter that you are using.
Choose Next.

Configure Xerox Devices | 59

 6 On the Import PCP or PC2 page, select a PCP or PC2 file to import
(optional). Choose Next.

7 On the Ports page, select the port that the printer is attached to. This
page is not displayed if you selected Network Plotter Server in step 3.
Choose Next.

8 On the Plotter Name page, enter a name for the plotter configuration
file. Choose Next.

9 On the Finish page, choose Finish.

A new plotter configuration file (PC3) is created.

Command entry: PLOTTERMANAGER

Quick Reference

Commands

PLOTTERMANAGER
Displays the Plotter Manager, where you can add or edit a plotter
configuration

System Variables

No entries

Utilities

No entries

Command Modifiers

No entries

Configure CalComp Plotters

If you are using a CalComp plotter, you can use the Windows system printer.
If your plotter provides an HP-GL or HP-GL/2 emulation, you can use the
HP-GL or HP-GL/2 HDI drivers.

60 | Chapter 4 Set Device-Specific Configurations

 For more information about using this driver, see the topic CalComp Driver
Custom Properties on page 121.

Quick Reference

Commands

PLOTTERMANAGER
Displays the Plotter Manager, where you can add or edit a plotter
configuration

System Variables

No entries

Utilities

No entries

Command Modifiers

No entries

Configure Houston Instruments Plotters

If you are using a newer Houston Instruments plotter, use the generic HP-GL
or HP-GL/2 HDI drivers and configure your plotter in HP-GL or HP-GL/2
emulation mode.

Quick Reference

Commands

PLOTTERMANAGER
Displays the Plotter Manager, where you can add or edit a plotter
configuration

Configure Houston Instruments Plotters | 61

 System Variables

No entries

Utilities

No entries

Command Modifiers

No entries

Use the Autodesk HDI System Printer Driver

With the HDI system printer driver, you can use the plotter or printer you
have configured with Windows.
You can use any printing device supported by Windows (Windows system
printer).
You can use the HDI system printer driver to choose printer defaults for
AutoCAD that differ from the defaults for other Windows applications.
The Autodesk system printer driver supports raster output. However, the
amount of memory in the printing device limits the ability of the device
connected as the system printer to output raster and vector data sent by
AutoCAD.
If you have multiple Windows system printers, you can select the device used
to plot from AutoCAD. For example, you might use a LaserJet printer for word
processing documents and a BubbleJet for AutoCAD drawings.
For best results, use the Windows system printer and AutoCAD plotter drivers
as follows:

■ Use the Autodesk HDI driver appropriate to your printer/plotter in

preference to the Windows system printer, unless you have an Océ TDS/TCS
printer or a Hewlett-Packard DesignJet plotter. Océ and HP have supplied
system printer drivers optimized for AutoCAD use.

■ Use the Windows system printer for output devices without pens, such as
laser printers.

62 | Chapter 4 Set Device-Specific Configurations

Setting up the Windows system printer for AutoCAD consists of two parts:

■ Configuring the system printer in Windows (see the Microsoft

documentation for your operating system)

■ Configuring the system printer as the AutoCAD plotter using the

Add-a-Plotter Wizard shortcut icon

To create a plotter configuration for the system printer

1 From the File menu, choose Plotter Manager.

2 Double-click the Add-a-Plotter Wizard shortcut icon.

3 On the Begin page, select System Printer. Choose Next.

4 On the System Printer page, select the system printer for which you want
to create a plotter configuration file. Choose Next.

5 On the Import PCP or PC2 page, choose Import File and select a PCP or
PC2 file to import (optional). Choose Import. Then choose Next.

6 On the Plotter Name page, enter a name for the plotter configuration
file. Choose Next.

7 On the Finish page, choose Finish.

A new plotter configuration file (PC3) is created.

Command entry: PLOTTERMANAGER

Quick Reference

Commands

PLOTTERMANAGER
Displays the Plotter Manager, where you can add or edit a plotter
configuration

Use the Autodesk HDI System Printer Driver | 63

 System Variables

No entries

Utilities

No entries

Command Modifiers

No entries

64 | Chapter 4 Set Device-Specific Configurations

Configure for File Output
5
Configure for File Output
You can configure drivers for different file types including, Adobe PostScript
and raster file formats.
AutoCAD® provides plotter drivers to create the following types of files:

■ Autodesk ePlot (DWF)

■ Adobe PDF

■ Adobe PostScript

■ DXB file format

■ Raster file formats

Configure ePlot to Create DWF Files

With ePlot, you can generate electronic drawing files that are optimized for
either plotting or viewing. The files you create are stored in Design Web Format
(DWF). DWF files can be opened, viewed, and plotted by anyone using the DWF
file viewer. With the DWF file viewer, you can also view DWF files in Microsoft®
Internet Explorer 5.01 or later. DWF files support real-time panning and zooming
and the display of layers and named views.

Configure the Adobe PDF Driver

If you configure a PDF driver in the Add-a-Plotter wizard, you can output your
drawings in Portable Document Format (PDF). To configure the PDF driver, in

65
 the Add-a-Plotter wizard, select Autodesk ePlot (PDF) from the Manufacturers
list, and select PDF from the Models list.

Configure the Adobe PostScript Driver

If you configure a PostScript driver in the Add-a-Plotter wizard, you can output
your drawings in PostScript format. To configure the PostScript driver, in the
Add-a-Plotter wizard, select Adobe from the Manufacturer list, and select a
PostScript level from the Model list.
AutoCAD supports three levels of PostScript. Level 1 works with most devices
but does not support color images and produces larger plot files than the
newer PostScript levels. Level 1 Plus is for Level 1 devices that also support
color images. Level 2 is for newer printers and produces smaller files and faster
output on Level 2 devices.
AutoCAD supports PostScript printers and plotters using a Centronics-type
parallel I/O port, an RS-232C serial I/O port, or plotting across a network. If
you use a serial port, configure the printer to match the settings you select in
the Configure Port dialog box in the Add-a-Plotter wizard, Ports page.

Configure DXB File Formats

DXB (drawing interchange binary) file formats are supported using the
AutoCAD DXB nonsystem file driver.
The output is compatible with the DXBIN command and with the ADI DXB
driver delivered with earlier releases. The DXB driver shares the following
limitations of the ADI driver:

■ The driver produces 16 bit integer DXB files containing only vectors.

■ DXB output is monochrome; all vectors are color 7.

■ Raster images and embedded OLE objects are not supported.

■ The driver ignores object and plot style lineweights.

Configure Raster File Formats

AutoCAD can view drawings that contain raster images such as TIFF or JPEG.
With the raster file format driver, AutoCAD can also export raster files in the
formats listed in the Add-a-Plotter wizard. To configure a raster format driver,
select Raster File Formats from the Manufacturer list.

66 | Chapter 5 Configure for File Output

See also:

■ “Plot Files to Other Formats” in the User's Guide

To configure a plotter driver for DWF file output

1 From the File menu, choose Plotter Manager.

2 Double-click the Add-a-Plotter Wizard shortcut icon.

3 On the Begin page, select My Computer. Choose Next.

4 On the Plotter Model page, under Manufacturers, select Autodesk ePlot

(DWF). Under Model, select the type of DWF that you want to create.
Choose Next.

5 On the Import PCP or PC2 page, choose Import File and select a PCP or
PC2 file to import (optional). Choose Import. Then choose Next.

6 On the Ports page, select Plot to File. Choose Next.

7 On the Plotter Name page, enter a name for the plotter configuration
file. Choose Next.

8 On the Finish page, choose Finish.

A new plotter configuration file (PC3) is created.

Command entry: PLOTTERMANAGER

To configure a plotter driver for PDF file output

1 From the File menu, choose Plotter Manager.

2 Double-click the Add-a-Plotter Wizard shortcut icon.

3 On the Begin page, select My Computer. Choose Next.

4 On the Plotter Model page, under Manufacturers, select Autodesk ePlot

(PDF).

5 On the Import PCP or PC2 page, choose Import File and select a PCP or
PC2 file to import (optional). Choose Import. Then choose Next.

6 On the Ports page, select Plot to File. Choose Next.

7 On the Plotter Name page, enter a name for the plotter configuration
file. Choose Next.

8 On the Finish page, choose Finish.

Configure for File Output | 67

 A new plotter configuration file (PC3) is created.

Command entry: PLOTTERMANAGER

To configure a plotter driver for PostScript file output

1 From the File menu, choose Plotter Manager.

2 Double-click the Add-a-Plotter Wizard shortcut icon.

3 On the Begin page, select My Computer. Choose Next.

4 On the Plotter Model page under Manufacturers, select Adobe. Under

Model, select the level of PostScript file that you want to create. Choose
Next.

5 On the Import PCP or PC2 page, choose Import File and select a PCP or
PC2 file to import (optional). Choose Import. Then choose Next.

6 On the Ports page, select Plot to File. Choose Next.

7 On the Plotter Name page, enter a name for the plotter configuration
file. Choose Next.

8 On the Finish page, choose Finish.

A new plotter configuration file (PC3) is created.

Command entry: PLOTTERMANAGER

To configure a plotter driver for DXB file output

1 From the File menu, choose Plotter Manager.

2 Double-click the Add-a-Plotter Wizard shortcut icon.

3 On the Begin page, select My Computer. Choose Next.

4 On the Plotter Model page, under Manufacturers, select AutoCAD DXB

File. Under Model, select DXB File. Choose Next.

5 On the Import PCP or PC2 page, choose Import File and select a PCP or
PC2 file to import (optional). Choose Import. Then choose Next.

6 On the Ports page, select Plot to File. Choose Next.

7 On the Plotter Name page, enter a name for the plotter configuration
file. Choose Next.

8 On the Finish page, choose Finish.

68 | Chapter 5 Configure for File Output

 A new plotter configuration file (PC3) is created.

Command entry: PLOTTERMANAGER

To configure a plotter driver for raster file output

1 From the File menu, choose Plotter Manager.

2 Double-click the Add-a-Plotter Wizard shortcut icon.

3 On the Begin page, select My Computer. Choose Next.

4 On the Plotter Model page under Manufacturers, select Raster File Formats.
Under Model, select the type of raster file that you want to create. Choose
Next.

5 On the Import PCP or PC2 page, choose Import File and select a PCP or
PC2 file to import (optional). Choose Import. Then choose Next.

6 On the Ports page, select Plot to File. Choose Next.

7 On the Plotter Name page, enter a name for the plotter configuration
file. Choose Next.

8 On the Finish page, choose Finish.

A new plotter configuration file (PC3) is created.

Command entry: PLOTTERMANAGER

To view the custom properties Help

1 From the File menu, choose Plotter Manager.

2 In the Autodesk Plotter Manager, double-click to open the PC3 file whose
custom properties help you want to view.

3 Choose the Device and Document Settings tab.

4 Select the Custom Properties node.

5 Choose Custom Properties.

6 In the Custom Properties dialog box for the configured device, choose
Help.
Help provides specific configuration information.

Command entry: PLOTTERMANAGER

Configure for File Output | 69

 Quick Reference

Commands

PLOTTERMANAGER
Displays the Plotter Manager, where you can add or edit a plotter
configuration

System Variables

No entries

Utilities

No entries

Command Modifiers

No entries

70 | Chapter 5 Configure for File Output

Configure External
Databases 6
Configure External Databases
Before you can access external databases from AutoCAD®, you must configure
them using the Microsoft® external ODBC and OLE DB programs.

NOTE The 64-bit release of AutoCAD does not support the use of Microsoft Jet 4.0
OLE DB Provider (for MDB connectivity) and Microsoft OLE DB Provider for ODBC
Drivers (for XLS connectivity). For more information, see Substituting the use of SQL
Server instead of OLE DB with DbConnect.

Once you have configured your databases, you can access their data from
AutoCAD, even if you don't have the database system that created the data
installed on your system. AutoCAD can access data from the following
applications:

■ Microsoft Access

■ dBase

■ Microsoft Excel

■ Oracle

■ Paradox

■ Microsoft Visual FoxPro®

■ SQL Server

71
 NOTE With MDAC versions 2.1 and higher, you can't edit dBase files unless you
have a Borland DataBase Engine (BDE) installed on your computer.

Once you have successfully configured a database to use with AutoCAD, a

configuration file with the extension UDL is created. This configuration file
contains the information AutoCAD needs to access the configured database.
By default, UDL files are stored in the Data Links folder of AutoCAD. You can
specify a different location for UDL files from the Options dialog box.
The following topics demonstrate how to set up a data source using ODBC,
and how to configure data sources so that you can use them with AutoCAD.
For detailed information about ODBC and OLE DB, refer to the following
online Microsoft resources:

■ OLE DB Help

■ ODBC Help

■ ODBC Microsoft Desktop Database Drivers

Bypass ODBC Using an OLE DB Direct Driver

Several database management systems supported by AutoCAD have direct

drivers available for OLE DB. If you use these direct drivers, you don't need
to set up configuration files from within both ODBC and OLE DB; you only
need a single OLE DB configuration file.
Direct database drivers are available for the following database systems:

■ Microsoft Access

■ Oracle

■ Microsoft SQL Server

Use ODBC to Create a Configuration File

ODBC is an intermediary program that makes data from one application

available to other applications.

Configure a Data Source with OLE DB

You can use OLE DB to establish a UDL configuration file that points to an
external database table.

72 | Chapter 6 Configure External Databases

Substituting SQL Server for OLE DB

If you are using the 64-bit release of AutoCAD and DbConnect with a
connection that accesses a Microsoft Access database or a Microsoft Excel
spreadsheet using one of the two following methods, you need to change your
connections to use Microsoft SQL Server. Microsoft does not supporting a
64-bit version of these technologies.

■ Microsoft Jet 4.0 OLE DB Provider (for MDB connectivity)

■ Microsoft OLE DB Provider for ODBC Drivers (for XLS connectivity)

Microsoft SQL Server comes in three different editions. If you are accessing
data from an MDB or XLS file today, you might find that using Microsoft SQL
Server Express Edition is adequate for your needs. Microsoft also offers Standard
and Enterprise editions of SQL Server. For additional information about SQL
Server, visit Microsoft’s website at http://www.microsoft.com/sql.

NOTE You can purchase inexpensive third-party utilities to help automate the
conversion of data stored in a MDB to a MDF file that can be used with SQL Server.
Many of these utilities also allow you to export data from a MDF to a MDB file.

To specify a new location for UDL files

1 Click Tools menu ➤ Options.

2 In the Options dialog box, Files tab, select Data Source Location, and
then click Browse.

3 In the Browse for Folder dialog box, locate and select the folder you want.
Click OK.

4 Click OK.

Command entry: OPTIONS

To set up a direct Microsoft Access configuration using OLE DB

1 Click dbConnect menu ➤ Data Sources ➤ Configure.

2 At the Configure a Data Source prompt, select from the possible data
sources you would like to use.

3 In the Data Link Properties dialog box, the Provider tab, select Microsoft
Jet 4.0 OLE DB Provider. Click Next.

Configure External Databases | 73

 4 In Select or Enter a Database Name, enter the name and path to the
database you want to configure.

5 Click Test Connection to verify that your configuration is working

properly.
If the connection fails, verify that the settings are correct. For example,
spelling errors and case sensitivity may be the cause of a failed connection.

6 In the Microsoft Data Link dialog box, click OK.

7 Click OK.

Command entry: DBCONNECT

To set up a direct Oracle configuration using OLE DB

1 Click dbConnect menu ➤ Data Sources ➤ Configure.

2 In the Data Link Properties dialog box, the Provider tab, select Microsoft
OLE DB Provider for Oracle. Click Next.

3 Enter the Oracle server name in Enter a Server Name.

4 Enter a valid user name and password.

5 Click Test Connection to verify that the settings are correct. For example,
spelling errors and case sensitivity may be the cause of a failed connection.

6 In the Microsoft Data Link dialog box, click OK.

7 Click OK.

Command entry: DBCONNECT

To set up a direct SQL Server configuration using OLE DB

1 Click dbConnect menu ➤ Data Sources ➤ Configure.

2 In the Data Link Properties dialog box, the Provider tab, select Microsoft
OLE DB Provider for SQL Server. Click Next.

3 Enter the server name in Select or Enter a Server Name.

4 Enter a valid user name and password.

5 Select the database to configure in Select the Database on the Server.

6 Click Test Connection to verify that the settings are correct. For example,
spelling errors and case sensitivity may be the cause of a failed connection.

74 | Chapter 6 Configure External Databases

 7 In the Microsoft Data Link dialog box, click OK.

8 Click OK.

Command entry: DBCONNECT

To set up a Microsoft Access data source using ODBC

1 Click Start menu (Windows) ➤ Settings ➤ Control Panel.

2 Double-click the ODBC icon.

3 In the ODBC Data Source Administrator dialog box, do one of the

following:
■ Choose the User DSN tab to create a data source that is visible only
to you and can be used only on the computer you create it in.

■ Choose the System DSN tab to create a data source that is visible to
all users who have access rights to the computer.

■ Choose the File DSN tab to create a data source that can be shared
with other users who have the same ODBC drivers installed on their
systems.

4 Click Add.

5 Select the Microsoft Access Driver, and then click Finish.

6 Enter a name for your data source in Data Source Name.

7 Click Select, and then locate and select the database that you want to
configure. Click OK.

8 In the ODBC Microsoft Access dialog box, click OK.

9 In the ODBC Data Source Administrator dialog box, click OK.

To set up a dBase data source using ODBC

1 Click Start menu (Windows) ➤ Settings ➤ Control Panel.

2 Double-click the ODBC icon.

3 In the ODBC Data Source Administrator dialog box, do one of the

following:
■ Choose the User DSN tab to create a data source that is visible only
to you and can be used only on the computer you create it in.

Configure External Databases | 75

 ■ Choose the System DSN tab to create a data source that is visible to
all users who have access rights to the computer.

■ Choose the File DSN tab to create a data source that can be shared
with other users who have the same ODBC drivers installed on their
systems.

4 Click Add.

5 Select the Microsoft dBase Driver, and then click Finish.

6 Enter a name for your data source in Data Source Name, and select the
appropriate version of dBase from the Version list.

7 Make sure that Use Current Directory is cleared.

8 Click Select Directory, and then locate and select the directory that
contains the database tables you want to configure. Click OK.

9 In the ODBC dBase Setup dialog box, click OK.

10 In the ODBC Data Source Administrator dialog box, click OK.

To set up a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet to use with AutoCAD

1 In Microsoft Excel, open the workbook or spreadsheet that you want to

access from AutoCAD.

2 Select a range of cells to function as a database table.

3 Enter a name for the range of cells in the Name Box, then press ENTER.

4 Repeat steps 2 and 3, if desired, to specify additional database tables.

5 Click File menu ➤ Save.

NOTE Microsoft Excel is not a true database management system. In order to

access Excel data from within AutoCAD, you must first specify at least one named
range of Excel cells to function as a database table. Each named range of cells that
you specify within a spreadsheet is treated as an individual table by AutoCAD.

To set up a Microsoft Excel data source using ODBC

1 Click Start menu (Windows) ➤ Settings ➤ Control Panel.

2 Double-click the ODBC icon.

76 | Chapter 6 Configure External Databases

 3 In the ODBC Data Source Administrator dialog box, do one of the
following:
■ Choose the User DSN tab to create a data source that is visible only
to you and can be used only on the computer you create it in.

■ Choose the System DSN tab to create a data source that is visible to
all users who have access rights to the computer.

■ Choose the File DSN tab to create a data source that can be shared
with other users who have the same ODBC drivers installed on their
systems.

4 Click Add.

5 Select the Microsoft Excel Driver, and then click Finish.

6 Enter a name for your data source in Data Source Name, and select the
appropriate version of Excel from the Version list.

7 Make sure that Use Current Directory is cleared.

8 Click Select Workbook, and then locate and select the workbook or
spreadsheet you want to configure. Click OK.

9 In the ODBC Microsoft Excel dialog box, click OK.

10 In the ODBC Data Source Administrator dialog box, click OK.

To set up an Oracle data source using ODBC

1 Click Start menu (Windows) ➤ Settings ➤ Control Panel.

2 Double-click the ODBC icon.

3 In the ODBC Data Source Administrator dialog box, do one of the

following:
■ Choose the User DSN tab to create a data source that is visible only
to you and can be used only on the computer you create it in.

■ Choose the System DSN tab to create a data source that is visible to
all users who have access rights to the computer.

■ Choose the File DSN tab to create a data source that can be shared
with other users who have the same ODBC drivers installed on their
systems.

4 Click Add.

Configure External Databases | 77

 5 Select Microsoft ODBC for Oracle, and then click Finish.

6 Enter a name for your data source in Data Source Name.

7 Enter your user name.

8 Enter the name of the Oracle Server in Server.

9 Click OK.

10 In the ODBC Data Source Administrator dialog box, click OK.

To set up a Paradox data source using ODBC

1 Click Start menu (Windows) ➤ Settings ➤ Control Panel.

2 Double-click the ODBC icon.

3 In the ODBC Data Source Administrator dialog box, do one of the

following:
■ Choose the User DSN tab to create a data source that is visible only
to you and can be used only on the computer you create it in.

■ Choose the System DSN tab to create a data source that is visible to
all users who have access rights to the computer.

■ Choose the File DSN tab to create a data source that can be shared
with other users who have the same ODBC drivers installed on their
systems.

4 Click Add.

5 Select the Paradox Driver, and then click Finish.

6 Enter a name for your data source in Data Source Name, and select the
appropriate version of Paradox from the Version list.

7 Make sure that User Current Directory is cleared.

8 Click Select Directory, and then locate and select the database you want
to configure. Click OK.

9 In the ODBC Paradox Setup dialog box, click OK.

10 In the ODBC Data Source Administrator dialog box, click OK.

To set up a Microsoft Visual FoxPro data source using ODBC

1 Click Start menu (Windows) ➤ Settings ➤ Control Panel.

78 | Chapter 6 Configure External Databases

 2 Double-click the ODBC icon.

3 In the ODBC Data Source Administrator dialog box, do one of the

following:
■ Choose the User DSN tab to create a data source that is visible only
to you and can be used only on the computer you create it in.

■ Choose the System DSN tab to create a data source that is visible to
all users who have access rights to the computer.

■ Choose the File DSN tab to create a data source that can be shared
with other users who have the same ODBC drivers installed on their
systems.

4 Click Add.

5 Select the Microsoft Visual FoxPro Driver, and then click Finish.

6 Enter a name for your data source in Data Source Name, and select a type
in Database Type.

7 Click Browse, and then locate and select the database you want to
configure. Click Open.

8 In the ODBC Visual FoxPro Setup dialog box, click OK.

9 In the ODBC Data Source Administrator dialog box, click OK.

For additional information about setting up a Microsoft Visual FoxPro
data source, see the Microsoft Visual FoxPro ODBC Driver documentation.

To set up an SQL Server data source using ODBC

1 Click Start menu (Windows) ➤ Settings ➤ Control Panel.

2 Double-click the ODBC icon.

3 In the ODBC Data Source Administrator dialog box, do one of the

following:
■ Choose the User DSN tab to create a data source that is visible only
to you and can be used only on the computer you create it in.

■ Choose the System DSN tab to create a data source that is visible to
all users who have access rights to the computer.

■ Choose the File DSN tab to create a data source that can be shared
with other users who have the same ODBC drivers installed on their
systems.

Configure External Databases | 79

 4 Click Add.

5 Select SQL Server, and then click Finish.

6 Follow the instructions in the wizard to complete the data source setup.
Microsoft provides additional Help topics describing the interface
components of each page in the wizard. To view Help for a wizard page,
click Help.

7 In the ODBC Data Source Administrator dialog box, click OK.

To configure a data source using OLE DB

You can use OLE DB to establish a UDL configuration file that points to an
external database table.

1 Use Microsoft ODBC to set up a data source (see Use ODBC to Create a
Configuration File on page 72).

2 Click dbConnect menu ➤ Data Sources ➤ Configure.

3 In the Data Link Properties dialog box, the Provider tab, select Microsoft
OLE DB Provider for ODBC Drivers. Choose Next.

4 Enter the name of the data source you want to configure in Use Data
Source Name.

5 Click Test Connection to verify that your configuration is working

properly.
If the connection fails, verify that the settings are correct. For example,
spelling errors and case sensitivity may be the cause of a failed connection.

6 In the Microsoft Data Link dialog box, click OK.

7 Click OK.

Command entry: DBCONNECT

Quick Reference

Commands

DBCONNECT
Provides an interface to external database tables

80 | Chapter 6 Configure External Databases

OPTIONS
Customizes the program settings

System Variables

No entries

Utilities

No entries

Command Modifiers

No entries

Configure External Databases | 81

82
Driver Custom
Properties Reference 7
You can change the custom properties of the plotter driver assigned to a plotter configuration.

Autodesk-Supplied Plotter Drivers

Plotter drivers that are created by Autodesk for use with AutoCAD.

DWF Driver Custom Properties

Specifies custom properties for plotted Design Web Format (DWF) files.
You can use the DWF6 ePlot driver to plot or publish DWF files. You can open,
view, and print DWF files with a DWF file viewer. DWF files support real-time
panning and zooming as well as control over the display of layers and named
views.

NOTE By default, AutoCAD plots are plotted with lineweights. If you haven’t specified
lineweight values in the Layer Properties Manager, a default lineweight of .01 inches
is applied to all graphical objects when you plot a drawing. This can cause areas of
your plotted DWF files to look significantly different from how they appear in the
AutoCAD drawing area when viewed in an external viewer or Internet browser,
particularly during zoom operations. To avoid this, clear the Plot with Lineweights
option from the Plot Settings tab in the Plot dialog box.

NOTE All references to AutoCAD, unless otherwise noted, refer to all AutoCAD-based
products.

83
 Vector and Gradient Resolution (DWF)
Specifies the resolution (in dots per inch) for vector graphics and gradients
for DWF files. When you set a higher resolution, the file is more precise, but
the file size is also larger.
When you create DWF files intended for plotting, select a resolution to match
the output of your plotter or printer. High resolutions (over 2,400 dpi) are for
viewing. For example, when you create DWF files of drawings that contain a
lot of detail, such as a topographical map of a large region, these files use a
higher resolution setting for greater detail in the DWF file. Use extreme
resolutions (over 40,000 dpi) only when necessary; they may produce very
large files. As you increase the resolution setting, raster image quality increases,
the speed of printing decreases, and memory requirements increase.

Vector Resolution

Sets the resolution for vector graphics in the DWF file in dots per inch. The
default setting is 1,200 dpi. Select Custom to enter a custom vector graphic
resolution.

Custom Vector Resolution

Specifies a custom resolution for vector graphics in the DWF file in dots per
inch. You must select Custom under Vector Resolution to specify a custom
vector graphic resolution. The default setting is 40,000 dpi.

Gradient Resolution

Sets the resolution for gradients in the DWF file in dots per inch. The default
setting is 200 dpi. Select Custom to enter a custom gradient resolution. This
setting cannot exceed the current vector resolution setting.

Custom Gradient Resolution

Specifies a custom resolution for gradients in the DWF file in dots per inch.
You must select Custom under Gradient Resolution to specify a custom
gradient resolution. The default setting is 200 dpi. This setting cannot exceed
the current vector resolution setting.

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Raster Image Resolution (DWF)
Specifies the resolution (in dots per inch) for raster images for DWF files. When
you set a higher resolution, the file is more precise, but the file size is also
larger.
When you create DWF files intended for plotting, select a resolution to match
the output of your plotter or printer. High resolutions (over 2,400 dpi) are for
viewing. For example, when you create DWF files of drawings that contain a
lot of detail, such as a topographical map of a large region, these files use a
higher resolution setting for greater detail in the DWF file. Use extreme
resolutions (over 40,000 dpi) only when necessary; they may produce very
large files. As you increase the resolution setting, raster image quality increases,
the speed of printing decreases, and memory requirements increase.

Color and Grayscale Resolution

Sets the resolution for raster image colors and grayscale in the DWF file in
dots per inch. The default setting is 200 dpi. Select Custom to enter a custom
color and grayscale resolution. This setting cannot exceed the current vector
resolution setting.

Custom Color Resolution

Specifies a custom resolution for color raster images in the DWF file in dots
per inch. You must select Custom under Color and Grayscale Resolution to
specify a custom color resolution. This setting cannot exceed the current vector
resolution setting.

Black and White Resolution

Sets the resolution for black and white raster images in the DWF file in dots
per inch. The default setting is 400 dpi. Select Custom to enter a custom black
and white resolution. This setting cannot exceed the current vector resolution
setting.

Custom Black and White Resolution

Specifies a custom resolution for black and white raster images for the DWF
file in dots per inch. You must select Custom under Black and White Resolution
to specify a custom black and white resolution. This setting cannot exceed
the current vector resolution setting.

DWF Driver Custom Properties | 85

 Font Handling (DWF)
Specifies the inclusion and handling of fonts in DWF files.

NOTE The size of a DWF file can be affected by the font-handling settings, the
amount of text, and the number and type of fonts used in the file. If the size of
your DWF file seems too large, try changing the font-handling settings.

Capture None (All Viewer Supplied)

Specifies that no fonts will be included in the DWF file.

In order for the fonts used in the source drawing for the DWF file to be visible
in the DWF file, the fonts must be present on the DWF viewer’s system. If the
fonts used to create the DWF file are not present on the viewer’s system, other
fonts will be substituted.

Capture Some (Recommended)

Specifies that fonts used in the source drawing for the DWF file that are selected
in the Available True Type Fonts dialog box will be included in the DWF file.
The selected fonts do not need to be available on the DWF viewer’s system in
order for them to appear in the DWF file.
Edit Font List Opens the Available True Type Fonts dialog box, where you
can edit the list of fonts eligible for capture in the DWF file.
By default, fonts installed with AutoCAD, Windows, and the DWF file viewer
are not selected.
Selecting Restore Defaults resets the list to the default setting. This action is
completed and saved before you click OK and cannot be undone.
The settings in the Available True Type Fonts dialog box are saved in the
registry, not in the current PC3 file. These settings remain in effect for all DWF
files until they are changed.

Capture All

Specifies that all fonts used in the drawing will be included in the DWF file.

NOTE This may increase the size of the DWF file.

As Geometry (Largest File Size) Specifies that all fonts used in the drawing
will be included as geometry in the DWF file. If you select this option, you

86 | Chapter 7 Driver Custom Properties Reference

should plot your drawing at a scale factor of 1:1 or better to ensure good
quality in the output file.
This option is only available for DWF files created with the DWF6 ePlot model.

NOTE This may increase the size of the DWF file.

Additional Output Settings (DWF)

Specifies additional output settings for DWF files.

DWF Format

Specifies the compression format for DWF files.

Compressed Binary (Recommended) Plots the DWF file in a compressed,
binary format; compression does not cause data loss. This is the recommended
file format for most DWF files.

Zipped ASCII encoded 2D stream (Advanced) Plots the DWF file in zipped
ASCII Encoded 2D Stream (plain text) format. You can use WinZip to unzip
the files.

Background Color Shown in Viewer

Controls the background color that is applied to DWF files.

NOTE DWF files intended for plotting should be configured with a white
background color. If the AutoCAD background color is set to black, color 7 objects
will be plotted as white. For all other background colors, color 7 objects will be
plotted as black.

Include Layer Information

Specifies the inclusion of layer information in plotted DWF files. If this option
is selected, any layers that are turned on and thawed when the plot is created
are available for manipulation in the plotted DWF file. If this option is cleared,
no layer information is available when the DWF is viewed in an external
viewer or browser.
In some cases, such as in drawings that include nested xrefs, turning this
option off may significantly improve performance.

DWF Driver Custom Properties | 87

 Show Paper Boundaries

Specifies the inclusion of a paper boundary in plotted DWF files similar to

what is displayed with drawings in a layout tab.

NOTE For DWF6 ePlot, the Show Paper Boundaries option is checked by default
and is unavailable for editing.

Save Preview In DWF

Specifies that a preview of the DWF file will be saved in the DWF file.

NOTE A small thumbnail of the DWF file is always saved. You should only use the
Save Preview in DWF setting if the recipient will use Buzzsaw.com to access the
preview.

Virtual Pen Set (DWF)

Opens the Edit Pen Set dialog box, where you can edit the ePlot (optimized
for plotting) plotter configuration (PC3) file pen set and patterns.
You must have 255 Virtual Pens selected in the Plotter Configuration Editor,
Vector Graphics node, Color Depth area to use this option. When 255 Virtual
Pens is selected, the settings in the plot style table associated with the drawing
are ignored except the virtual pen number and plot style linetype. You can
edit the settings for these virtual pens in the Edit Pen Set dialog box. These
settings are then saved to the PC3 file that you are editing.

NOTE When you have 255 Virtual Pens selected as your color depth, changing
the resolution of the DWF file will change the width of your lines. Adjust the line
width values in your pen set to compensate for this.

In the Edit Pen Set dialog box, you can make changes to the current pen set,
which are saved to the PC3 file when you click OK. Selecting Defaults resets
the pen set to the default settings. By selecting Import, you can import a pen
set from a PEN file.

NOTE If you want to use pen sets from Buzzsaw, use the Buzzsaw DWF.ctb plot
style table. However, when you want to edit your pen set, edit the pen set stored
in the DWF PC3 file, not the Buzzsaw DWF.ctb plot style table.

In the Edit Pen Set dialog box, you can change pen weights (width), patterns,
shapes, and effects by right-clicking a field in the dialog box to display a menu

88 | Chapter 7 Driver Custom Properties Reference

of common settings. From the menu, you can copy settings to other pens or
select Properties to display the Pen Properties dialog box.
Unchecked pens (indicated by a red strike-through line) in the Edit Pen Set
dialog box will be ignored when you apply settings to the entire pen set.

Patterns

Provides 107 predefined pen patterns. Pen patterns can be used to alter the
appearance of the geometry of a drawing. Many of the patterns provide a
grayscale equivalent of a color. These patterns are commonly used for area
fills in drawings for different percentages of black. There are also miscellaneous
patterns such as boxes, tiles, slants, and diamonds that can be used to provide
different effects.

Width

Sets the line width of the pen. Line widths are measured in pixels. These widths
can also be represented in millimeters, centimeters, and inches. You set line
widths in pixels (from 0 to 400). When you change the type of units, equivalent
measurements in millimeters, centimeters, or inches for a 400 dpi printer are
displayed.

Shape

Sets the end shape and join style of the pen.

Effect

Controls the appearance of the background pixels in a pattern. This effect

works on monochrome, grayscale, and color plotters.
Transparent Allows underlying objects to be visible through the pattern.

Opaque Prevents underlying objects from appearing through the pattern.

All Pens

Applies scaling and width limitations to all pens in the pen set.

NOTE The Scale Pen Widths settings are only visible when using viewing and
plotting tools from Buzzsaw.

DWF Driver Custom Properties | 89

 Controls

The effects of these settings are only visible when using viewing and plotting
tools from Buzzsaw.
Allow Drawing to Manipulate These settings are not supported for DWF
files.

Map Pen Colors to a Shaded Half-Tone Specifies that pen colors will be
converted to the equivalent shades of gray.

Use Alternate Fill Instead of Winding Fill for Polygons Specifies that an
alternate fill will be used for polygons instead of a winding fill.
Use only if the fill pattern in a polygon does not appear to print correctly for
a vector file. The modes differ only in cases where a complex, overlapping
polygon must be filled (for example, a five-sided polygon that forms a
five-pointed star with a pentagon in the center). In such cases, alternate mode
fills every other enclosed region within the polygon (such as the points of the
star). Winding mode fills all regions (such as the points and the pentagon).

Use Error Diffusion for DWF Rasters Specifies that error diffusion will be
used for DWF raster images.
To represent shades of gray in raster data, halftone diffusion is used by default.
You may want to use error diffusion instead to improve the appearance of
your image.

DWFx Driver Custom Properties

Specifies custom properties for plotted DWFx files.
You can use the DWFx ePlot driver to plot or publish DWFx files. You can
open, view, and print DWFx files with Autodesk Design Review. DWFx files
support real-time panning and zooming as well as control over the display of
layers and named views.
By default, AutoCAD plots are plotted with lineweights. If you haven’t specified
lineweight values in the Layer Properties Manager, a default lineweight of .01
inches is applied to all graphical objects when you plot a drawing. This can
cause areas of your plotted DWFx files to look significantly different from how
they appear in the AutoCAD drawing area when viewed in an external viewer
or Internet browser, particularly during zoom operations. To avoid this, clear
the Plot with Lineweights option from the Plot Settings tab in the Plot dialog
box.

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NOTE All references to AutoCAD, unless otherwise noted, refer to all
AutoCAD-based products.

DWFx Driver Graphics Properties

Specifies settings for printing vector graphics and merge control.

Vector Graphics

Provides options for specifying the color depth of vector output.

Color Depth Displays a list for choosing color depth for

the configured plotter for DWFx files.

Merge Control

Controls the appearance of lines that cross in DWFx files.

Lines Overwrite Uses the last plotted line to obscure the

lines under it. Only the topmost line is vis-
ible at the intersection.

Lines Merge Merges the colors of crossing lines.

DWFx Driver Custom Properties

Specifies custom properties for plotted DWFx files.

Vector and Gradient Resolution (Dots Per Inch)

Specifies the resolution (in dots per inch) for vector graphics and gradients
for DWFx files. When you set a higher resolution, the file is more precise, but
the file size is also larger.
When you create DWFx files intended for plotting, select a resolution to match
the output of your plotter or printer. High resolutions (over 2,400 dpi) are for
viewing. For example, when you create DWFx files of drawings that contain
a lot of detail, such as a topographical map of a large region, these files use a

DWFx Driver Custom Properties | 91

 higher resolution setting for greater detail in the DWFx file. Use extreme
resolutions (over 40,000 dpi) only when necessary; they may produce very
large files. As you increase the resolution setting, raster image quality increases,
the speed of printing decreases, and memory requirements increase.

Vector Resolution

Sets the resolution for vector graphics in the DWFx file in dots per inch. The
default setting is 1,200 dpi. Select Custom to enter a custom vector graphic
resolution.

Custom Vector Resolution

Specifies a custom resolution for vector graphics in the DWFx file in dots per
inch. You must select Custom under Vector Resolution to specify a custom
vector graphic resolution. The default setting is 40,000 dpi.

Gradient Resolution

Sets the resolution for gradients in the DWFx file in dots per inch. The default
setting is 200 dpi. Select Custom to enter a custom gradient resolution. This
setting cannot exceed the current vector resolution setting.

Custom Gradient Resolution

Specifies a custom resolution for gradients in the DWFx file in dots per inch.
You must select Custom under Gradient Resolution to specify a custom
gradient resolution. The default setting is 200 dpi. This setting cannot exceed
the current vector resolution setting.

Raster Image Resolution (Dots Per Inch)

Specifies the resolution (in dots per inch) for raster images for DWFx files.
When you set a higher resolution, the file is more precise, but the file size is
also larger.
When you create DWFx files intended for plotting, select a resolution to match
the output of your plotter or printer. High resolutions (over 2,400 dpi) are for
viewing. For example, when you create DWFx files of drawings that contain
a lot of detail, such as a topographical map of a large region, these files use a
higher resolution setting for greater detail in the DWFx file. Use extreme
resolutions (over 40,000 dpi) only when necessary; they may produce very
large files. As you increase the resolution setting, raster image quality increases,
the speed of printing decreases, and memory requirements increase.

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Color and Grayscale Resolution

Sets the resolution for raster image colors and grayscale in the DWFx file in
dots per inch. The default setting is 200 dpi. Select Custom to enter a custom
color and grayscale resolution. This setting cannot exceed the current vector
resolution setting.

Custom Color Resolution

Specifies a custom resolution for color raster images in the DWFx file in dots
per inch. You must select Custom under Color and Grayscale Resolution to
specify a custom color resolution. This setting cannot exceed the current vector
resolution setting.

Black and White Resolution

Sets the resolution for black and white raster images in the DWFx file in dots
per inch. The default setting is 400 dpi. Select Custom to enter a custom black
and white resolution. This setting cannot exceed the current vector resolution
setting.

Custom Black and White Resolution

Specifies a custom resolution for black and white raster images for the DWFx
file in dots per inch. You must select Custom under Black and White Resolution
to specify a custom black and white resolution. This setting cannot exceed
the current vector resolution setting.

Additional Output Settings

Specifies additional output settings for DWFx files.

Background Color Shown in Viewer

Controls the background color that is applied to DWFx files.

DWFx files intended for plotting should be configured with a white background
color. If the DWFx background color is set to black, color 7 objects will be
plotted as white. For all other background colors, color 7 objects will be plotted
as black.

DWFx Driver Custom Properties | 93

 Include Layer Information

Specifies the inclusion of layer information in plotted DWFx files. If this option
is selected, any layers that are turned on and thawed when the plot is created
are available for manipulation in the plotted DWFx file. If this option is cleared,
no layer information is available when the DWFx is viewed in an external
viewer or browser.
In some cases, such as in drawings that include nested xrefs, turning this
option off may significantly improve performance.

DXB Driver Custom Properties

Specifies custom properties for plotted DXB files.
This nonsystem driver plots to DXB (drawing interchange binary) files, a file
format that has only vector capabilities. The output is compatible with the
AutoCAD DXBIN command and with the ADI DXB driver delivered with
earlier AutoCAD releases. It shares the following limitations of the ADI driver:

■ It produces 16-bit integer DXB files containing only vectors.

■ DXB output is monochrome; all vectors are color 7.

■ Raster images and embedded OLE objects are not supported.

■ The driver ignores object and plot style lineweights.

Use the Custom Properties dialog box to set the maximum resolution of the
DXB output. Because 16-bit DXB files have a limited coordinate space, the
highest resolution settings are only available for smaller "paper" sizes. If you
select a high value for maximum resolution and then select a large paper size
(for example, ANSI E), a warning is issued indicating the resolution was reduced
to accommodate the large plot size.
The resolution control primarily influences the tessellation level of objects. If
you set the resolution to a low level, arcs, circles, text, and so on, will be drawn
with less tessellation, while at higher resolution settings, more tessellation
segments are generated, which creates a larger plot file.
Entities such as solids and lines with thickness are stroked with line segments
that have a single-dot width. Decreasing the resolution decreases the number
of segments needed to fill these entities and reduces the DXB file size.
This DXB file driver does not plot raster-image entities. The driver plots an
outline rectangle instead.

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 NOTE All references to AutoCAD, unless otherwise noted, refer to all
AutoCAD-based products.

HP-GL Driver Custom Properties

Specifies custom properties for plotted HP-GL (PLT) files.
Controls custom properties for the HP-GL driver. For more information about
configuration requirements for plotters that use the HP-GL driver, see HP-GL
Configuration Information (HP-GL) on page 95.

NOTE All references to AutoCAD, unless otherwise noted, refer to all

AutoCAD-based products.

HP-GL Configuration Information (HP-GL)

This nonsystem driver supports HP-GL, a pen plotter language that has
vector-only capabilities.
Raster objects are not supported by the HP-GL device driver. The Microsoft
HP-GL Windows System Printer driver cannot be used with AutoCAD. Use
this nonsystem driver instead.
Before you plot, you need to provide information about the color and width
of each pen in your plotter. Information about specifying physical pen
configuration for pen plotters is provided in the Help system.
Different HP-GL models use different coordinate systems. If you are using an
emulated device, be sure to choose the HP-GL model your device is emulating;
otherwise, your plot could be rotated, offset, or mirrored. If your device doesn't
exactly emulate any of the HP devices, you might try one of the two Generic
models. These models allow user-defined paper sizes of up to 100 x 100 feet.
Also, if the "simplified HPGL" custom property is selected for the Generic
models, the HPGL RO instruction will not be sent to the plot file.
Generic SHPGL produces HPGL output that assumes that the coordinate origin
is at the lower left corner of the page. Generic LHPG produces output that
assumes that the coordinate origin is in the center of the page.
If you are using an emulated device that has a parallel port, select Show All
Ports on the Ports page of the Add-a-Plotter wizard or in the Plotter
Configuration Editor to access available ports on your computer.

HP-GL Driver Custom Properties | 95

 The officially supported HP-GL devices connect by RS232 serial ports. If you
are using an emulated device that has a parallel port, select Show All Ports on
the Ports page of the Add-a-Plotter wizard or in the Plotter Configuration
Editor to access available ports on your computer.
For information specifying custom properties for the HP-GL driver, see HP-GL
Driver Custom Properties on page 95. You can also choose Help in the HP-GL
Custom Properties dialog box in the Plotter Configuration Editor.

NOTE All references to AutoCAD, unless otherwise noted, refer to all

AutoCAD-based products.

Supported Plotters
List of Hewlett-Packard pen plotters are configured using the HP-GL device
driver.
The following Hewlett-Packard pen plotters are configured using the HP-GL
device driver:

■ 7475A

■ 7550A

■ 7580B

■ 7585B

■ 7586B

■ Draftmaster 1 (7595A)

■ Draftmaster 2 (7596A)

■ Draftpro (7570A)

■ Draftpro-DXL (7575A)

■ Draftpro-EXL (7576A)

■ DraftPro-Plus (C3170A)

■ DraftPro-Plus (C3171A)

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Specifying Switch Settings
Specifies the switches used for the plotter driver.
The switch settings that follow are for the default serial protocol: 9600 baud,
7 data bits, even parity, and one stop bit. If you select another protocol, consult
the Hewlett-Packard documentation for the correct settings. For the 7475, set
the switches as shown in the following table to configure the plotter for the
default settings of 9600 baud, 7 data bits, even parity, and one stop bit. If you
select another protocol, consult the Hewlett-Packard documentation for the
correct settings.
HP-GL switch settings
Switch 1 0

B1 X

B2 X

B3 X

B4 X

S1 X

S2 X

DY D

To configure the 7550 and DraftMaster plotters for default settings, follow the
Hewlett-Packard instructions for using the Enter and Next Display keys on
the front panel to specify the following settings: monitor mode off, remote
mode, stand-alone mode, XON/XOFF or hardware handshaking, direct mode,
full duplex, 7-bit data, parity on, even parity, and 9600 baud. Automatic sheet
feed is enabled on the 7550 when an asterisk (*) is displayed below the Sheet
Feed key.
To configure the 7580, 7585, 7586, and all DraftPro models for default settings,
set the RS-232C speed selector to 9600 and set parity on, even parity, and
eavesdrop off. Set the emulate and expand switches to normal. If the plotter
doesn't respond, wires 2, 3, or 7 might be strung incorrectly, or the plotter

HP-GL Driver Custom Properties | 97

 might be improperly configured. With a 7580, 7585, or a 7586, the remote
light might be off. If the plotter's error light turns on, the speed or parity
switches are probably incorrect.

Configuring Media for Long Axis Plots

Specifies custom paper sizes and the plottable area for both custom and
standard media sizes.
Each supported model has a set of standard supported paper sizes, each with
a corresponding printable area. You can add custom paper sizes, and you can
modify the printable area for standard sizes in the Plotter Configuration Editor.
Many HP-GL plotters measure the size of the page when using sheet-fed paper.
If your sheet sizes are slightly smaller than standard sizes, and if your plotter
configuration tells AutoCAD to request hard clip limits from the plotter, you
might see a warning message during plots. The message alerts you that your
plot might be clipped and tells you how to avoid clipping. You can enable or
disable the query for hard clip limits in the HP-GL Custom Properties dialog
box in the Plotter Configuration Editor. If enabled, this query is only made
when plotting directly to a locally connected device.
The 7986B and 7596A plotters can create long axis plots. Use the Custom
Paper Sizes wizard (on the Calibration and User Defined Paper Sizes node of
the Plotter Configuration Editor) to create a custom paper size for your long
axis plot. You can configure a delay between long axis plot frames to allow
the ink to dry. By default, this is set to 30 seconds, but you can modify the
delay time in the HP-GL Custom Properties dialog box in the Plotter
Configuration Editor. If your plotter supports both roll-fed and sheet-fed paper,
be sure to select the right media source when you configure the plotter. If you
select a roll-fed source, be sure to configure the roll width to match the media
loaded in the plotter.

Long Plotting (HP-GL)

Specifies the settings for long axis plotting.
Long plotting controls long axis plotting. If you are performing long axis
plotting, you need to install a black pen in stall 8 in order to print registration
marks at the edge of the paper. The marks at the edge of the paper represent
the end of each frame in a long plot.

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Do Not Warn at Plot Time

Disables the display of the Long Plot Warning dialog box at plot time. The
warning message alerts you that you've selected a long plot paper size and
provides further information about long plots.

Pause Between Frames

Causes AutoCAD to pause between frames when performing a long plot. The
pause provides time for the ink to dry before the next frame is plotted.

Seconds to Pause Between Frames

Specifies the amount of time to pause between frames of a long plot.

Simplified HPGL (HP-GL)

Specifies the use of a simplified version of the HPGL language for use with
devices that do not support the full version of the HPGL language.
You can use the Simplified HPGL option to produce verbose but simplified
HPGL for use by non-HP devices that don't support the full HPGL language.
Plot files become larger when this option is selected because every HPGL
instruction will be terminated and every new coordinate pair will cause a fresh
command to be emitted. Also, the HPGL RO instruction is not produced.

Request Hard Clip Limits from Plotter (HP-GL)

Specifies the use of hard clip limits.
The 7580, 7585, 7586, DraftPro DXL/EXL, DraftMaster I, 7586B, and 7596A
plotters return hard clip limits to AutoCAD. This requires two-way
communication between AutoCAD and the plotter. The plotter sends AutoCAD
the installed paper's exact plot area; AutoCAD positions the plot on the paper
based on the actual sheet size. If you clear the Request for Hard Clip Limits
from Plotter options, AutoCAD positions the plot based on the configured
paper size. In most cases, you need to adjust the configured paper size to reflect
the actual printable area of the device. Otherwise, your plot might be clipped.
You can adjust the location of the plot on the paper by changing the plot
origin.

HP-GL Driver Custom Properties | 99

 Handshaking Instructions for Network Plotting
and Plotting to a File (HP-GL)
Specifies the type of handshaking used for plotting across a network or to a
file.
Handshaking Instructions specifies the method of handshaking for plotting
across a network or to a file. When plotting across the network or to a file,
you need to specify the type of handshaking so the HP-GL driver can send
the correct instructions to the plotter. If you are plotting to a locally configured
plotter, use the handshaking controls on the Ports tab in the Plotter
Configuration Editor.

Use XON and XOFF Handshaking

Sends HP-GL instructions over the network or to the file to use XON and XOFF
handshaking.

Use Hardware Handshaking

Sends HP-GL instructions over the network or to the file to use hardware
handshaking.
If you are plotting across a network, you also need to configure the computer
connected to the plotter so the Windows system driver port settings are set
to the same handshaking method. Also, the plotter must be connected with
the appropriate cable.
Set the Windows system driver port settings in the Printers folder in the
Windows Control Panel. Select the printer that is sharing the plotter on the
network, and configure the printer's port settings for handshaking.
If the plotter is connected locally but uses the Windows Print Manager spooler
due to a conflict with a Windows system printer, adjust the port settings in
the Windows Control Panel.
If you are using XON and XOFF handshaking, the computer must be connected
to the plotter with an appropriate cable, as illustrated in the following diagram:

100 | Chapter 7 Driver Custom Properties Reference

 If you are using hardware handshaking, the computer must be connected to
the plotter with an appropriate cable, as illustrated in the following diagram:

HP-GL/2 Driver Custom Properties

Specifies custom properties for the HP-GL/2 driver.
The HP-GL/2 Custom Properties dialog box controls custom properties for the
HP-GL/2 driver. For more information about configuring HP-GL/2 devices,
see HP-GL/2 Configuration Information (HP-GL/2) on page 101.

NOTE All references to AutoCAD, unless otherwise noted, refer to all

AutoCAD-based products.

HP-GL/2 Configuration Information (HP-GL/2)

The nonsystem HP-GL/2 driver supports a variety of HP-GL/2 pen plotters
and ink jet plotters.
This is a generic HP-GL/2 driver that is not optimized for any particular
manufacturer's devices. For example, it does not send PJL commands to devices,
as a true Hewlett-Packard driver would. The HP-GL/2 driver supports obsolete

HP-GL/2 Driver Custom Properties | 101

 pen plotters and newer devices made by manufacturers other than Hewlett
Packard.
If you have a Hewlett-Packard DesignJet, you should select the System Printer
option in the Add-a-Plotter wizard. Hewlett-Packard has redesigned its print
path to use the Windows system printer. You can get excellent print speed
and quality through the system printer.

NOTE Versions 4.00 and later of the HP-GL/2 & RTL DesignJet Windows System
Printer drivers have been optimized for printing. New versions of the drivers are
posted on Hewlett Packard's website (http://www.hp.com).

You can use this HDI driver if you use a device that emulates an HP plotter
and uses HP-GL/2. Follow the device manufacturer's recommendations for
switching your plotter to the correct emulation mode. You can also shift your
plotter to HP-GL/2 mode by providing a pre-initialization string in the Plotter
Configuration Editor.
For more information about specifying custom properties for the HP-GL/2
driver, see HP-GL/2 Driver Custom Properties on page 101.

NOTE All references to AutoCAD, unless otherwise noted, refer to all

AutoCAD-based products.

Supported Plotters
List of emulated and obsolete Hewlett-Packard pen plotters and printers that
can be configured using a HP-GL/2 device driver.
The following plotters can be emulated using the HP-GL/2 driver:

■ HP DesignJet 750C Plus model C4708A (24")

■ HP DesignJet 750C model C3196A (36")

■ HP DesignJet 750C model C3195A (24")

■ HP DesignJet 650C model C2859A (36")

■ HP DesignJet 650C mode C2858B (24")

■ HP DesignJet 350C model C4700A (36")

■ HP DesignJet 350C model C4699A (24")

■ HP DesignJet 250C model C3191A (36")

102 | Chapter 7 Driver Custom Properties Reference

■ HP DesignJet 250C model C3190A (24")

■ HP DesignJet 700 monochrome model C4706B (36")

■ HP DesignJet 700 monochrome model C4705B (24")

■ HP DesignJet 600 model C2848A (36")

■ HP DesignJet 600 model C2847A (24")

■ HP DesignJet 330 model C4702A (36")

■ HP DesignJet 330 model C4701A (24")

■ HP DesignJet 230 model C4695A (36")

■ HP DesignJet 230 model C4694A (24")

■ HP DesignJet 220 model C3188A (36")

■ HP DesignJet 220 model C3187A (24")

■ HP DesignJet 200 (36")

■ HP DesignJet 200 (24")

■ HP DesignJet 430 monochrome model C4714A (36")

■ HP DesignJet 430 monochrome model C4713A (24")

■ HP DesignJet 450C color model C4716A (36")

■ HP DesignJet 450C color model C4715A (24")

The HP-GL/2 driver also supports the following obsolete plotters:

■ HP DraftMaster Rx model 7596B

■ HP DraftMaster Mx model 7599

■ HP DraftMaster Sx Plus Sheet Feed-NR model 7595C

■ HP DraftMaster Rx Plus NR model 7596C

■ HP DraftMaster Mx Plus NR model 7599B

■ HP DraftPro Plus-NR model C3171A (36")

■ HP DraftPro Plus-NR model C3170A (24")

■ HP 7600 250

HP-GL/2 Driver Custom Properties | 103

 ■ HP 7600 255

■ HP 7600 355

■ HP 7600 240D (vector only, no raster)

■ HP 7600 240E (vector only, no raster)

■ LaserJet 4

■ LaserJet 4M

■ LaserJet 4MV

■ LaserJet 4Si

■ LaserJet 4SiMx

■ LaserJet 4V

■ LaserJet 5

■ LaserJet 5M

■ LaserJet 5Si

■ LaserJet 5Si Mopier

■ LaserJet 5SiMX

■ LaserJet III

■ LaserJet IIID

■ LaserJet IIISi

For most of these devices you have a choice of a serial or parallel port
connection. When this choice is available, the parallel port is recommended
because it is faster and simpler. Pen plotters are only supported using serial
connection.

Cabling Instructions
Specifies the type of handshaking used for plotting across a network or to a
file.
Handshaking Instructions specifies the method of handshaking for plotting
across a network or to a file. When plotting across the network or to a file,

104 | Chapter 7 Driver Custom Properties Reference

you need to specify the type of handshaking so the HP-GL/2 driver can send
the correct instructions to the plotter. If you are plotting to a locally configured
plotter, use the handshaking controls on the Ports tab in the Plotter
Configuration Editor.

Use XON and XOFF Handshaking

Sends HP-GL/2 instructions over the network or to the file to use XON and
XOFF handshaking.

Use Hardware Handshaking

Sends HP-GL/2 instructions over the network or to the file to use hardware
handshaking.
If you are plotting across a network, you also need to configure the computer
connected to the plotter so the Windows system driver port settings are set
to the same handshaking method. Also, the plotter must be connected with
the appropriate cable.
Set the Windows system driver port settings in the Printers folder in the
Windows Control Panel. Select the printer that is sharing the plotter on the
network, and configure the printer's port settings for handshaking.
If the plotter is connected locally but uses the Windows Print Manager spooler
due to a conflict with a Windows system printer, adjust the port settings in
the Windows Control Panel.
If you are using XON and XOFF handshaking, the computer must be connected
to the plotter with an appropriate cable as illustrated in the following diagram.

If you are using hardware handshaking, the computer must be connected to

the plotter with an appropriate cable as illustrated in the following diagram.

HP-GL/2 Driver Custom Properties | 105

 Switch Settings
Specifies the switches used for the plotter driver.
The following table displays the DIP switch settings for the 7600 240D plotter.
Switch settings for HP 7600 240D plotter
Switch Bank 1 0

Parallel Left 2 1, 3-10

Parallel Right 3 1, 2, 4-10

Serial Left 1 2-10

Serial Right 3, 6, 7, 9 1, 2, 4, 5, 8, 10

The following table displays the DIP switch settings for the 7600 240E plotter.
Switch settings for HP 7600 240E plotter
Switch Bank 1 0

Parallel Left 2 1, 3-10

Parallel Right 1-10

Serial Left 1 2-10

Serial Right 6, 7, 9 1-5, 8, 10

106 | Chapter 7 Driver Custom Properties Reference

For the DraftMaster and 7600 series plotters, follow the Hewlett-Packard
instructions for turning off the monitor mode or turning on the remote mode,
stand-alone mode, XON/XOFF handshake, direct mode, full duplex, 7-bit
data, and parity settings. Choose settings for zero parity and 9600 baud. Be
sure the plotter is in HP-GL/2 emulation mode.

DesignJet Plotters
Specifies which Hewlett-Packard DesignJet plotter models AutoCAD supports
through serial or a parallel port.
AutoCAD supports the Hewlett-Packard DesignJet plotter models 200/220,
250C, 330, 600, 650C, 700, 750C, 750C Plus, 755, and 755CM through a serial
or a parallel port. It is recommended that you use the parallel port. If you use
a serial port, set the DesignJet at 9600 baud, with 8 data bits, 1 stop bit, no
parity, and hardware handshaking XON/XOFF.
All DesignJet roll-feed models can produce long-axis plots. Both the 600 and
650C have an optional expanded mode for page formats and margins. You
set the Expanded mode on the plotter's front panel. By choosing Advanced
Media Options from the Plotter Configuration menu, you can select options
that match your plotter's settings.

HP-GL/2 Long-Axis Plots

Specifies the settings for long axis plotting.
The 7600 series plotter, DesignJets, DraftPro Plus, and the DraftMaster with
roll feed can do long-axis plots.

To perform a long plot

1 Select any size greater than 64 inches along the X axis.

The following prompt is displayed:
Long axis plot is selected. Plotter steps/inch = nnn

2 Plot in the normal manner.

For best results, plot to extents, do not rotate the plot, and use an explicit
one-to-one scale (not Scale to Fit).

3 To stop your plotter after AutoCAD has finished sending all the vectors,
clear the plotter memory using the plotter’s control panel.

HP-GL/2 Driver Custom Properties | 107

 4 To stop a long-axis plot while AutoCAD is sending vectors to the plotter,
press ESC.

5 Clear the plotter memory as indicated for the following devices:

■ DraftMaster X series. Press the plotter Cancel button.

■ HP 7600 240D/E. Press the plotter Reset button.

■ HP 7600 250/255/355. Press the Plot Management key. Select Queuing

Operations, and then select the plot and delete it from the queue.

■ HP DesignJet Series. Press the plotter Cancel button.

■ HP DraftPro Plus. Press the plotter Cancel button.

Plot Quality (HP-GL/2)

Specifies the override plot quality setting at the plotter.

Override Quality Defaults on Device

Overrides the plot quality setting at the plotter. Many plotters provide this
option in the plotter control panel.

Plot Quality

Specifies the plot quality to use when overriding the plot quality specified at
the plotter. The number you enter here is plotter dependent. The valid range
is 1 to 100.

Long Plotting (HP-GL/2)

Specifies the display of the long plot warning message.
The warning message alerts you that you've selected a long plot paper size
and provides further information about long plots.

Do Not Warn at Plot Time

Disables the display of the Long Plot Warning dialog box at plot time.

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 Merge Control (HP-GL/2)
Specifies the merging of colors when plotting vectors that cross.
For example, if a red line and a yellow line cross, their intersection is orange
if they are merged.

Lines Merge

Specifies that colors should be merged when vectors cross.

Lines Overwrite

Specifies that when crossing vectors are plotted, the color of the last plotted
vector is printed. For example, if a yellow line is plotted and then a red line
is plotted that crosses the yellow line, the intersection will be red.

Gamma Correction (HP-GL/2)

Specifies the color brightness of an image.
Gamma Correction is available for all plotters that support raster output. You
can specify an amount to increase the red, green, and blue intensity levels of
raster data and, to a lesser extent, vector data.
The Raster Gamma Correction value is set to 1 by default, which applies no
correction. As you increase this value, you incrementally increase the
brightness.

Raster Gamma Correction

Specifies the raster gamma correction value. The valid range of values is integers
from 1 to 5.

Nonsystem Driver Custom Properties

Specifies custom properties for nonsystem plotters.

Nonsystem Driver Custom Properties | 109

 The quality of your plot depends on the specific contents of your drawing
and the configuration settings for your plotter. You can adjust the
configuration for your plotter using one of the following methods:

■ Use the Plotter Configuration Editor. Click Properties in the Plot dialog
box, or double-click the PC3 file for that plotter in your product’s Plotters
folder.

■ For some drivers, use the Custom Properties dialog box, available from the
Custom Properties node in the Plotter Configuration Editor.

If you have difficulty printing to a laser printer, try using another driver.

PDF Driver Custom Properties

Specifies custom properties for plotted Adobe PDF files.
You can use the DWG to PDF ePlot driver to plot or publish PDF files. You
can open, view, and print PDF files with Adobe Reader, versions 6 or later.

NOTE All references to AutoCAD, unless otherwise noted, refer to all

AutoCAD-based products.

Vector and Gradient Resolution (PDF)

Specifies the resolution (in dots per inch) for vector graphics and gradients
for PDF files.
When you set a higher resolution, the file is more precise, but the file size is
also larger.
When you create PDF files intended for printing from Adobe Reader, select a
resolution to match the output of your plotter or printer. High resolutions
(over 2,400 dpi) are for viewing. For example, when you create PDF files of
drawings that contain a lot of detail, such as a topographical map of a large
region, use a higher resolution setting for greater detail in the PDF file. As you
increase the resolution setting, raster image quality increases, the speed of
printing decreases, and memory requirements increase.

110 | Chapter 7 Driver Custom Properties Reference

Vector Resolution

Sets the resolution for vector graphics in the PDF file in dots per inch. The
default setting is 400 dpi. The maximum dpi you can set is 4,800 dpi.

Custom Vector Resolution

Specifies a custom resolution for vector graphics in the PDF file in dots per
inch. You must select Custom under Vector Resolution to specify a custom
vector graphic resolution. The default setting is 40,000 dpi.

Gradient Resolution

Sets the resolution for gradients in the PDF file in dots per inch. The default
setting is 400 dpi. This setting cannot exceed the current vector resolution
setting.

Custom Gradient Resolution

Specifies a custom resolution for gradients in the PDF file in dots per inch.
You must select Custom under Gradient Resolution to specify a custom
gradient resolution. The default setting is 200 dpi. This setting cannot exceed
the current vector resolution setting.

Raster Image Resolution (PDF)

Specifies the resolution (in dots per inch) for raster images for PDF files.
When you set a higher resolution, the file is more precise, but the file size is
also larger.
When you create PDF files intended for plotting, select a resolution to match
the output of your plotter or printer. High resolutions (over 2,400 dpi) are for
viewing. For example, when you create PDF files of drawings that contain a
lot of detail, such as a topographical map of a large region, use a higher
resolution setting for greater detail in the PDF file. As you increase the
resolution setting, raster image quality increases, the speed of printing
decreases, and memory requirements increase.

PDF Driver Custom Properties | 111

 Color and Grayscale Resolution

Sets the resolution for raster image colors and grayscale in the PDF file in dots
per inch. The default setting is 400 dpi. This setting cannot exceed the current
vector resolution setting.

Custom Color and Grayscale Resolution

Specifies a custom resolution for color and grayscale raster images in the PDF
file in dots per inch. You must select Custom under Color and Grayscale
Resolution to specify a custom color resolution. The default setting is 200 dpi.
This setting cannot exceed the current vector resolution setting.

Black and White Resolution

Sets the resolution for black and white raster images in the PDF file in dots
per inch. The default setting is 400 dpi. This setting cannot exceed the current
vector resolution setting.

Custom Black and White Resolution

Specifies a custom resolution for black and white raster images for the PDF
file in dots per inch. You must select Custom under Black and White Resolution
to specify a custom black and white resolution. The default setting is 400 dpi.
This setting cannot exceed the current vector resolution setting.

PostScript Driver Custom Properties

Specifies custom properties for plotted PostScript files.
You can use the nonsystem PostScript driver to plot drawings to PostScript
printers and PostScript files. Use the PS file format for printers and the EPS
file format for files. If you plot to a hardware port, PS output is automatic. If
you plot to a file and plan to copy it to a printer, configure for PS output.
The PostScript driver supports three types of PostScript.
Supported PostScript Formats
PostScript Format Description

Level 1 Use for most plotters.

112 | Chapter 7 Driver Custom Properties Reference

PostScript Format Description

Level 1.5 Use for plotters that support color images.

Level 2 If your plotter supports Level 2 PostScript,

use to produce smaller files that print more
rapidly.

The Tokenize PostScript Code and Compression options in the PostScript

Custom Properties dialog box reduce output file size and improve printing
speed on devices that support these options. If you have problems printing,
try clearing all the options. If you successfully print with no optimizations,
you can try turning them back on one at a time to determine the options your
printer supports.
Some desktop publishing applications only support Level 1 PostScript. If you
have problems using your EPS files, try a lower PostScript level and turn off
the optimizations just described.
Including a preview thumbnail in your EPS file makes the file substantially
larger but allows quick preview by many applications. The WMF preview is
for Windows; the EPSF preview is for Macintosh and other platforms.

NOTE Including both preview images can triple your file size.

The PostScript Custom Settings dialog box controls the custom settings for
the PostScript driver.

NOTE All references to AutoCAD, unless otherwise noted, refer to all

AutoCAD-based products.

Printer Control (PostScript)

Printer controls specify the codes to send to the plotter.

Send ^D at End of Plot

Sends a ^D code to the printer when the plot is completed. Select this option
if you are using a communication channel that uses Adobe Standard Protocol.
If you are porting to another platform, remove this code; otherwise, you receive
an error message when printing the file.

PostScript Driver Custom Properties | 113

 You probably need a ^D code to avoid a time-out error if you are plotting to
a network PostScript plotter. You also need a ^D if you are plotting to a locally
connected PostScript plotter through the Windows Print Manager spooler
(because of a conflict with a Windows system printer).

Send ^Z at End of Plot

Sends a ^Z code to the printer when the plot is completed. Some PostScript
plotters require a ^Z at the end of the file.

Send PostScript Error Handler to Plotter

Sends an error message to the plotter. The error message prints after the plot
and describes the error that occurred.

Tokenize PostScript Code

Converts PostScript code to a shorter binary sequence, compressing the output

file significantly. If you are having problems using the PostScript driver, try
clearing this option.

Preview Thumbnail in EPS Files (PostScript)

Specifies the controls for the type of preview image when plotting to an EPS
file.
Controls the type of preview image when plotting to an EPS file. Programs
such as Microsoft Word and Adobe PageMaker use preview images to show
you what the final PostScript will look like when you insert the file into a
document. Preview thumbnails can substantially increase your plot file size.
For small plot files, turn off these options.

Include WMF Preview

Specifies that a Windows Metafile preview image is included when the drawing
is plotted to a file.

Include EPSF Preview

Specifies that an Encapsulated PostScript preview image is included when the

drawing is plotted to a file. Use this option with preview images for Macintosh
applications.

114 | Chapter 7 Driver Custom Properties Reference

Default Plot to File Extension and Format
(PostScript)
Specifies the file extension to use when a drawing is plotted to a file.
If you plot directly to a plotter, this setting has no effect.

EPS

Uses the .eps extension when a drawing is plotted to a file. Use this setting if
you plan to use the file in programs such as Microsoft Word or Adobe
PageMaker.

PS

Uses the .ps extension when a drawing is plotted to a file. Use this setting if
you plan to copy the file to a printer.

Raster Image Compression (PostScript)

Controls AutoCAD ^B and Run Length Encoding compression.
You do not need to configure the plotter to use this compression method.

Use ^B Compression

Enables ^B compression.

RLE

Enables RLE compression.

Custom PostScript Error Handler (PostScript)

Specifies a file for error messages.
You can specify a file for error messages. The file is downloaded to the printer
instead of the AutoCAD default error handler. Do not modify this setting
unless you are familiar with PostScript error handlers.

PostScript Driver Custom Properties | 115

Raster Driver Custom Properties
Specifies custom properties for plotted raster format files.
The Raster-Custom Properties dialog box controls the custom settings for the
Raster driver. For more information about configuring raster devices, see Raster
Configuration Information (Raster) on page 116.

NOTE All references to AutoCAD, unless otherwise noted, refer to all

AutoCAD-based products.

Raster Configuration Information (Raster)

Specifies information for configuring output to raster format files.
This section provides specific information for configuring output to raster
format files.
This nonsystem driver supports several raster file formats including Windows
BMP, CALS, TIFF, PNG, TGA, PCX, and JPEG. The Raster driver is most
commonly used to plot to files for desktop publishing.
All but one of the formats supported by this driver produce "dimensionless"
raster files that have size in pixels but do not have size in inches or millimeters.
The Dimensional CALS format is for plotters that can accept CALS files. If
your plotter accepts CALS files, you must specify a real paper size and
resolution. Specify the resolution in dots per inch in the Vector Graphics pane
of the Plotter Configuration Editor.
By default, this driver only plots to file. However, you can choose Show All
Ports on the Ports page of the Add-a-Plotter wizard or the Ports tab in the
Plotter Configuration Editor; all of the ports on your computer are then
available for configuration. When configured for plotting to a port, this driver
plots to a file and then copies that file to the specified port. To plot successfully,
make sure that the device connected to the configured port can accept and
process the file. For more information, refer to the documentation provided
by the device manufacturer.
The type, size, and color depth of the raster file determines the final file size.
If your computer has enough memory and disk space, you can produce a file
thousands of megabytes in size that requires several days to plot. When
selecting a raster size, reduce file size by using the lowest color depth you
need. For more information, see Required Memory and Disk Space for
Temporary Files on page 119.

116 | Chapter 7 Driver Custom Properties Reference

 You can configure the background color for raster plots in the Custom
Properties dialog box in the Plotter Configuration Editor. If you change the
background color, any objects plotted in that color are invisible.

Supported Raster Formats

Specifies the background color used when creating the raster image file.
The Autodesk Raster driver supports the following raster file formats:

■ Uncompressed BMP

■ Uncompressed TGA

■ PCX - Zsoft packbits format

■ Uncompressed TIFF

■ Group 4 2D compressed bitonal TIFF

■ CALS MIL-R-28002A Type 1 (CCITT G4 2D Compression)

■ Dimensional CALS Type 1 (CCITT G4 2D Compression)

■ JFIF - JPEG compressed

■ PNG 1.0

Specify the file format on the Plotter Model page in the Add-a-Plotter wizard.
The Media node in the Plotter Configuration Editor provides a range of bitmap
sizes for the raster driver. All of these sizes are plotted with an aspect ratio of
1:1. Some of the file formats offer a choice of color or monochrome and a
choice of color depths (for example, 2 shades of gray, 256 colors, and so on).
To specify graphics settings, choose the Graphics node in the Plotter
Configuration Editor and select Vector Graphics.
The following table shows the supported raster file formats, the available color
depth options, and the file extension of the relevant output file. In the Color
Depth column, indexed is 8-bit, 256 colors, RGB is 24-bit True Color, and
RGBA is 32-bit True Color.
Supported raster file formats
Format Color depth Extension

Uncompressed BMP Bitonal, grayscale, indexed, RGB .bmp

Raster Driver Custom Properties | 117

Format Color depth Extension

Uncompressed TGA Indexed, grayscale, RGB, RGBA .tga

PCX - Zsoft packbits Indexed, RGB .pcx

Uncompressed TIFF Bitonal, indexed, grayscale, RGB, RGBA .tif

TIFF - Group 4 Two-dimensional Bitonal, indexed, grayscale, RGB, RGBA .tif

Bitonal Compression

CALS MIL-R-28002A Type 1 Bitonal .cal

Dimensional CALS Bitonal .cal

JFIF 5.0 - JPEG Gray, RGB .jpg

PNG 1.0 Bitonal, grayscale, indexed, RGB, RGBA .png

BMP File Format

BMP files are Microsoft Windows bitmap files. These files can be created in
and read by Windows Paint; all Windows applications can import them.

PCX File Format

The PCX file format has evolved from the files written by the original PC
Paintbrush program by Zsoft.

TIFF File Format

TIFF (tagged image file format) is a raster file format jointly defined by Adobe
and Microsoft.

118 | Chapter 7 Driver Custom Properties Reference

Required Memory and Disk Space for Temporary
Files
Specifies settings that can affect performance of plotting large raster format
files.
Large raster objects are expensive to plot because the files can be large. A 400
× 400 raster uses four times as much memory as a 200 × 200 raster. Color
depth can also use a lot of memory, depending on the file format. True Color
can use up to 32 times more memory than bitonal rasters. Keep memory issues
in mind when configuring a large raster plot.
When you plot a large drawing or a large raster image, several types of
temporary files may be created. Make sure you have enough space on your
disks for temporary files in the following areas:

■ Windows temporary directory: Windows uses this directory for temporary

files. The TEMP Windows environment variable determines its location.

■ AutoCAD temporary directory: AutoCAD temporary files are stored in a

temporary file directory. This directory is specified in Options on the Files
tab.

■ System directory: The system spooler uses this directory. When a plot is
spooled, a copy of the data may be in this directory temporarily.

■ Swap space: Windows uses this swap space when an operation uses more
RAM than is available. You can configure the location of Windows swap
space in the System dialog box in the Windows Control Panel. Allow at
least five times as much swap space as RAM. For example, ACIS models or
large raster images need more swap space.

Depending on the situation, you may need thousands of megabytes of disk

space for these temporary files.

Background Color
Specifies the background color used when creating the raster image file.
The raster plotter driver is independent of the background color you have
selected for the drawing area. You can select the background color for raster
plots in the Custom Properties node in the Plotter Configuration Editor. Any
objects you plot with the same color as the background color are invisible in

Raster Driver Custom Properties | 119

 the raster image. If you are plotting to a grayscale format, your selected color
is converted to a grayscale value when plotted.

Background Color (Raster)

Specifies the background color used when creating the raster image file.
Background Color displays a list of colors - black, red, yellow, green, cyan,
blue, magenta, white, and "other." Other represents indexed and True Color
(24-bit and 32-bit) output depths. The options are black, white, and other for
grayscale, and black and white for monochrome. Select Other to display the
AutoCAD Select Color dialog box.
If you are creating grayscale output, you must select a color from the Select
Color dialog box.

Rotate Raster Scanlines 90 Degrees (Raster)

Specifies the way scan lines run when configuring the device for CALS raster
format files.
This option is available if you are configuring the CALS raster file format.
Select this option to output this file to a CalComp plotter. You can specify
the way the scan lines run so you can align them with the print head
movement and significantly improve output time.

System Driver Custom Properties

Specifies custom properties for system printers and plotters.
The quality of your plot depends on the specific contents of your drawing
and the configuration settings for your plotter. You can adjust the
configuration for your plotter using one of the following methods:

■ Use the Plotter Configuration Editor. Select Properties in the Plot dialog
box, or double-click the PC3 file for that plotter in your product’s Plotters
folder.

■ For Windows system printers, use the Custom Properties dialog box,
available from the Custom Properties node in the Plotter Configuration
Editor. The entire tree view is displayed to facilitate cutting and pasting

120 | Chapter 7 Driver Custom Properties Reference

 between PC3 files, and to provide access to plotter calibration, printable
area, and raster controls.

If you have difficulty printing to a laser printer, try using another driver.

Third-Party Plotter Drivers

Plotter drivers that are created by third-parties for use with AutoCAD.

CalComp Driver Custom Properties

Specifies custom properties for plots created with the CalComp driver.
This nonsystem driver supports the CalComp 907/PCI/CCGL plot language
in vector-only mode. It does not support raster objects. You can modify the
connection parameters, and control color merging and the CalComp Device
Control Language (CDCL) through the Custom Properties dialog box provided
with the driver.

NOTE All references to AutoCAD, unless otherwise noted, refer to all

AutoCAD-based products.

Supported Plotter Families (CalComp)

Specifies the plotters that are supported by the driver.
This CalComp plotter driver supports five CalComp plotter families, Drawing
Master, Electrostatic, Solus LED, TechJet inkjet, and pen plotters. Many plotters
provide serial and parallel ports. For faster plotting results, use the parallel
port.

DrawingMaster
List of plotters in the DrawingMaster family.
DrawingMaster plotters use direct imaging (thermal) technology to produce
monochrome plots. DrawingMaster plotters have serial and parallel ports.
Available resolutions include 200, 300, and 400 dots per inch (DPI).

Third-Party Plotter Drivers | 121

 DrawingMaster plotters can product plot lengths equal to the length of the
roll.
Supported Models
Model Number and Name Width Resolution

53436 DrawingMaster DM800 36" 400 DPI

53336 DrawingMaster DM600 36" 300 DPI

52436 DrawingMaster Plus 36" 400 DPI

52424 DrawingMaster Plus 24" 400 DPI

52236 DrawingMaster Plus 36" 200 DPI

52224 DrawingMaster Plus 36" 200 DPI

Electrostatic
List of plotters in the Electrostatic family.
Electrostatic plotters use a dielectric coated paper that is charged to attract a
toner particle producing the plot. Monochrome and color models are available
with widths ranging from 24" to 44". Plot lengths produced by Electrostatic
plotters range from 12 to 25 feet depending on the model. All come with serial
and parallel ports. All have 400 DPI resolution.
Autodesk will no longer test or fix problems with the following Electrostatic
plotters. The device drivers are still available, but are not supported in this
release.

Model Width

68444 Color 44"

68436 Color 36"

58444 Color 44"

122 | Chapter 7 Driver Custom Properties Reference

Model Width

58436 Color 36"

58424 Color 24"

57444 Monochrome 44"

57436 Monochrome 36"

57424 Monochrome 24"

Solus LED Plotters

List of plotters in the Solus LED Plotters family.
Solus LED plotters use light-emitting diodes to create a charge on a drum that
attracts toner particles producing the monochrome plots on plain paper. These
plotters operate very similarly to desktop laser printers. Two models are
available. Both models have 400 DPI resolution and two paper supply rolls
for different sizes and types of paper. The plotter can automatically select the
paper roll by size, or you can specify a roll. The 54436 model can also receive
cut-sheet paper. Both models come with serial and parallel ports.

Model Width

54436 36"

54424 24"

TechJet Inkjet Plotters

List of plotters in the TechJet Inkjet Plotters family.
The TechJet plotters were built from Canon bubble jet technology. All but the
720 Series plotters are considered dual mode plotters, meaning they can accept
roll or cut-sheet paper. The inkjets come in full color, monochrome, and color
capable models. All use 360 DPI resolution.

CalComp Driver Custom Properties | 123

 Autodesk will no longer test or fix problems with the following TechJet plotters.
The device drivers are still available, but are not supported in this release.

Model Width

5536 TechJet Color 36"

5524 TechJet Color 24"

5336i TechJet 175i Max Ink 36"

5336GT TechJet Color 36"

5324GT TechJet Color 24"

5336 TechJet Color 36"

5324 TechJet Color 24"

5636 TechJet 720c 36"

5624 TechJet 720c 24"

5436 TechJet 720 36"

5424 TechJet 720 24"

Pen Plotters
List of plotters in the Pen Plotters family.
Autodesk will no longer test or fix problems with the following CalComp pen
plotters. The device drivers are still available, but are not supported in this
release.

Model Width

3024 DesignMate 24"

124 | Chapter 7 Driver Custom Properties Reference

Model Width

3036 DesignMate 36"

4036 PaceSetter Classic 36"

2036 PaceSetter 36"

2024 PaceSetter 24"

1023 Artisan 24"

1025 Artisan 36"

1026 Artisan 36"

Configuring the Plotters (CalComp)

Specifies the settings to configure the driver.
The following sections provide information to help you configure your plotter.
Your plotter configuration settings should agree with your plot configuration
settings.

DrawingMaster and Electrostatic Configuration

Specifies configurations for configure DrawingMaster and Electrostatic plotters.
To configure DrawingMaster and Electrostatic plotters, you need an RS-232
terminal. Configure the terminal for 19,200 baud, 8 data bits, 1 stop bit and
no parity. With an RS-232 terminal, you can configure your plotter for either
a parallel or a serial connection to AutoCAD. Generally, a parallel connection
will produce faster plots. Use a standard Centronics parallel cable.
DrawingMaster and Electrostatic parallel port configuration
Parameter Setting

Input monitor dump NO

CalComp Driver Custom Properties | 125

 Parameter Setting

I/F type CET

Print N

Dead job time-out (SEC) 90

Time-out action FORCE

Plot command language 907

Steps per inch 400

Beginning of record sync character $16

Number of sync characters 2

End of record character $0D

Checksum Y

DrawingMaster and Electrostatic serial port configuration

Parameter Setting

Input monitor dump NO

Baud rate 9600

Character framing (bits, parity, stop bits) 7,E,1

Host to plotter CDCL protocol XONXOFF

Plotter to host CDCL protocol XONXOFF

Dead job time-out (SEC) 90

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Parameter Setting

Time-out action FORCE

Plot command language 907

Steps per inch 400

Beginning of record sync character $16

Number of sync characters 2

End of record character $0D

Checksum Y

DrawingMaster and Electrostatic plotters communicate with AutoCAD at 9600

baud, 7 data bits, 1 stop bit, and even parity, when an RS232 serial connection
is used.

DrawingMaster RS232 serial cabling

Specifies configurations for configure DrawingMaster RS232 by serial cabling.
To connect a CalComp DrawingMaster plotter, use a straight-through RS-232
cable:

Plotter end Computer end

1 1

2 2

3 3

... ...

25 25

CalComp Driver Custom Properties | 127

 Pacesetter Configuration
Specifies configurations for configure a Pacesetter plotter.
To connect the Pacesetter plotter, use either a Centronics parallel port or a
straight-through RS-232 cable, then use the following configuration. See the
Pacesetter documentation for instructions about how to change or inspect
the plotter's configuration.

Parameter Setting

Plot mode Final plot

Velocity 350 mmps 13ips

Acceleration 0.7g

Orientation Auto

Scale [1/1]

Pen grouping Off

Plot limits Normal

Plot Manager No

Port Type RS-232C

Protocol PCI

Baud rate 9600

#of bits, parity 7, even

Handshake XON/XOFF

Sync # EOM CHK A : 22 2 13 ON

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Parameter Setting

EOP timer 30 seconds

Language English

Internal plot Off

Clear plot data No

Save as user Yes

For all other CalComp pen plotters, set the plotter controller for 9600 baud,
even parity, 7 data bits, 1 stop bit, no hardware handshake, and checksum
on. Set the end-of-message character to 13 decimal, double sync on, and set
the sync to 22 decimal.

Setting Custom Properties (CalComp)

Specifies the custom properties that can be changed for the driver.

You can set custom properties using the Custom Properties dialog box. The
dialog box is divided into Connection, Plot Color Merge Control, and CalComp
Device Control Language sections.

Connections
Specifies the connection type.
CalComp stores plot data as records. Each record starts with one or two specific
characters called SYNC codes, and each record ends with one specific character
called an EOB/EOM code. You can use a checksum character to validate the
plot record. You must set up the plotter to expect SYNC codes, EOB/EOB codes,
and checksumming in the plot data. If the plotter setup does not match the

CalComp Driver Custom Properties | 129

 driver, the plotter ignores the plot. If you use the CalComp Device Control
Language commands, this driver will set up the plotter automatically.
Connection Fields
Dialog Box Field Description

Number of SYNC Codes Sets the number of SYNC codes.

SYNC Code Precedes each CalComp plot record. This code can have a
value ranging from 2 through 127, inclusive. These codes
directly relate to an ASCII character. If you are not using
CDCL, the plotter SYNC code settings must match the
driver SYNC codes.

EOB/EOM Code Indicates the end of a CalComp plot record. The End of
Buffer (EOB) or End of Message (EOM) codes directly relate
to an ASCII character and can have a value ranging from
2 through 31 inclusive.

Timeout Defines an amount of time the plotter waits for data. If the
plot data sent to a plotter stops, the plotter will wait for
the timeout period set here. After that time is reached, it
terminates the plot and force plots the data it received.

Enable Checksumming Adds a checksum character in front of the EOB/EOM code

to verify a plot record. The plotter driver calculates the
character and the plotter uses it to validate the plot record.
Using serial XON-XOFF protocol or Centronics parallel
protocol, the plotter can detect a checksum error but can-
not recover from it. In these two physical connection
modes, checksumming has no value.

Add Pad Characters Adds padding characters to the plot record in the event
the plotter encounters a buffer overflow error.

Plot Color Merge Control

Specifies the settings for plot color merge control.

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This information pertains only to raster plotters. For overlapping lines, merging
two different color lines creates a third color. For example, merging a magenta
line with a yellow line produces red where the lines intersect. Whatever line
is received last by the plotter will cover any line it intersects.
Select your Merge control option by going to the Merge Control leaf of the
Graphics branch of the Device and Document Settings page of the PC3 Editor.

CalComp Device Control Language

Specifies the plotter operating parameters of the CalComp Device Control
Language (CDCL).
The CalComp Device Control Language (CDCL) is a text language appended
to the front or back of a plot file. You use CDCL to change the plotter operating
parameters.

Plot Quality Settings

To change plot quality settings, select a setting from the Plot Quality combo
box.
Plotter Use the value selected on the plotter.

Draft One pass bi-directional plotting.

Normal One pass uni-directional plotting.

Enhanced Two or three pass uni-directional plotting. Each band, InkJet

headwidth of inking, requires two passes of the head to image the band.
Plotting speed is similar to Normal mode, but the plotting time is twice as
long.

Enhanced Fast Three pass bi-directional plotting.

Graphics Four or five pass, random pattern, uni-directional plotting. This

mode reduces banding and produces the highest plot quality for high-density
images, such as graphic elements, fills, halftone, etc.

Graphics Fast Four or five pass, random pattern, bi-directional plotting. The
quality is not as good as Graphics, but this mode provides a good balance of
plot speed and quality.

Hi-Res Mono Two pass, double resolution, uni-directional plotting.

CalComp Driver Custom Properties | 131

 Ink-Saver One pass, 25% of the dots, uni-directional plotting. Reduces ink
by 75% at the same plotting speed as the Normal mode. Ink-Saver is used for
quick or preview plots to check size and layout with reduced ink usage.

Quick Half resolution in media feed direction.

Draft Half resolution in media feed direction.

Norm Normal resolution in media feed direction.

Qual Double resolution in media feed direction.

Dual Red/Black color mode (requires special media).

Color_Sep Color separation mode.

TechJet 720c 5600 Color Modes Plotter, Draft, Normal, Enhanced (Requires
color head)

TechJet 720c 5600 Grey Modes Plotter, Draft, Normal, Enhanced, Hi-Res
Mono (Requires mono head)

TechJet 5500 Modes Plotter, Draft, Quality, Enhanced, Enhanced Fast,

Graphics, Graphics Fast, Hi-Res Mono (1, 3, and 5 pass)

TechJet Designer 720 5400 Modes Plotter, Draft, Normal, Enhanced, Hi-Res
Mono

TechJet 5300 Modes Plotter Draft, Normal, Enhanced, Graphics, Graphics

Fast, Hi-Res Mono, Ink-Saver (1, 2, and 4 pass)

Solus Modes Plotter

DrawingMaster 53000 Modes Plotter, Draft, Norm, Qual (Resolution)

DrawingMaster Plus 52000 Modes Plotter, Quick, Norm, Qual, Dual

(Resolution)

Electrostatic 68000 Modes Plotter, Draft, Norm, Mono, Color_Sep (Resolution)

Electrostatic 58000 Modes Plotter

Pen Plotter Modes Plotter

CDCLBegin and CDCLEnd

CDCLBegin and CDCLEnd have dual purposes. You can enter multiple CDCL
commands by separating them with a semi-colon (;). You can use any of the
CDCL commands provided in the CalComp Device Control Language
documentation provided with each CalComp plotter. To insert a CDCL file

132 | Chapter 7 Driver Custom Properties Reference

into the plot file, specify the path and file name preceded by a less than sign
(<). You can combine multiple CDCL commands with the use of a CDCL file.
Example 1: multiple CDCL commands
USER_NAME(User1);JOB_NAME(Job1);ROTATE(90)
Example 2: CDCL Files
<C:\Temp\CDCLFile1.cdl
Example 3: Combining Multiple CDCL Commands with a CDCL file
USER_NAME(User1 A);<C:\Temp\CDCLFile2.cdl;JOB_NAME(Job1 B)

Plot Cutting (CalComp)

Specifies how to configure the plotter to handle plot cutting.
CalComp plotters control their cutters in a variety of ways. Because this driver
does not issue a cut command to the plotter, you must configure the plotter
to handle plot cutting.
The 36" version of the Solus LED plotter has a cut sheet feeder (Solus Model
54436 Cut Sheet Feeder). To use this type of input, configure the plotter to
use the cut sheet feeder. This driver cannot issue a command forcing the Solus
to use the cut sheet feeder.

Virtual Pens(CalComp)
Specifies how to configure the virtual pens and fill colors.
If you used Virtual Pens with a CalComp plotter in Release 14, you simply
defined "Pens" in your CDCL file. With AutoCAD 2000, you must define
"Colors" because they are used for area fills such as wide Plines and True Type
text. Some CalComp devices allow you to define both Colors and Pens in
CDCL. These include the TechJet Color GT and GT/PS, the TechJet Designer,
the 68000 series EPPs, the DrawingMaster series, Solus 4, and the Econografix.
Other CalComp plotters only allow you to define Colors at the plotter's control
panel. These include the EconoPro, the TechJet Designer 720, and the TechJet
color. If you have one of these plotters, don't try to define Colors in the
software, as the plotter will ignore the definitions.
A Microsoft(R) Word document, CalComp_Virtual_Pens.doc, located in the driver
directory in which the CalComp HDI driver is installed, explains how to define

CalComp Driver Custom Properties | 133

 Colors in software, using CDCL. The following is a brief summary of the
document.
You must create a color (RGB_COLOR) for each pen you define. First define
the color, then define a pen (COLOR_PEN) mapped to the color you just
defined.
RGB_COLOR(color#, R, G, B)
color# Same as physical pen number

R Red value 0-100 percent saturation

G Green value 0-100 percent saturation

B Blue value 0-100 percent saturation

COLOR_PEN(pen#, width, color#, line type)

pen# Virtual pen number used by AutoCAD

width Width of pen in plotter units (pixels)

For example, for a 400 DPI raster plotter a 2mm line is 31 plotter units
(2/25.4)*400 = 31

color# Color number to map to, as defined above

line type MAJOR, FLAT, ROUNDED, or SQUARE

The following is an example CDCL file.

&&&&CALCOMP DEVICE CONTROL
* Universal PIN number
USER_PIN(8378)
* Color 1 is RED
RGB_COLOR(1, 100, 0, 0)
* Pen 1 is mapped to color 1, 4 pixels wide, rounded end
COLOR_PEN(1, 4, 1, ROUNDED)
* Color 2 is Yellow
RGB_COLOR(2, 100, 100, 0)
* Pen 2 is mapped to color 2, 31 pixels wide, major end
COLOR_PEN(2, 31, 2, MAJOR)
* Color 3 is a 25% gray

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 RGB_COLOR(3, 25, 25, 25)
* Pen 3 is mapped to color 3, 10 pixels wide, flag end
COLOR_PEN(3, 10, 3, FLAT)
^^^^END OF FILE

NOTE Other possibilities are available. Please refer to your CalComp CDCL manual.

Océ Driver Custom Properties

Specifies custom properties for plots created with the Océ driver.
This Help file guides you through the Océ Configuration Manager so you can
quickly set up your printer.

NOTE Although they are shown in this help, some options do not apply to all
Océ printers.

Printer Configuration (Océ)

Specifies the settings to set up the configuration for a new printer.
To allow you to set up the configuration, when you define a new printer, the
Océ configuration parameters dialog box may be displayed (depending on the
printer you are using).

Duplexer

Specify if your printer is equipped with the optional double-sided print unit.

Folder

Specify if your printer is equipped with the folder option.

High Capacity Stacker

Specify if your printer is equipped with the optional high capacity output unit
(also called sheet receiving unit), which offers several output bins.

Océ Driver Custom Properties | 135

 Number of Rolls

Set the number of rolls of media actually used by your printer.

Number of Trays

Set the number of paper trays actually used by your printer.

Units

The units defined here must correspond to the units defined in the printer.
Select inches or millimeters.

Introduction to the Océ Custom Settings (Océ)

Specifies custom properties that can be defined from the Océ Custom Settings
dialog box for your printer.
The Océ Custom Settings dialog box is the remote control panel for your
printer, from which you can define a precise plot configuration.
When you exit from the Océ custom settings by clicking OK, the selected
parameters are saved and automatically attached to the printer. Thus, this
configuration will apply to all plots submitted to that printer.

NOTE Some options do not apply to all Océ printers.

Océ Custom Settings

Specifies the Océ custom settings.

Accounting Options
Specifies the accounting settings for the driver.
The Océ high throughput 9600, 9700 and 9800 printers offer user account
capabilities. To provide input to the printer's accounting features, this option
may send a user identification and an account number attached to the drawing
file.

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For more information on user accounting, please consult your printer user's
manual.

Enabling the Accounting Information

Check this box to enable the accounting option. When disabled, the print
file is submitted to the printer as a neutral one, with no user identification.

Entering Account Identification

Enter the user identification and the account number in these fields, in the
range 0-999999999 (nine digits). Alphanumeric values are rejected. Both
parameters will be sent along with each plot file submitted to the printer.

Basic Options
Specifies the basic settings for the driver.

Plot Quality

Specifies the plot quality of your color inkjet printer. This option has no effect
on other machines. Six quality modes are available, depending on your printer
firmware level: Normal, Draft, High, Enhanced, Ink Saver, and Presentation.
Refer to your inkjet printer user's manual for a detailed description of the
available quality modes.

Long Plot Mode

Select this option to submit a long plot of up to 15 meters (49.2 feet).

When the option is disabled, plots are limited either to A0 or A1 length (E or
D size), according to your printer type.
Refer to your printer's user manual for precise plot length limitations.

Media Saver

This pop-down field offers two options:

Bypass Disables media saver. Submitted plots are not added to the waiting
jobs in the media saver, they are plotted immediately.

Océ Driver Custom Properties | 137

 Machine Mode Enables Media Saver. Submitted plots are added to the waiting
queue, and are plotted according to the selected printer mode: Auto position
or Nesting (refer to your printer's user manual).

Poster Mode

Darkens the image. Enable poster mode when you make prints that contain
large black areas. Poster mode is not recommended for images containing gray
levels.

NOTE Media saver is disabled when Poster Mode is selected.

Color Merge Control

Specifies how intersecting colors are plotted.
Determines what happens when two or more colors intersect at the same point
on a plot, especially in area fills.
Overlay Only the last color specified is printed for a given line or area. The
other colors specified for the same line or area are overwritten.

Merge All the specified colors are blended together.

Finishing Options
Specifies how the printed documents are packaged when delivered.
This option group lets you define how printed documents are packaged when
delivered.

Folding

This pop-down field offers three options:

None The output is not folded. The copies are ejected at the rear of the printer
onto the copy delivery tray.

Full The plot is folded according to the folding method of your choice.

First Fold Only The plot is folded in one direction only, then exits from the
folder unit. This option is useful for long plots. The Delivery option is not
available if First Fold Only is selected.

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Folding Method

Specifies one of three folding methods for your plot: Standard, Ericsson, and
AFNOR. This defines the position of the legend according to the paper motion
direction.
The Standard folding method is the same as the DIN, ANSI, and Architectural
methods.

NOTE This option is available only when the folding option is set to Full. The
Ericsson folding method does not permit Punching or Reinforce to be enabled but
allows setting of a Binding Edge.

The AFNOR folding method does not permit Reinforce to be enabled, but
allows settings of Binding Edge and Punching.

Folding Orientation

This pop-down field offers two options:

Automatic The fold method is automatically determined by the printer to
follow the orientation of your file.

Portrait Your plot will always be folded in the portrait orientation. This is
useful if your file contains a title block (legend) that requires portrait folding
method.

NOTE This option is available only when the folding option is set to Full.

Fold Packet Size

Use these fields to enter the fold packet dimensions:

■ Width, from 186 mm (7.3”) to 230 mm (9”)

■ Length, from 276 mm (10.9”) to 310 mm (12.3”)

This option is disabled when folding is set to None. The length is not available
when folding is set to First Fold Only.

Cutting Method

The media may be cut according to the actual plot size, to the standard size
you have selected for plotting your drawing, or to a custom length (declared

Océ Driver Custom Properties | 139

 in millimeters or inches, depending on the unit selected in the Configuration
dialog box).

NOTE For a long plot, (selected in the Basic option) the cut method must be set
to plot size or custom length.

Binding Edge

Check this box if you want to add an additional margin to plots that must be
folded, for punching purposes.
Enter a custom width in the Edge field. The default value is 20.0 mm; it cannot
be reduced.
When the Folding option is set to Full and Folding Method is set to Standard
or AFNOR, activating Binding Edge will display and make the Punching option
available. Punching is Off by default.
When the Folding option is set to Fold First Only, activating Binding Edge
hides and disables Punching.
Activating Binding Edge automatically disables Reinforce.

NOTE The Binding Edge is disabled and Punching is hidden/disabled when you
enabled the Reinforce option. For the TDS600 printer, Punching is always set to
Off.

Reinforce

This option adds the necessary additional edge for a reinforcing strip to be
attached to the folded copy.
The edge width is set at your printer front panel.
Note that setting the Reinforce edge disables the Punching edge automatically.

Layout Options
Specifies the position of the plot on the media.
This options group lets you control the position of the plot on the media. All
positioning parameters are specified in the unit selected in the Configuration
dialog box menu.

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Image Alignment

You will position the printed document on the paper with respect to the
corners as points of reference. Then, you will use the horizontal and vertical
shift options to fine tune the exact positioning.

Horizontal Shift Correction

Once you have defined where the plot will be positioned with respect to a
point of reference, you can adjust the horizontal margin. Select either the left
or right side then enter the appropriate value in the right-hand field.
The shift is declared in the unit selected in the Configuration dialog box.

Vertical Shift Correction

Once you have defined where the plot will be positioned with respect to a
point of reference, you can adjust the vertical margin. Select either the top or
bottom side then enter the appropriate value in the right-hand field.
The shift is declared in the unit selected in the Configuration dialog box.

Leading Edge Correction

You can adjust the length of the plot by adding or removing a length to the
top of the printed document. For example, this is useful for adding or removing
a filing strip.
Once you have selected add or remove, enter the appropriate length in the
right-hand field. The dimension is declared in the unit selected in the
Configuration dialog box.

NOTE The Océ 9400 printer does not allow you to remove the leading edge.

Trailing Edge Correction

You can adjust the length of the plot by adding or removing a length to the
bottom of the printed document. Once you have selected add or remove, enter
the appropriate length in the right-hand field. The dimension is declared in
the unit selected in the Configuration dialog box.

NOTE The Océ 9400 printer does not allow you to remove the trailing edge.

Océ Driver Custom Properties | 141

 Media Selection - Fit Method
Specifies how a plot is plotted if the original requested media size is not
available.
This option allows you to define on which media size an original will be
printed, if the specified media size is not available.
Exact Fit The original is printed if the specified media size is available.
Otherwise, a message is displayed on the printer's control panel and the printer
waits for the appropriate media to be loaded by the operator.

Next Larger The printer looks for the requested format. If it is not present,
it prints the job on the next larger available media.
If there is none, or not of the same media type, a message is displayed on the
printer's control panel and the printer waits for the appropriate media to be
loaded by the operator.

Next Smaller The printer looks for the requested format. If it is not present,
it prints the job on the next smaller available media.
If there is none, or not of the same media type, a message is displayed on the
printer's control panel and the printer waits for the appropriate media to be
loaded by the operator.

Pens - 255 Virtual Pens Mode

Specifies if pen attributes defined in AutoCAD (displayed on screen and/or
CTB or STB plot style table files) are ignored.
In the Color Depth mode called “255 virtual pens” the pen attributes defined
in AutoCAD (displayed on screen and/or CTB or STB plot style tables) are not
taken into account when the drawing is printed.
When the Color Depth is set to “255 virtual pens”, the Custom Properties
button will display Pens - 255 Virtual Pens, with a sub-level Use Printer Settings.
On The drawing will be printed with the pen attributes (Width, Color and
Océ Pen pattern) that you have set on your printer control panel.

Off Default width and no pattern will be used for all lines in the printed
drawing.
The color of the lines will be the ones of the HP-GL/2 pen palette.

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NOTE When using 255 Virtual Pens Mode, the AutoCAD pen palette is ignored.

Plot Delivery
Specifies where the plots will be delivered.
You may choose where the plots will be delivered. The choices offered in this
settings will depend on whether the document is folded or not.

NOTE The Delivery option is not available if First Fold Only is selected.

Delivery of Folded Documents

You may choose where the folded documents will be delivered. The choices
offered in this field depend on the folding method used and the optional
features installed on your printer.
The delivery option is not available when the First Fold Only option is enabled.

Delivery of Unfolded Documents

You may choose where the unfolded documents will be delivered on the high
capacity stacker. If you select a precise bin, enter its number in the right-hand
field.

Remote Control Header

Specifies if a remote control header is added to the plots.
This pop-down field offers two options:
On Adds a remote control header to your plot file. Therefore, the file will
conflict if you need to process it later with a post-processor which does not
manage Océ RCF commands.

Off When Remote Control Header is disabled, all features of Océ Configuration
Manager are disabled (dimmed) and the plot file remains free of remote control
commands.

Océ Driver Custom Properties | 143

 Stamping Options
Specifies which pre-defined plot stamp should be used when plotting.
This option allows you to print on your drawings one of 50 pre-defined texts
which have been defined using the printer's control panel.
For example, you may wish to have the date, time or department name on
your plots.

Enabling/Disabling Stamping

Check this box to enable or disable the stamping option. Once the option is
disabled, all parameters are restored to their default values.

Selecting the Predefined Text String

Enter a number in the range 1-50, corresponding to a string stored in the

printer's memory.

Selecting the Stamp Position

Selects the position of the pre-defined text stamp: either at the top, middle,
or bottom of the title block of the drawing.

Selecting the Stamp Font Size

Selects the size of the text: Small or Large, when stamping one of 50 pre-defined
texts.

Selecting the Stamp Color

Selects the color of the text stamp, from light-gray to black.

Transformation Options
Adapts your plot to specific output requirements.

Mirror

Sets plot mirroring with respect to the X-axis (in X) or the Y-axis (in Y).

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Origin

Sets the plot origin in one of these locations: lower left, lower right, upper
left, upper right, or center.

Auto-rotation

This pop-down field offers three options:

Off This option is disabled. Printouts are issued with no optimization concerns.

Productive Drawings are oriented in landscape format as much as possible

to get the highest number of plots from a roll of media. If landscape format
is not available, portrait format is chosen automatically. (For example, an A1
job will be printed using the A1 roll instead of the A0 roll that would be needed
for the landscape format.)

Folding Drawings are automatically rotated to have the legend on top if

folded. This depends on the folding method.

Banding Management
Specifies the banding settings.
This button gives access to the banding option.
Banding consists of dividing the whole image in stripes, so that the printer
keeps one band of data in memory at a time instead of the whole image.
Banding is used if the printer does not have enough memory. However, it
may slow down the printing process.

About Océ HDI Plotter Driver Help (Océ)

Specifies the version of the online Help and driver.
Océ HDI Plotter Driver for AutoCAD 2000 and later.
Online help Revision E
August 2002

Océ Driver Custom Properties | 145

Xerox Driver Custom Properties
Specifies custom properties for plots created with the Xerox Wide Format Print
System HDI driver.

Xerox Wide Format Plotter Configuration

Information (Xerox)
Specifies the configuration information for Xerox Wide Format plotters.

Overview (Xerox)
Specifies the supported Xerox plotters.
The Xerox driver supports Xerox Wide Format Print Systems with AccXES™
controller with firmware version 6.0 or later. Advanced features such as
accounting, media mismatch actions, and nesting require firmware 6.0 or
later.
New versions of the driver and firmware are posted on the Xerox website,
http://www.xerox.com.
For more detailed information, click the Help button in the Xerox AccXES
Custom Properties dialog box. In the Plotter Configuration Editor, click the
Device and Settings tab. Select the Custom Properties node. Then click Custom
Properties. The Custom Properties dialog box offers settings for labels, raster
stamps, merge control, banners, folder control, accounting, nesting, media
mismatch, mirror image, and gamma correction.

Supported Printers (Xerox)

Specifies the supported Xerox plotters.
The Xerox Wide Format Print System HDI driver supports Xerox Wide Format
Print System printers. To configure the driver from AutoCAD, use the
Add-a-Plotter wizard, select Xerox as the manufacturer, and then select a
specific printer model.
You may configure the driver as a locally connected printer or as a network
printer.

146 | Chapter 7 Driver Custom Properties Reference

You can use the Custom Properties node of the Plotter Configuration Editor
to configure custom features of the Xerox Wide Format Print System printer.

Standard Features for Xerox Wide Format Print

System 8825 (Xerox)
Specifies standard features for the Xerox Wide Format Print System 8825.

NOTE You can obtain current technical specifications from the Xerox website,
http://www.xerox.com.

The Xerox Wide Format Print System 8825 is an LED wide-format printer with
a powerful PowerPC 603ev-based embedded controller. It can be directly
connected to your network, and the client software suite supports multiple
platforms and operating systems. It offers true 400 dpi resolution, three IPS
imaging speed, a high performance controller, one or two roll media capability,
an optional manual sheet bypass, and several finishing options. The Xerox
Wide Format Print System 8825 is capable of producing up to four D-size or
two E-size prints per minute and includes a complete suite of client software,
along with multiple printer drivers.
Standard features include:

■ Xerographic LED process and imaging

■ Organic photoreceptor

■ One 500-foot roll; optional second 500-foot roll; optional manual sheet
bypass

■ Bond, vellum, and film media types

■ Output sizes from A to E

■ Long plots up to 48 feet standard and 80 feet with 128 MB SDRAM or

optional hard drive configuration

■ 400 DPI imaging

■ 64 MB SDRAM

■ High-performance controller

■ Three inch per second processing speed

■ Electronic collation

Xerox Driver Custom Properties | 147

 ■ Remote printer and job queue management

■ Autoport sensing

■ Data format recognition

■ Scaling and rotation

■ Size detection

■ Roll selection

■ Justification and margin control

■ Plot labeling

■ Banner pages

■ Page composition

■ Plot stamping

■ Nine pen pallets (256 pens each)

■ Sixty-four pen patterns

■ Ten user setups

■ Microsoft® Windows and AutoCAD drivers

■ Engineering Document Exchange

■ TCP/IP network protocol

■ Interfaces: RS232, bi-directional Centronics IEEE 1284, 10/100 Base TX

Ethernet

■ Standard data formats: HP-GL, HP-GL/2, HP-RTL, CGM (Level 1 with ATA
ext.), C4, FileNet, VDS, Calcomp 906/907/951/PCI, TIFF 6.0, NIRS, CALS
1&2

■ Compression types—CCITT-G4, G3-1D, G3-2D, Packbits, RLE, Seed Row,

Adaptive

148 | Chapter 7 Driver Custom Properties Reference

Standard Features for Xerox Wide Format Print
System 8830 (Xerox)
Specifies standard features for the Xerox Wide Format Print System 8830.

NOTE You can obtain current technical specifications from the Xerox website,
http://www.xerox.com.

The Xerox Wide Format Print System 8830 is an LED wide-format printer with
a powerful PowerPC 603e-based embedded controller. It can be directly
connected to your network, and the client software suite supports multiple
platforms and operating systems. It offers true 400 DPI resolution, three IPS
imaging speed, a high performance controller, three roll media capability,
manual sheet bypass and several finishing options. The Xerox Wide Format
Print System 8830 is capable of producing up to six D-size or three E-size prints
per minute, and 8830 includes a complete suite of client software, along with
multiple printer drivers.
Standard features include:

■ Xerographic LED process and imaging

■ Organic photoreceptor

■ Three 500-foot rolls and media sheet bypass

■ Bond, vellum, and film media types

■ Output sizes from A to E

■ Long plots up to 40 feet standard and 80 feet with 104 MB SDRAM or

optional hard drive configuration

■ 400 DPI imaging

■ 64 MB SDRAM

■ High-performance controller

■ Three inches per second processing speed

■ Electronic collation

■ Remote printer and job queue management

■ Autoport sensing

Xerox Driver Custom Properties | 149

 ■ Data format recognition

■ Scaling and rotation

■ Size detection

■ Roll selection

■ Justification and margin control

■ Plot labeling

■ Banner pages

■ Page composition

■ Plot stamping

■ Nine pen pallets (256 pens each)

■ Forty-eight pen patterns

■ Ten user setups

■ Microsoft® Windows and AutoCAD drivers

■ Engineering Document Exchange

■ TCP/IP, Novell 3.X and 4.X, and Net-BEUI network protocol

■ Interfaces: RS232, bi-directional Centronics IEEE 1284, 10/100 Base TX

Ethernet

■ Standard data formats: HP-GL, HP-GL/2, HP-RTL, CGM (Level 1 with ATA
ext.), C4, FileNet, VDS, Calcomp 906/907/951/PCI, TIFF 6.0, NIRS, CALS
1&2

■ Compression types—CCITT-G4, G3-1D, G3-2D, Packbits, RLE, Seed Row,

Adaptive

Installation (Xerox)
Specifies how to physically set up the plotter.
Arrange physical installation of the printer with your Xerox customer service
engineer.

150 | Chapter 7 Driver Custom Properties Reference

Xerox Wide Format Custom Properties Dialog
Box (Xerox)
Controls custom properties for the Xerox Wide Format Print System HDI
driver.
The following options are available in the AccXES Configuration (Custom
Properties) dialog box:
Override Device Settings Overrides the label, option, stamp, and advanced
settings on the printer. When this option is selected, the Edit Custom Properties
button is enabled, so that you can change the label, option, stamp, and
advanced settings.

Edit Custom Properties Opens the Xerox Wide Format HDI Driver AccXES
Configuration (Custom Properties) dialog box, which contains the following
tabs:
■ Labels

■ Options

■ Stamps

■ Advanced

You use the settings on these tabs to control the output of the Xerox Wide
Format Print System.

Gamma Correction Specifies the gamma correction value. Valid values are
integers from 1 through 5.
Gamma correction adjusts the brightness of an image. You can specify an
amount to increase the intensity levels of raster data and, to a lesser extent,
vector data. The gamma correction value is set to 1 by default, which applies
no correction. As you increase this value, the brightness increases.

Firmware Version Specifies the version of controller firmware in your Xerox

Wide Format Print System.
The tabs in the Custom Properties dialog box vary depending on the firmware
version you select. If you are not sure of the version of firmware in your Xerox
Wide Format Print System, see your system administrator for help.

Use Metric Units Specifies that the positional units in the Raster Stamp
Placement X Position and Y Position fields and the Nesting Margin field are

Xerox Driver Custom Properties | 151

 in millimeters instead of inches. When this check box is clear, the default
positioning unit is inches.

Click Edit Custom Properties to configure the following options:

Labels Tab (Xerox)

Specifies the settings if labels are used when outputting.
Determines whether or not the label is printed on the output and specifies
the settings for labels. The Labels tab contains the following options:

Label Choice

Controls plot labels.

No Labels No label is output on the plot.

Printer Default Labels The current printer settings control the label output.

User Labels The fields in the dialog box that allow user label definition are
enabled.

User Label Includes

Specifies items to be included on user labels.

Owner Name The owner from the Options tab is included in the user label.

Drawing Filename The drawing name is included in the user label.

Date/Time Printed The date and time (as set on the printer at time of output,
in printer defined-format) are included in the user label.

Driver Info The information that identifies the version of the driver generating
the printer output is included in the user label.

User Label Position

Specifies the location where the user label is placed on the printed output.
Image Lower Right The user label is printed at the lower-right of the image.

Media Trailing Edge The user label is printed at the trailing edge of the
printed output.

152 | Chapter 7 Driver Custom Properties Reference

Printer Default Position The user label position is determined by the printer
setting.

Left Edge The user label is printed on the left edge.

Right Edge The user label is printed on the right edge.

Label Size

Defines the font size in points (6 through 72) for label output.

Label Shading

Specifies the percentage if shading to apply to the user label. The label shading
allows a grayscale (0 through 100 percent) to be defined for the appearance
of a user-defined label. A 100 percent setting defines a black user label. A 10
percent setting defines a very light user label.

Other Comments to Include on Plot

Allows other comments to be included on the user label. These comments are
appended after the information selected in the User Label Includes area.

Options Tab (Xerox)

Specifies settings that show the owner of the output, if a banner is placed on
the output, among other options.
The Options tab contains the following options:

Owner

Identifies of the owner of the printer output. The contents of the Owner field
may be included on a user label.

Banner

Controls banner page selection and output position.

No Banner No banner page is output.

First Page A banner page is output before the plot.

Last Page A banner page is output after the plot.

Xerox Driver Custom Properties | 153

 Mirror Image

Flips the image about one axis. Use this option when the output is to film
media, so that the image is on the back of the media, and the front can be
marked up with a marking tool.

Document Type

Controls image processing on the AccXES controller to improve image quality

for a given document. You can set the document type to Auto Select, Graphics,
Lines & Text, or Photo.

Finishing

Controls the operation of an optional finisher. You can control the finisher
type by specifying a FIN file that defines the finisher type and the programs
that are known to the finisher.
Three default FIN files are distributed with this AutoCAD driver (8830ANSI.FIN,
8830ARCH.FIN, and 8830ISO.FIN). See the Xerox website for a FIN file generator
that you can use to generate your own FIN files.
Finisher Type Specifies the type of finisher as specified in the FIN file.

Not Installed No finishing information is included in the

plot.

Finisher Bypass The finisher is bypassed (the plot is not

folded).

Printer Default The printer default behavior for finishing

is used.

<Add Finisher> A dialog box is shown in which you can

specify which FIN file to add.

When you add or select a finisher, the FIN file is read, and any finisher
programs defined in the file are added to the Program drop-down list.

Program Specifies the finisher program to be used. When you add or select a
finisher program, the Sort Bin drop-down list is displayed with valid bin
selections.

154 | Chapter 7 Driver Custom Properties Reference

Sort Bin Specifies the valid bin selection.

Title Block Provides a list of available title block override settings. Options
are:
■ No Preference

■ Upper Left

■ Upper Right

■ Lower Left

■ Lower Right

Intelligent Title Block

■ For folding documents with title blocks in standard corners, this option
adjusts the location of the title block for proper folding if you selected an
incorrect title block location for the fold style.

■ For folding documents with title blocks that are not in an expected standard
corner, leave the Intelligent Title Block box clear.

Depending on the finisher program, you may be able to modify the selections
for
■ Cross Fold

■ Margin (binding margin)

■ Punch

■ Tab/Reinforcement strip

Raster Stamp Tab (Xerox)

Specifies the raster stamp printed during output.
The Raster Stamp tab controls the raster stamp printed on the output print.
You can load the printer with predefined raster stamps, which are identified
by stamp names. You define stamp names for this driver by using the Edit
Stamp Names dialog box. The stamp names that you define should match the
names that are defined in the printer.
When you define a stamp name in the Edit Stamp Names dialog box, the
name appears in the Raster Stamp Selection drop-down list.

Xerox Driver Custom Properties | 155

 When you select a user-defined stamp name, fields on the Raster Stamp tab
are enabled that allow you to select stamp scaling, scaling type, and placement.
The Raster Stamp tab contains the following options:

Raster Stamp Selection

Controls which raster stamp (if any) to be used on printed output.

No Raster Stamp Overrides the printer raster stamp setting. No raster stamp
is output.

Printer Default Stamp Specifies that the printer defines the control for raster
stamp output.

<Stamp name 1 - 8> Specifies the names that are defined through the Edit
Stamp Names dialog box.

Edit Stamp Names

Opens the Edit Stamp Names dialog box, in which you can define raster stamp
names for the driver. The names should match those defined in the printer.
Once defined, the names are available on the Raster Stamp Selection drop-down
list.

Scaling Factor

Specifies the output size of a loaded raster stamp. You can specify a scaling
factor of 10 through 999. The scaling factor can be either Relative to Drawing
or Absolute.

Raster Stamp Placement

Controls the printed location of a raster stamp.

X Position You can set the X position to Left, Center, Right, or Absolute in
inches or millimeters.

Y Position You can set the Y position to Top, Center, Bottom, or Absolute in
inches or millimeters.

Rotation You can set the rotation to 0, 90, 180, or 270 degrees.

156 | Chapter 7 Driver Custom Properties Reference

Edit Stamp Names Dialog Box (Xerox)
Specifies the names of the stamps that are defined for the driver and loaded
in the printer.
The Edit Stamp Names dialog box specifies the names of the stamps that are
defined for the driver and loaded in the printer. The stamp names defined in
the Edit Stamp Names dialog box should match the names defined in the
printer.
Stamp names can be up to 48 characters in length. You can define up to eight
raster stamp names. Stamp names that you define in this dialog box are
available in the Raster Stamp Selection drop-down list on the Stamps tab.

Advanced Tab (Xerox)

Specifies settings for printer accounting, media mismatch mode action, and
print nesting control.
The Advanced tab provides control over printer accounting, media mismatch
mode action, and print nesting control. Advanced features require AccXES
printer firmware, version 4.0 or later.
The following options are available on the Advanced tab:

Printer Accounting

The following options are available in the Printer Accounting area:

Enable Turns on printer accounting.

Settings Opens the Printer Accounting dialog box.

If you previously selected a printer firmware version earlier than 6.2, you are
asked to enter an account number and a subaccount number.
If you have selected a printer firmware version 6.2 or later, you are asked to
enter a user ID and an account ID.
Both dialog boxes allow you to save the information. If you do not save the
information and accounting is enabled, you are prompted for the accounting
information at plot time.

Xerox Driver Custom Properties | 157

 Mismatch Mode

Defines what is output if the media or media size requested does not match
the media loaded.
Scale to Fit The printer uses the largest media of the type selected that fits
your printer. If all the installed media of the selected type are smaller than
the print job, the largest media is used and the job is scaled to fit. If no media
of the selected type is installed, the printer holds your job until the proper
media is installed.

Block Printing The printer holds your job until the proper media is installed.

Substitute Media The printer substitutes the media type selected and prints
on the size specified if it exists. If the size specified does not exist, the plot is
set to Scale to Fit with the media type installed in the printer.

Plot Nesting

Nesting Margin Specifies the space between the nested copies. Valid values
are 0 mm through 25 mm (0 through 0.98425 inches). This option is available
only when Nest Copies is selected.

Mode Multiple copies of a print can be nested (printed together). Plot Nesting
modes are

Off No nesting.

Printer Default Nest according to the printer settings.

Nest Copies Nest multiple copies in a single print.

Rendering

Raster Halftone Method Allows the selection of the binarization method

used on multibit raster images.

Screen Offers faster printing but may produce

prints with a grainy appearance.

Error Diffusion Generally produces a smoother print im-

age.

158 | Chapter 7 Driver Custom Properties Reference

 Vector Minimum Line Width Improves the visibility of fine lines. Depending
on your printer's resolution, lines that are only a few pixels wide may appear
light and be difficult to see. This setting allows you to set the minimum width
of drawn lines from one to 10 pixels. Lines that are wider are not
accommodated by Fineline Pixel Threshold. This setting has no impact on
raster images.

Enter Account Numbers

When accounting is turned on and you have selected a firmware version of

6.1 or earlier, you use this dialog box to obtain your account number and
subaccount number.
The account number and subaccount number must match values known by
your printer. Your plotter administrator may add account and subaccount
numbers using the printer’s front panel.
If you select Save Account Numbers, you are not prompted at plot generation
time for these values. If Save Account Numbers is not selected, then you are
prompted every time you generate a plot for the account and subaccount
numbers.
Account Number The account number must be in the range of 0 through
999999.

Sub-Account Number The subaccount number must be in the range of 0

through 9999.

See your plotter administrator for your account number and subaccount
number.

XES Synergix 8825/8830/8855 Driver Custom

Properties
Specifies custom properties for plots created with the XESystems, Inc. system
printer driver.
You should use the current XESystems, Inc. (XES) AccXES™ optimized system
printer driver (version 5.01 or later) instead of any of the older XES AccXES
HDI drivers that you may have added previously with the Add-a-Plotter wizard.
Although HDI drivers that you add through the Add-a-Plotter wizard support
XES AccXES printers, it is recommended that you use the AccXES optimized
system printer driver from XESystems, Inc. for plotting. The AccXES optimized

XES Synergix 8825/8830/8855 Driver Custom Properties | 159

 system printer driver provides significant performance improvement and
reduces the amount of data generated. This is especially true if your drawings
contain raster images.

NOTE All references to AutoCAD, unless otherwise noted, refer to all

AutoCAD-based products.

Use the AccXES Optimized System Printer Driver

(XES)
Specifies how to use the AccXES optimized system printer driver.

To use the AccXES optimized system printer driver

1 Download the current version of the XES AccXES optimized system printer
driver (version 5.01 or later) from http://www.xes.com.

2 Install the AccXES optimized system printer driver as a normal Microsoft®

Windows system printer driver.

3 Open an AutoCAD drawing.

4 Click File menu ➤ Plot.

5 Select one of the following plotters:

■ AccXES 8830

■ AccXES 8825

■ AccXES 8855

Do not confuse these plotters with XES 88xx.pc3 configurations, which

are the older HDI driver configurations. When you have selected the
correct XES AccXES optimized driver, the following is shown as part of
the plotter name in the Plot and Page Setup dialog boxes in the
Printer/Plotter area under Plotter:
Optimized Driver – by XESystems, Inc.
If you do not want the HDI driver plotter configuration files for your XES
printers (XES 88xx.pc3 files) to be included in the Plotter drop-down list,
use the Plotter Manager to delete them.

160 | Chapter 7 Driver Custom Properties Reference

What’s New in the AccXES Optimized System
Printer Driver (XES)
List of recent changes to the AccXES optimized system printer driver.
The following changes have been made in the XES AccXES optimized system
printer driver:

■ Media source and size are controlled through the Custom Properties dialog
box instead of through the Plotter Configuration editor.

■ Options for vector graphics resolution are available on the Rendering tab
in the Custom Properties dialog box.

■ The Raster Graphics Image slider controls in the Plotter Configuration

editor can be used for both HDI and the optimized driver to control raster
image processing.

■ A True Type Text setting is available in the Plotter Configuration editor.

■ When you click Custom Properties in the Plotter Configuration editor, the
Custom Properties dialog box for the system printer opens.

File Changes in the AccXES Optimized System

Printer Driver (XES)
Overview of the file changes in the AccXES optimized system printer driver.
The older HDI driver (xes7.hdi) that was located in the Drv directory generated
HP-GL/2 and RTL data directly for the AccXES printer (models 8825, 8830,
and 8855). When you selected a XESystems, Inc. AccXES printer through the
Add-a-Plotter wizard, xes7.hdi was used.
The new optimized system driver uses the XES AccXES system printer driver
(version 5.01 or later), along with xesgdi8.hdi, which is located in your Drv
directory. The xesgdi8.hdi file receives graphics calls and makes GDI calls to
the XES optimized system driver. The AccXES optimized system printer driver
generates HP-GL/2 & RTL data for the XES AccXES printer.

XES Synergix 8825/8830/8855 Driver Custom Properties | 161

 Benefits of Using the AccXES Optimized System
Printer Driver (XES)
List of the benefits of using the AccXES optimized system printer driver.
The benefits of using the XESystems, Inc. AccXES optimized system printer
driver are:

■ You install a single driver rather than one for AutoCAD and one for your
other applications.

■ Advanced feature controls, such as nesting, banners, and finishing, are

controlled the same way through all applications.

■ You need to learn only one interface for the XES AccXES printer control.

■ The XES AccXES optimized system printer driver processes significantly

faster than the HDI driver, especially when your drawings include raster
images.

■ The XES AccXES optimized system printer driver generates significantly

less data than the HDI driver when plotting raster images.

Available Settings for the AccXES Optimized

Printer (XES)
List of the settings that can be configured for the AccXES optimized system
printer driver.
In the Plotter Configuration Editor, click the Custom Properties button to
change any of the following settings for the AccXES optimized printer:

■ Media size

■ User-defined media size

■ Paper orientation

■ Media type

■ Media source

■ Copy count

162 | Chapter 7 Driver Custom Properties Reference

■ Margins and justification

■ Banner pages

■ Plot labeling

■ Raster stamps

■ Finishing (folding)

■ Plot nesting

■ Actions on media mismatch

■ Additional scaling

■ Additional image scaling

■ Mirroring

■ Additional rotation

■ Output resolution

Troubleshooting Hints (XES)

Overview of some problems that can cause issues when using the system
driver.
You are probably using an older, nonoptimized version of an XES system
printer driver if:

■ You cannot plot long plots

■ Print processing is slower than the HDI driver

■ The amount of data is larger than when generated by the HDI driver

If “Optimized Driver – by XESystems, Inc.” is not shown as part of the plotter

name in the Plot and Page Setup dialog boxes in the Printer/Plotter area under
Plotter, you are not using the XES AccXES optimized system printer driver.

XES Synergix 8825/8830/8855 Driver Custom Properties | 163

164
Index
A CDCL language 121
collating settings 21
acceleration 7, 9 color depth 24
Access databases 71 colors 24
configuring 71 plot settings 24
AccXES controller (Xerox) 146 configuration files (databases) 72
Add-a-Plotter wizard 13, 29 configuration files (plotters) 22, 24, 26–
ADI DXB driver 66, 94 27, 29, 38, 65, 83
Adobe PDF driver 65 attaching PMP files 29
Adobe PostScript driver 66 custom properties 26, 83
configuring 66 file output 65
applications 7 graphics settings 24
remote access applications 7 initialization strings 27
attaching 29 pen settings 22
PMP files to PC3 files 29 port settings 38
Autodesk HDI system printer driver 62 configured plot files 12
AutoSpool feature 38, 41 configuring 5, 12, 17, 22, 37–39, 42, 47,
51, 63, 65, 71
digitizing tablets 5
B external databases 71
batch plots 41 file format drivers 65
AutoSpool feature 41 nonsystem plotters 12
baud rate 47 pen settings 22
bitmaps (BMP images) 116 plot spooling 39, 42
plotting to 116 plotters 12, 17, 51
BMP files (bitmaps) 116 ports 37–38, 47
plotting to 116 printers 12
Windows system printers 12, 63
copying 17
C plotter configuration settings 17
Custom Paper Size wizard 29
CalComp plotters 60, 121, 125, 129 custom properties 26, 83
configuring 60, 125 plotter drivers 83
custom properties 129 plotters 26
drivers for 121 customizing 2, 29
supported models 121 paper size 29
Calibrate Plotter wizard 29 right-clicking 2
calibrating 5, 28 cutting 21
digitizing tablets 5 paper settings 21
plotters 28
calibration utilities 28
CALS files 116, 120

165 | Index
D Excel spreadsheets 71
configuring external data sources 71
D3D drivers 9 exporting 65
data sources 71 configuring drivers for 65
configuring 71 export file formats 65
databases 71 files 65
configuring 71 external databases 71
dBase databases 71
DesignJet plotters 51
desktop publishing 116
F
detaching 29 file formats 65, 116
PMP files 29 configuring drivers for 65
digitizing tablets 5 export file formats 65
Dimensional CALS format 116 raster formats 116
Direct 3D drivers 9 files 41, 65
dithering 24 exporting 65
drivers 83, 121 plotting to 41, 65
Autodesk-supplied 83 flow control in plotting 48
third-party 121 FoxPro databases 71
duplex printing 21 frames 53
DWF files (Design Web Format) 65, 83 plotting 53
configuring ePlot for 65
plotter drivers 83
DWF6 driver 83 G
custom properties 83
DWF6 ePlot pc3 plotter configuration graphics plot settings 24
files 83 graphics systems 7
DWFx driver 90
custom properties 90 H
DWFx ePlot pc3 plotter configuration
files 90 handshaking in plotting 48
DWFx files 90 hard clip limits 52
plotter drivers 90 hardware 7, 9, 48
DWG to PDF driver 110 acceleration 7, 9
DXB files 66, 94 handshaking 48
configuring drivers for 66 HDI drivers (Heidi Device Interface) 11,
custom properties 94 13, 37, 62
about 11
Autodesk system printer driver 62
E resolving driver conflicts 37
editing 13, 17 updating 13
plotter configuration files 13, 17 Hewlett-Packard DesignJet plotters 51
ePlot driver 65 Hewlett-Packard HP-GL plotters 52, 96
EPS files 112 Hewlett-Packard HP-GL/2 plotters 55,
plotting to 112 102

166 | Index
Hewlett-Packard Windows system printer Microsoft Access databases 71
driver 51 configuring 71
Houston Instrument plotters 61 Microsoft Excel spreadsheets 71
HP-GL driver 52, 95, 99 configuring external data sources 71
configuring 52 Microsoft Jet OLE DB Provider 73
custom properties 95 Microsoft ODBC 72
Simplified HPGL plotting 99 Microsoft OLE DB Provider for ODBC
HP-GL/2 driver 51, 55, 101 Drivers 73
configuring 51, 55 Microsoft Visual FoxPro databases 71
custom properties 101 Microsoft Windows Netmeeting 7
modifying 13, 17
plotter configuration files 13, 17
I monochrome settings 24
initialization strings (plotters) 27 plot settings 24
Intellimouse 2 mouse 1–2
buttons 1
wheel mouse 2
J multiframe long-axis plots 53

JFIF files 117

joystick panning 2 N
JPEG files 66, 116
configuring raster driver 66 naming 42
plotting to 116 plotters 42
Netmeeting 7
network nonsystem plotters 12–13, 39
L configuring 12–13
port settings 39
lighting 9 nonsystem plotter drivers 12, 52, 55,
hardware acceleration limits 9 94–95, 101, 110, 112, 116, 121,
local nonsystem plotters 12, 37, 39 159
configuring 12 CalComp drivers 121
port settings 39 custom properties 110
resolving conflicts 37 DXB driver 94
long-axis plots 51, 53, 55 HP-GL driver 52, 95
Hewlett-Packard DesignJet HP-GL/2 driver 55, 101
plotters 51 PDF driver 110
Hewlett-Packard HP-GL plotters 53 plotting to files 12
HP-GL/2 driver 55 PostScript driver 112
raster driver 116
M settings 12
XES Synergix driver 159
MDB files (Access) 73 nonsystem plotters 12, 21, 27, 29, 38,
MDF files 73 46, 51, 110
media settings (plotting) 21 configuring 12
memory (RAM) 24 custom properties 110
plot options and 24 device-specific configurations 51

Index | 167
 initialization strings 27 port settings 38
media settings 21 saving configurations 12
paper sizes 29 PCX files 116
port settings 38 plotting to 116
timeout values 46 PDF driver 65, 110
configuring 65
custom properties 110
O pen plotters 22
Oce plotters 57, 135–136 settings 22
configuring 57, 135 pen settings 22, 53
custom properties 135 configuring 22
port options 57 multiframe long-axis plots 53
settings 136 pick button (mouse) 1
ODBC (Microsoft) 72 plot files 12
OGL drivers 9 plot model parameter files (PMP) 12, 29
OLE DB (Microsoft) 72 plot spooling 39, 41–42
OpenGL driver 9 AutoSpool 41
Oracle databases 71 configuring 42
Out of Limit light 53 Windows system spooler 39
plot style tables 22
pen settings 22
P Plotter Configuration Editor 17, 20, 38
device settings 20
pages 21 document settings 20
paper settings 21 editing PC3 files 17
paper options 21 port settings 38
paper size 21, 29 plotter configuration files 12, 17, 19–
customizing 29 20, 22, 24, 26–27, 29, 38, 65, 83
nonsystem plotters 21 attaching PMP files 29
Paradox databases 71 custom properties 26, 83
parallel ports 38, 51 device and document settings 20
default setting 38 editing 12
device-specific configurations 51 file information 19
PC3 files (plotter configuration) 12–13, file output 65
17, 19–20, 22, 24, 26–27, 29, 38, graphics settings 24
65 initialization strings 27
attaching PMP files 29 pen settings 22
creating 13 Plotter Configuration Editor 17
custom properties 26 port settings 38
device settings 20 plotter drivers 37–38, 83, 94–95, 101,
document settings 20 110, 112, 116, 120–121, 135,
editing 17 146, 159
file information in 19 AccXES driver 159
file output 65 CalComp driver 121
graphics settings 24 custom properties 83
initialization strings 27 DXB files 94
pen settings 22

168 | Index
 HP-GL (PLT) files 95 PMP files (plot model parameter) 12, 29
HP-GL/2 driver 101 PNG files (Portable Network
Oce driver 135 Graphics) 116
PDF driver 110 plotting to 116
port settings 38 pointing devices 1–2, 5
PostScript driver 112 buttons 1–2
raster driver 116 digitizing tablets 5
resolving conflicts 37 mouse buttons 1
system driver 120 wheel mouse 2
third-party drivers 121 ports 37–39, 47, 51
Xerox driver 146 configuring 47
XES Synergix driver 159 device-specific configurations 51
Plotter Manager 13, 51 output options 38
configuring plotters 51 plot options 38
creating PC3 files 13 resolving conflicts 37, 39
plotters 12, 17, 19, 22, 24, 26, 28, 37– settings 38
39, 42, 46, 51, 66, 83 types 38
calibrating 28 PostScript driver 66, 112
configuring 12, 51 configuring 66
connection options 39 custom properties 112
custom properties 26 levels supported 66
descriptions 19 PostScript files 112
device names 42 plotting to 112
driver custom properties 83 PostScript printers 66
graphics settings 24 pre-configured plotters 12
nonsystem drivers 12 Print Manager conflicts 37
pen settings 22 printer drivers 37–38
Plotter Configuration Editor 17 port settings 38
port settings 38 resolving conflicts 37
PostScript plotters 66 printers 12, 17, 37–39, 42, 46, 51, 66,
resolving driver conflicts 37 83
timeout values 46 configuring 12, 51
plotting 24, 37–39, 41–42, 48, 65 connection options 39
AutoSpool 41 device names 42
batch files 42 driver custom properties 83
color depth 24 Plotter Configuration Editor 17
dithering 24 port settings 38
exporting files 65 PostScript printers 66
file formats 65 resolving driver conflicts 37
flow control 48 timeout values 46
handshaking 48 printing 38–39, 41
port settings 38 AutoSpool 41
resolution 24 port settings 38
resolving driver conflicts 37 spooling 39
spooling 39 properties 26, 83
PLT files 95 plotter drivers 83

Index | 169
 plotters 26 U
protocol for serial ports 47
PS files (PostScript) 112 UDL configuration files 72
plotting to 112 updating 11, 13
HDI drivers 11, 13
R
V
RAM 24
plot options and 24 vector graphics 24
raster driver 66, 116 plot options 24
configuring 66 Visual FoxPro databases 71
custom properties 116
remote access applications 7
resolution 24
W
plotting 24 wheel mouse 2
right mouse button 1 Windows Netmeeting 7
right-click menus 2 Windows Print Manager conflicts 37
Windows system printer drivers 37, 39
S resolving driver conflicts 37
spooling and 39
serial ports 37–38, 47, 51 Windows system printers 12, 26, 29, 46,
configuring 37–38, 47 63
default setting 38 configuring 12, 63
device-specific configurations 51 custom settings 26
SHPGL plotting 99 paper sizes 29
simplified HPGL plot files 99 timeout values 46
software acceleration 7 Windows system spooler 39
software handshaking 48
spooling plot jobs 39, 41
spreadsheets 71
X
configuring external data sources 71 Xerox HPGL/2 optimized Windows system
SQL Server 71 driver 59
stapling pages 21 Xerox plotters 59, 146
system printer drivers 62, 120 configuring 59
custom properties 146
T supported models 146
XES Synergix driver 159
TARGA files 116 XLS files (spreadsheets) 73
TGA files 116 XON/XOFF handshaking 48
plotting to 116
third-party plotter drivers 121
TIFF files 66, 116
Z
configuring raster driver 66 zooming 2
plotting to 116 wheel mouse and 2
timeout values for plotters 46

170 | Index