Not able to plot embedded OLE objects from AutoCAD LT 2025

[meredithe]

I am not able to plot embedded OLE objects from AutoCAD LT 2025 in a 1:1 scale, and I cannot figure out why.  I have made sure that the plotter driver is up to date.  I have worked with Autodesk support to troubleshoot the issue.  I have reviewed what I believe are relevant OLE settings and made some changes (including OLEHIDE).  I have tried different methods of embedding the objects to achieve different object properties.  I have tried multiple resolution settings for the objects as well as the plotter.  Still, nothing works.  I am only trying to embed simple pictures and information from Excel documents.  All objects are visible in plot previews.  One of my colleagues has no problem with this using LT 2024, simply by using copy/paste.  I am typically plotting 24"x36" (610mm x 914mm) or longer drawings (limited to 24" width).  The only success I have had is if I use a standard paper size and only plot part of the drawing, which really isn't an option because I then must take time to piece together all of the plots.  I have also had some success with scaled plotting, but that is not helpful because I need the 1:1 size.  Does anyone have any suggestions for something that I may be missing in settings or procedure that is not allowing these objects to plot?

Thank you in advance.

[paullimapa]

1. I assume you’ve installed 2025.1.1 and you’re using AutoCADs builtin pdf driver

[pendean]

Here is a long list of items to try
https://www.autodesk.com/support/technical/article/caas/sfdcarticles/sfdcarticles/Some-OLE-objects-d...

[meredithe]

Yes, using 2025.1.1.  Trying to plot physical copies of drawings.

[paullimapa]

Could you attach a sample dwg that has an embedded ole object to see if others can replicate your problem?

[meredithe]

File attached.

[paullimapa]

I'm able to create the pdf showing all the embedded OLE objects.

The only difference for me is I'm running AutoCAD 2025.1.1 & not LT

This is my PLOT window using AutoCAD's built-in DWG To PDF.pc3:

This is PLOT PREVIEW:

This is PDF (attached):

[pendean]

---

@meredithe wrote:

File attached.

---

May I ask why did you leave these blank/empty? Now we don't know what choices you made so we can't quite observe if anything needs changing

As noted by others, no issues here in LT2025.1.1 in WindowsOS either

If you migrated from an older version, you might have brought along a PDF driver with issues: a reset of your LT2025 may be in order.

[meredithe]

To answer all questions:

- I also do not have issues plotting a pdf from my drawings.  But I am trying to plot physical copies to be used as part of production jigs on our production floor.  This is where I am having problems.  I have figured out a work-around to plot properly, but it involves referenced images.  This is not ideal as the images don't always appear when opening the drawing later.  If another colleague opens the drawing, the images won't show up no matter what (as you all know).

- I do not typically save page setups or change plot style tables.  If anything, I will use the "<Previous Plot>" setting in the page setup, and that is all.  I reset the other settings/options as I need to.

- I was just upgraded to LT2025.1.1 on Monday (two days ago).  I was hoping the upgrade would solve the problem, but it has not.  I have made new drawings from scratch and still cannot plot properly.  I am, however, importing information from drawings created in an older LT2025 version, so perhaps that is bringing problems with it?

I just attempted another test.  I plotted the sample using the Arch D size...no problems.  I plotted using a custom 24"x36" size...also no problems.  Then I plotted using a custom 24"x84" size (it is not uncommon to have drawings that large or larger)...OLEs did not plot.

Am I just facing a memory issue?  I have not reviewed any of the plot files that are created when plotting.  Would any errors be listed in there?

[paullimapa]

Sounds like a limitation to the plot driver you’re using then since plotting to pdf is not an issue 

[pendean]

---

@meredithe wrote:

...Then I plotted using a custom 24"x84" size (it is not uncommon to have drawings that large or larger)...OLEs did not plot....

---

You'll have to reach out to the support group of that physical device and/or their user groups if they offer that.

Or your IT folks. I assume your PDFs plot to that device just fine, images and all?

May I ask why to total secrecy about what that printer/plotter is or the driver version you are using? Someone around here probably has one or access to one or at least those drivers.

[meredithe]

No secrecy, just haven't mentioned it.  HP DesignJet T250.  Yes, PDFs plot with the images in place.  IT helped with updating the plotter driver, but I don't think they know what to do beyond that.

[pendean]

---

@meredithe wrote:

...HP DesignJet T250.  Yes, PDFs plot with the images in place...

---

Are you using a PC3 file in AutoCAD/LT to plot to that unit?

or are you just using the Windows Driver to plot to direct?

is the Windows Driver for that plotter an HPGL2 or POSTSCRIPT or PCL driver?

We have a different model, the driver has an OLE setting, do you have the same? That pop-up is from PLOT command's PROPERTIES of that Windows based driver (no PC3 file)

You might need to consider posting in the HP user forums as well, here is the link for large printers/plotters:

https://h30434.www3.hp.com/t5/DesignJet-Large-Format-Printers-Digital-Press/bd-p/DesignJet-LargeForm...