AutoCAD print size settings being overridden by plotter defaults

[J-G-A]

We have Plotter Configuration Files set up linked to our standard sheet templates in AutoCAD. The sheet sizes vary from A4-A0 in landscape & portrait formats. Initially this worked fine, but this has just changed this week to defaulting to printing everything to A4. The sheets are clipped rather than scaled to size.
This is the first time that this has happened with plotter config files, and I'm at a loss as how to rectify it. I really don't want to create an individual plot config file for every paper size used as I know that its worked previously with one config per plotter with HP DesignJets since the 90's.
Any help provided would be most appreciated.

[SmithaP · Accepted solution]

@J-G-A 

We’re pleased to have you here at the HP Support Community.

It sounds like the issue is related to the HP DesignJet plotter driver or AutoCAD configuration, where your Plotter Configuration File (PC3) is no longer automatically detecting paper sizes, defaulting everything to A4. Since you mentioned it was working fine before and suddenly started forcing A4, here’s a step-by-step approach to troubleshoot and fix it: 

. Check the Default Paper Size in AutoCAD

1. Open AutoCAD.

2. Type PAGESETUP and select your drawing.

3. Check that the paper size is set to “From Plotter Configuration File (PC3)” or “Use Sheet Size from Layout”.

4. If it’s set to A4 explicitly, change it back to “Use layout paper size”.

   • This ensures the plotter reads the layout’s defined sheet size.

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2. Verify the PC3 File Settings

1. Locate your plotter configuration file (.pc3) for the HP T1600.

   • Usually under:

     C:\Users\<username>\AppData\Roaming\Autodesk\AutoCAD <version>\Rxx.x\enu\Plotters

2. Right-click → Properties → Modify.

3. Check the following in the Plotter Configuration Editor:

   • Paper Sizes: Ensure all standard sizes (A4–A0) are listed.

   • Scaling: Confirm that scaling is set to Fit to Paper or Scale linearly, not fixed.

   • Plot Area: Should be set to Layout.

4. Save changes and reload in AutoCAD.

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3. Check Windows & Driver Defaults

1. Open Control Panel → Devices and Printers.

2. Right-click HP T1600 → Printer Properties → Advanced → Printing Defaults.

3. Make sure Default Paper Size is not stuck at A4.

4. If necessary, reinstall or update the HP DesignJet driver from HP’s website.

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4. Reset AutoCAD Page Setup

Sometimes AutoCAD layouts “stick” to the old settings.

1. Go to your drawing layout tab.

2. Right-click → Page Setup Manager → Modify.

3. Set the Printer/Plotter to your HP T1600 PC3 and make sure Plot Scale = Fit to Paper or correct scale is selected.

4. Repeat for each layout, then save to template if needed.

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5. Test with a New Drawing

• Create a fresh drawing.

• Apply the PC3 file.

• Try printing to different sizes (A4–A0).

• If this works, the issue may be with the old drawing layouts themselves, not the plotter configuration.

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6. Avoid Creating Separate PC3 Files

HP DesignJets are meant to handle multiple sizes from a single PC3. The key is that the AutoCAD layout paper size and PC3 settings must align. If they don’t, AutoCAD defaults to the smallest available size (often A4).

If you continue to experience any issues after applying these steps, please let us know, and we will guide you through further troubleshooting. We appreciate your patience and are here to ensure your plotter works as expected.