Once you have completed a drawing, you can use a number of methods to output the drawing. You can plot the drawing on paper or create a file to use with another application. In either case, you select the plot settings.
Topics in this section
Quick Start to Plotting
To print a single layout or part of a drawing, use the Plot dialog box.
Overview of Plotting
Understanding terms and concepts that relate to plotting makes your first plotting experience in the program easier.
Select a Printer or Plotter
Before plotting a drawing, you must select a printer or plotter. The device you select affects the printable area of the drawing.
Specify the Area to Plot
When plotting a drawing, you must specify the area of the drawing to plot. The Plot dialog box provides the following options under Plot Area.
Set Paper Size
In the Plot dialog box, select the paper size that you want to use.
Position the Drawing on the Paper
There are several ways to position a drawing on the paper. You can specify the printable area, set the position of the plot, and set the drawing orientation.
Control How Objects Are Plotted
You can control how objects are plotted by setting the plot scale, by using plot styles and plot style tables, and by setting an object's layer properties.
Preview a Plot
It is good practice to generate a preview of the plotted drawing before sending the drawing to the printer or plotter. Generating a preview saves time and material.
Plot Files to Other Formats
You can publish or plot your drawings in several file formats, including PLT, DWF, DWFx, PDF, and in image formats using specially designed plotter drivers.