Cleaning up Paper Size Drop Down

[mpeterson79]

A while back, I remember seeing someone's blog who described how you could clean up the available paper sizes list in the Plot window. Does anyone know where I might find that again? Unfortunately, I didn't bookmark it, and Google isn't being very fruitful.

http://www.gallery.markspeterson.com/d/9597-2/Plot+Menu.jpg

We'd like to minimize the number of paper options available, since there are really only two viable paper sizes for our plotter(s).

[mbickerton]

For a while, we had a client that required 36x22 paper, which is not a standard size. I looked endlessly for ways to add this odd size to the standard list, all to no avail. It became my belief that this list is controlled by the printer's driver (primarily because different plotters have different lists), and since I cannot read or modify a binary driver with notepad, I eventually gave up...... Perhaps this can successfully steer you in a new direction for solution seeking - If you find the solution, please please please post it.

[mpeterson79]

The good news is after some digging around, I remebered how to edit the Paper Size list, kind of.

http://www.gallery.markspeterson.com/d/9602-2/Plotter+Config+Editor.jpg

By clicking the Properties button next to the Plotter Name in the Plot Window, you get the Plotter Configuration Editor. Through this, I can use the 'Filter Paper Sizes' option to select which paper sizes are available. The problem is, this simply creates a *.pc3 (whatever that is) file, and adds it to the list of available plotters.

I thought that maybe the Custom Paper Sizes option would allow a user to create custom paper sizes, like you needed - alas, all the option there are greyed out.

mbickerton - like you, I think ideally there would be a way to edit paper sizes available on the printer level/driver itself. Doing it in AutoCAD eliminates one problem (too long of a list of sizes), but creates another (makes the available plotters list longer with the creation of the pc3 file).

I'll do some more digging & see what I can find. There has to be a way about this.

[CADDmanVA]

..By clicking the Properties button next to the Plotter Name in the Plot Window, you get the Plotter Configuration Editor. Through this, I can use the 'Filter Paper Sizes' option to select which paper sizes are available. The problem is, this simply creates a *.pc3 (whatever that is) file, and adds it to the list of available plotters...PC3's are custom plotter configuration files. I have all my plotters set up as PC3's with whatever settings are needed. I then use the PREFERENCES dialog to filter Window's printer drivers from the plotter list. One hint though, you cannot set up a paper size which the printer/plotter does not support. My HP-800 has a lower limit of 8-1/2" x 11" and an upper limit of 24" x 150'. Anything inside that range is good, anything outside of that range automatically gets kicked out.

[mpeterson79]

I guess I don't see how the Preferences (options?) dialog can be used to filter the printer drivers. Can you clue me in here?

I can see how the PC3's would be helpful, if they are the only plotters available. Currently though, they are only adding to my plotter mess.

[CADDmanVA]

I guess I don't see how the Preferences (options?) dialog can be used to filter the printer drivers. Can you clue me in here?

I can see how the PC3's would be helpful, if they are the only plotters available. Currently though, they are only adding to my plotter mess.Check out the attached picture. In PREFERENCES, under the Plot and Publish tab is a checkbox for filtering system printers. When you check this, AutoCAD will ignore Windows printers/plotters and only read your PC3's. It creates a little work, but wow does it make life easier. Here's how my plotters are set up...

Cannon - Cannon laser for black and white cutsheets
Cannon Legal - same as above, but uses legal sized paper
HP 800 BLACK - C and D size black and white plotting
HP 800 COLOR- same as above, but allows color plotting
HP DJ 5650 - same as Cannon, but sits at the architect's desk, black only

[mpeterson79]

Ahhhh fantastic. That makes more sense. I'd much rather setup the pc3's now, and ignore the system plotters. That way I can share the pc3 files across our network, and eliminate misprinted files.

Thanks CADDmanVA.

Any other tips you can think of that I should be aware of as I trudge along my merry way into the world of network plotting setup?

[CADDmanVA]

Ahhhh fantastic. That makes more sense. I'd much rather setup the pc3's now, and ignore the system plotters. That way I can share the pc3 files across our network, and eliminate misprinted files.

Thanks CADDmanVA.

Any other tips you can think of that I should be aware of as I trudge along my merry way into the world of network plotting setup?You're very welcome! Glad I could help. I can't really think of anything else you should know. If I think of anything, I'll let ya know.