Issue:
How to make AutoCAD default to the drawing folder when plotting, batch plotting, or publishing to PDF or DWF.Notes:
- Normal functionality opens the location specified in Options > Plot and Publish > Default location for plot to file operations. This is the folder that comes up when choosing the file location.
- The last-saved folder is kept for each subsequent plot. Restarting AutoCAD goes back to the default location.
Solution:
Use a LISP routine (not available in AutoCAD LT)
To have the plot dialog window open to the folder where the drawing is saved, follow these steps:- Copy the following LISP routine to a text file in Notepad.
(defun c:PPATH () (command "PlotToFilePath" (getvar "DWGPREFIX")) (princ "\nPlot path now matches Drawing path.") (princ) ) (command "PlotToFilePath" (getvar "DWGPREFIX"))
- Save the file named acaddoc.lsp. Verify that the extension is LSP by right-clicking the file and choosing Properties.
- Place the file into the AutoCAD support folder (C:\Program Files\Autodesk\AutoCAD 20XX\Support).
- Each time a drawing is opened, AutoCAD will execute the acaddoc.lsp file. This routine changes the Default location for plot to file operations to the drawing folder. It also creates a PPATH command.
- Switching between open drawings does not trigger the acaddoc.lsp file. Manually enter PPATH right before doing PLOT for already open files.
Use Automatic Publishing
As an alternative, set up automatic publishing.
- Go to Options > Plot and Publish > Automatic Publish Settings.
- Configure the Auto Publish Settings as desired.
- Use the AUTOPUBLISH command for plotting instead of PLOT, BATCHPLOT, or PUBLISH.