AutoCAD 2024 plotting issue: temporary pc3 files not saving changes

[jstanczykGDWT4]

We require certain prints to be "high quality".  We have always modified this setting on the fly by going into "Custom Properties" in the Plotter Configuration Editor whenever necessary. AutoCAD will save the changes to a temporary .pc3 file.  I am going through the steps as usual, and AutoCAD 2024 is saving a temporary .pc3 file but the changes are not being saved (i.e. the plot comes out at the standard quality).  When I open the temporary .pc3 file, the quality setting was not saved.  Any help is appreciated.

[r_baccioni]

Same issue here. Unable to retain changes inside pc3 files. I save them but when I reopen my pc3 is always in a Default setup.

It seems that Autocad 2024 (we use LT) is full of bugs so far.

Cheers.

[r_baccioni]

Same problem here.
Now I'm importing the pc3s modified with Autocad LT 2023 and use them with Autocad LT 2024. It seems that they retain the customized properties this way. Assuming I don't save any other changes with Autocad LT 2024: because if I do it, they revert to the default state, erasing all the custom properties.

Autocad 2024 is a mess of bugs and slow as a snail. 

[r_baccioni]

Same issue here. The only solution for me was import a PC3 customized with Autocad LT 2023. Changing all the local printers is too long and not effective. 

[jstanczykGDWT4]

I've decided to stop installing any new Autodesk product until the calendar changes to the year on the box.  Especially when there aren't any major positive changes that affect my day-to-day.  So as far as I'm concerned, I won't be revisiting this problem until January.  Cheers.

[s10_team03]

Give a try to this variable:

SYSPLOTCONFIG (for Autocad 2024)

SYSPLOTCFG (for Autocad LT 2024)

When set to 1 it will retain the customization of the PC3

When set to 0 it will always reset PC3 to its default values

Setting it to 1 solved my problem.

(straight from the best Autodesk Support employee ever)

[mkoeninger]

That was suggested to me from Autodesk support and it doesn't work for me. 

Also, SYSPLOTCFG is the variable for AutoCAD 2024 and LT versions.

[pendean]

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@jstanczykGDWT4 wrote:

I've decided to stop installing any new Autodesk product until the calendar changes to the year on the box. ...

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Most experienced CAD Managers wait for at least the first major update that shows up mid-late summer, then the fix for that in early fall before committing to new-year versions. That method has not failed anyone in decades.

Make that your goal moving forward.

[igor_nikodijevic]

Thank, me work this command.

Also work to save pc3 to c:\Autodesk\printerXXX.pc3 bat this is better.

[r.surrey]

This worked for me!

Thanks so much, I was on the verge of reverting back to previous version / smashing my computer to pieces and going to live in the forest. 

[s10_team03]

Hi @r.surrey 

Unfortunately the solution will let you save a custom pc3 but it could lock your paper sizes when you use that pc3 (you'll probably find out that the paper size is greyed out).

So you will be able to save a pc3 with custom settings, BUT you won't be able to change the paper size in the plot setup panel.

The issue is being addressed by Autodesk and it will be solved with one of the future updates (I really hope it will be the next one). I'm following closely the issue since the beginning with the Autodesk technical support.

KR,

RB

[Sara.Shirinzadeh.Dastgiri]

Hi,

We have exactly the same problem in our company and printer is a Canon ColorWave 3600 and it has always worked in previous versions, but in AutoCAD 2024 changes does not apply in the saved .pc3 file. All users has read/write rights in the folders where .pc3 and pmp files are beeing saved. 

So at least I can tell you, that you are not the only one who has the issue. And we have also figured out, as you mentioned that we can change Printer setup permenantly to make it work, but this is not the right way. Because it differs from print to print.

[r_baccioni]

This is a known bug. I discussed the issue for months with Autodesk but they have not been able to solve it, in almost a year. It's a shame since it was acknowledged as a major bug.

I don't know if the 2025 version has solved it.

[mwpr]

2025 has the same problem.  I am reverting back to AC2023.  

[brendon_butler]

Have you tried this solution posted by @s10_team03 last year? This worked for me.

Give a try to this variable:

SYSPLOTCONFIG (for Autocad 2024)

SYSPLOTCFG (for Autocad LT 2024)

When set to 1 it will retain the customization of the PC3

When set to 0 it will always reset PC3 to its default values

Setting it to 1 solved my problem.

(straight from the best Autodesk Support employee ever)

[ctbailey]

This defect is still in AutoCAD 2026 and Civil3D 2026.

[pendean]

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@ctbailey wrote:

This defect is still in AutoCAD 2026 and Civil3D 2026.

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Here are the ways to open a support case with Autodesk if you are on subscription to seek out Autodesk Support's help and report the issue:
https://www.autodesk.com/support/account/manage/use/support#:~:text=com/plans.-,Contact%20support,-S...