Creating Custom Plot Paper Sizes?

[Anonymous]

I just recently upgraded my PC and with that I upgraded to AutoCad LT 2020 from AutoCad LT 2018. My last PC was set up about 6 years ago when I got my HP 1055CM Plotter. I was easily able to go into the plotter configuration editor and create custom paper sizes, 5" x 36", 10" x 36", 15" x 36", etc. to save paper on my designs. However, now when I try to customize the settings and paper sizes, all the fields are grayed out and I can't get into any of it. 

I do still have my old PC and I was wondering if there was a way to save the PCP, PC2, or PC3 file from the old plotter and import it into AutoCad along with it's paper sizes?

[pendean]

PC3 files tend to be OS and printer/driver driver version specific: are both PCs that identical?
Where are you trying to create the custom sheet sizes? And what exactly is grayed out? We can't see your screen, so post a bunch of screenshots that walk us through your processes.

TIA

[bryce.thelin]

The ideal thing to do is to add custom paper sizes to the printer driver itself in Windows.

For PC3 files in AutoCAD, you must create them from a built-in Heidi driver, via the Add-A-Plotter Wizard and selecting "My Computer" as opposed to "System Printer." The Add button is then enabled for Custom Paper Sizes. This does limit you on the printer models available though.

It is possible to copy the old PC3/PC2 files from the other computer, but we don't recommend doing it, mainly based on what Dean said: operating system and printer driver changes. You probably went from a Windows 7 computer to Windows 10? The printer driver will be different and most likely the PC3/PC2 files won't be able to match up or link into it.

[Anonymous]

The PCs are not identical- I went from using Windows 10 on a Lenovo T530 ThinkPad to a Dell Precision 5530 also running Windows 10. However, when the plotter was initially set up on the Lenovo it was set up with Windows 8 on AutoCad 2015. WHen it was set up it was all very easy, I added the paper roll size, made some custom sizes, etc. 

But to add the plotter from "My Computer", my plotter model is not available as a selection so I had to add it as a system printer. Once I go through the System Printer options, I try to configure it and it gives me the 'greyed out' options which I attached screenshots off. It won't even let me select anywhere to specify a paper roll instead an 8 1/2" x 11" page. Is there a different and compatible plotter I could set it up as under the "My Computer" setup?

[pendean]

The 1055c system printer driver custom page sizes/setup is created from CUSTOM PROPERTIES not anywhere else

 

[Anonymous]

Whenever I try to click on the "Custom Properties" box, I get an error message and the program crashes. Is that a problem with the driver?

[bryce.thelin]

The Custom Properties button puts you into the printer driver preferences. On the system, open Devices and Printers via the Start menu and right-click the printer driver and choose "Printing Preferences." You may then add custom paper sizes, which any application can use, including AutoCAD.

It looks like we do not have that specific error on file. Most likely it is an issue with the printer driver, especially if you can click Custom Properties on other printers and it works.