What Is An AutoCAD PCP File?

An AutoCAD PCP (plotter configuration) file is a configuration file that stores the settings and specifications for a specific plotter or printer. These files help ensure that drawings are printed or plotted consistently and correctly on the intended output device by recording options such as paper size, plot styles, and device-specific parameters.

Table of Contents

What is an AutoCAD PCP file and why it matters

A PCP file contains the configuration settings for a plotter/printer used by AutoCAD and similar CAD tools. By using a PCP file you can:

Guarantee consistent output appearance across different users and workstations.
Store device-specific settings like paper sizes, orientations, pen assignments, line weights, and device resolution.
Link a drawing’s plot style table (such as CTB or STB) with the device settings so printed output matches expectations.

Using PCP files reduces errors, saves setup time, and helps enforce office or project-wide printing standards.

Key concepts explained

Plotter configuration: The collection of settings that tell AutoCAD how to send a drawing to a specific plotter/printer.
Paper size & orientation: The physical page dimensions and whether the output is portrait or landscape.
Plot style tables (CTB/STB): Files that map drawing colors or named styles to specific pen weights, screening or color output.
Pen assignments: Assignments that control how colors or layers map to physical pens/lines on the plotter.
Device-specific options: Resolution, raster vs. vector modes, margins, and printer driver features.

How to create, add, or use a PCP file — step-by-step (Beginner-friendly)

Prepare the plotter/printer information
- Gather the printer/plotter model name, supported paper sizes, and driver details.
Open AutoCAD Plotter Manager
- In AutoCAD, type PLOTTERMANAGER or go to the application menu → Print → Manage Plotters.
Create or add a plotter configuration
- Use the Add-a-Plotter Wizard (or equivalent) to create a new configuration. When prompted, choose the correct printer/plotter driver and model.
Configure paper sizes and default options
- In the wizard or editor, define default paper sizes, orientation, and resolution. Save those settings into the PCP file.
Assign plot style tables
- Link a CTB (color-dependent) or STB (named) plot style to the PCP so your pen assignments and line weights are applied.
Test the configuration
- Plot a test drawing to verify margins, scaling, line weights, and colors. Adjust the PCP settings if output is incorrect.
Share and deploy
- Save the PCP to a shared support or network folder so other users can use the same configuration. Instruct teammates to add the PCP via Plotter Manager.

How to edit or update a PCP file

Use AutoCAD’s Plotter Configuration Editor (if available) or the same Plotter Manager wizard used to create the PCP.
For minor changes, update paper sizes, orientation, or link a different plot style table and save.
Keep versioned backups: save the updated file with a version suffix (example: office-plotter-v2.pcp).

Alternative methods and modern equivalents

Use PC3 files: In many AutoCAD versions, the .pc3 file is the modern plotter configuration file that performs similar roles. If your AutoCAD version uses PC3, prefer creating a PC3 profile via Plotter Manager.
Use printer drivers and Windows print management: For standard office printers, configuring the Windows driver and using AutoCAD’s Page Setup Manager can be enough.
Use DWG to PDF or virtual printers: When physical plotting is not required, convert to PDF with configured page size and plot styles, then print from the PDF.
Use centralized plot servers: Large offices may use a dedicated plot server that manages device profiles centrally rather than individual PCP files.

Common errors and fixes

Problem: “Printer not listed / PCP file not recognized”
- Fix: Ensure the correct printer driver is installed. Re-run the Add-a-Plotter Wizard and verify compatibility between the driver and AutoCAD version.
Problem: “Paper size or margins are wrong”
- Fix: Check the PCP’s paper size definitions and the printer’s hardware margins. Adjust scale and plot offsets in the PCP or Page Setup.
Problem: “Plot styles (CTB/STB) not applied”
- Fix: Confirm the PCP links to the correct plot style table and that the CTB/STB file is available in AutoCAD’s support path.
Problem: “Lines printing with incorrect weight or color”
- Fix: Verify pen assignments and mapping in the PCP. Test by plotting a layer-only sample and examine color-to-pen mapping.
Problem: “Plot hangs or fails during plotting”
- Fix: Update or reinstall the printer driver; try slower resolution or raster mode; check spooler/service on the print server.
Problem: “PCP created in older AutoCAD won’t work in newer version”
- Fix: Recreate the configuration using the current AutoCAD Plotter Manager or migrate settings to a PC3 if supported.

Best practices and tips

Always keep a backup of PCP/PC3 files in a versioned network folder.
Standardize naming conventions: e.g., OfficeName_PlotterModel_Size.pcp.
Store linked CTB/STB files together with PCP/PC3 files or in a shared support path.
Test new PCP settings with a small sample drawing before using them on production files.
Use the Plot Stamp or a test page to verify settings after major changes.
Document any custom pen assignments or deviations from factory defaults for team members.
When migrating to a new AutoCAD version, rebuild plotter configurations in the new environment rather than relying solely on legacy files.

FAQ

What is the difference between a PCP and a PC3 file?

A PCP and a PC3 both store plotter/printer configuration data, but PC3 is the more common/modern format used by recent AutoCAD versions. If your AutoCAD uses PC3, prefer creating PC3 profiles via Plotter Manager. PCP is often associated with older workflows or specific drivers—check your AutoCAD documentation.

Can I open or edit a PCP file in a plain text editor?

Not reliably. PCP files are generally intended to be edited through AutoCAD’s Plotter Manager or Plotter Configuration Editor. Using a text editor can corrupt the file unless you know the exact format.

How do I share a PCP configuration with my team?

Save the PCP file and any linked CTB/STB files to a shared network folder or version control system. Instruct teammates to add it through Plotter Manager or set the shared folder as an AutoCAD support path.

My PCP applies wrong line weights — how do I fix it?

Check the PCP’s pen assignments and ensure the drawing uses the correct plot style table (CTB or STB). Confirm that the CTB file is the same one linked by the PCP. Perform a test print after each change.

Is it better to use a virtual PDF printer instead of a PCP?

For many workflows, yes—PDF output is convenient for sharing and archiving. However, for production plotting (especially on wide-format devices), a properly configured PCP/PC3 ensures accurate physical output and device-specific settings.

What should I do if the plotter driver is missing from AutoCAD?

Install the correct manufacturer driver for the plotter on the workstation or server, then re-run the Add-a-Plotter Wizard in AutoCAD to recreate the PCP/PC3 configuration.

How do I migrate my plotter settings to a new AutoCAD version?

Export or copy your PCP/PC3 and CTB/STB files to the new environment, then recreate the plotter profile with Plotter Manager if necessary. Test print to confirm settings, and re-save the configuration in the new AutoCAD format if required.