How to Create a .PC3 Plotter File to Plot AutoCAD Electrical Project Files

Posted on October 1, 2013 by Todd Schmoock, Synergis Manufacturing Solutions Engineer:
AutoCAD Electrical allows you to plot some or all of the drawings in a project. Creating a .pc3 file will help you print the project files the same way every time.  The following procedure defines how to create a .pc3 file and use it to plot project drawing files.
To create/Add a *.pc3 file to plot AutoCAD Electrical project files:
Click on the Application menu, fly out the Print option, and select Manage Plotters:

Double-click on the “Add-A-Plotter Wizard”:

Click “Next” in the Add Plotter-Introduction Page dialog.
Select where the plotter will be managed and click “Next” in the Add Plotter – Begin dialog.
Select the Manufacturer and Model then click “Next” in the Add Plotter – Plotter Model dialog.
Click “Next” in the Add Plotter – Import Pcp or Pc2 dialog.
Select/Configure Ports and click “Next” in the Add Plotter – Ports dialog.
Enter a name and click “Next” in the Add Plotter – Plotter Name dialog.
Edit Plotter/Printer Configuration as required and click “Finish” in the Add Plotter – Finish dialog.
Click on “Plot Project” in the Project Manager:

Select drawings you want to plot from the Select Drawings to Process dialog and select “Do All” or “Process”.  Click OK.
In the Batch Plotting Option and Order dialog select the “Use plot configuration (.pc3)” option in the Output device name section.  Browse for the newly created *.pc3 file:

Click OK to plot the selected files.
That’s all there is to it.  Still having problems?  Contact us by phone (800.836.5440) or email and we will straighten it out.
-Todd
Check out some of Todd’s previous posts:

• How to Use DesignCenter (Ctrl + 2) to Import Wires into AutoCAD Electrical
• AutoCAD Electrical Tools You Should Use
• Things you Should Know About Installing AutoCAD Electrical
• AutoCAD Electrical Symbol Data
• Using Conduit Marker Support Files in AutoCAD Electrical

Todd has over 20 years experience in the mechanical engineering field. Ten years of this time was spent as a documentation specialist/designer at Honeywell, Inc. where he worked on several government contracts which required strict drafting and design documentation in accordance with government standards. Additional experience comes from working in the technical ceramic, elevator, and specialty gas industry designing equipment for each of these fields. Todd joined Synergis in 2003 as a Design Solutions Engineer where he began providing assistance to customers through training and consulting, helpdesk support, as well as providing pre-sales support. Todd was recently promoted to Director of Manufacturing Solutions.
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