Batch plot override

[Anonymous]

Hello Folks,

Hoping someone can help resolve an issue with batch plot overrides. This issue appears to be an issue in AutoCAD 2016, and not 2015.

We’re currently using AutoCAD 2016 to batch plot several files. We prefer plotting to “ADOBE PDF”, which has been the standard with the firm for several years. But when using the Batch Plot, the Plot Device has been set to Override: DWG to PDF, which results in lighter/thinner lines.

Is there a way override the override (aside from reverting back to AutoCAD 2015)

We have tried using a sheet set dsts set to several other printers, but the “Override: DWG to PDF” tends to stick, resulting in lighter lines.

We have tried importing dwts set to several other printers through the Page Setup drop-down in Batch Plot/Publish, but the “Override: DWG to PDF” tends to stick, resulting in lighter lines.

Plotting sheets individually, or Publish to: Plotter named in Page Setup seems to work, but both require more time and/or attention. And prefer not to to revert back to AutoCAD 2015 to perform Batch plots.

Is there an alternative method to get a desired plotter (Adobe PDF) rather than the Override (DWG to PDF), or is there a step that is missing?

Thank you for any clarification you are able to provide!

Screenshots can be posted if needed.

[pendean]

"adobe pdf" needs to be treated like all 3rd party drivers you ant to use: in PUBLISH command (batch plot) you need to use the PUBLISH TO option called PLOTTER NAMED IN PAGE SETUP.

You also need to ensure that 2015 and 2016 have access to this same driver.

DWT are template files and are locked by design: if you need to change the DWT defaults your first need to change the extensions to DWG to unlock them, make your desired changes back to "adobe pdf", save, then change the file extensions back to DWT.

[cgh6VFSY]

Is there a way to automatically override all the plot device in batch? For example, I am now working all with A2 and I saved the dst list but rather than going one by one, applying the same plot device, I would just prefer to change them all automatically to the one I want.

[pendean]

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@cgh6VFSY wrote:

Is there a way to automatically override all the plot device in batch? For example, I am now working all with A2 and I saved the dst list but rather than going one by one, applying the same plot device, I would just prefer to change them all automatically to the one I want.

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Nothing built-in does that, but here are some tips you can try

https://www.autodesk.com/support/technical/article/caas/sfdcarticles/sfdcarticles/how-to-automatical... 

[cgh6VFSY]

Thanks for the tip, it may speed up the process a tiny bit but I guess the issue is still this:

"The -PLOT command can be used to change the printer of the current layout. It does not support changing multiple layouts at the same time. Enter the following LISP command on the command line in AutoCAD:"

[pendean]

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@cgh6VFSY wrote:

Thanks for the tip, it may speed up the process a tiny bit but I guess the issue is still this:

"The -PLOT command can be used to change the printer of the current layout. It does not support changing multiple layouts at the same time. Enter the following LISP command on the command line in AutoCAD:"

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You need to keep reading on that page, you stopped too soon:

https://www.autodesk.com/support/technical/article/caas/sfdcarticles/sfdcarticles/how-to-automatical...

You can also use -PAGESETUP command at the commandline and in a LISP

https://help.autodesk.com/view/ACD/2025/ENU/?guid=GUID-8BCC8A24-E396-4FFB-BA91-10D8DCB3359E#:~:text=.... 

HTH

[baksconstructor]

Maybe you'd be better off using a ready-made solution?
There are programs that, when you press one button, change all the necessary print settings.
Moreover, the programs automatically print everything according to your settings.