🛠️ Top 50 AutoCAD Tips & How to Print Drawings in A3 Size – A Complete Guide

Whether you’re an architect, engineer, or student, AutoCAD is a powerful tool — but mastering it requires knowing the shortcuts, smart tricks, and how to print correctly. This guide gives you:

✅ Top 50 AutoCAD Tips to boost productivity
✅ A step-by-step guide to print on A3 paper size

🔍 Summary of Main Points

50 practical AutoCAD tips from commands to layer management
Keyboard shortcuts to work faster
Tips for drawing precision and cleaner designs
Steps to plot/print in A3 size with correct scale and layout
Common printing errors fixed

🧠 Top 50 AutoCAD Tips & Tricks

✨ Productivity Tips

Use Dynamic Blocks – Reuse objects with flexible properties.
Group Objects – Use GROUP to move related items together.
Match Properties (MATCHPROP) – Clone styles and attributes instantly.
Quick Select (QSELECT) – Filter and select objects by criteria.
Turn off Unused Layers – Keeps workspace cleaner.
Use LAYISO – Isolate specific layers to avoid distraction.
Use Tool Palettes (CTRL + 3) – Access frequently used blocks quickly.
Auto-save Settings – Set backup interval under Options > Open & Save.
Lock Viewports – Avoid accidental pan/zoom in layout tabs.
Use Layout Tabs – Organize multiple sheets in one file.

🖱️ Drawing & Editing Tips

Use OFFSET – Create parallel lines quickly.
Use TRIM and EXTEND – Clean edges and snap ends to limits.
Use JOIN and PEDIT – Convert broken polylines to clean paths.
Avoid Exploding Text or Blocks – It ruins formatting.
Use COPYBASE (CO) – Copy objects with base points.
Use ARRAY – Rectangular or polar repeat patterns.
Use MIRROR (MI) – Save time duplicating symmetrical parts.
Use ALIGN – For rotating and scaling in one go.
Use SCALE – Maintain drawing proportions.
Use FILLET (F) – Create smooth corners automatically.

🎯 Precision Drawing Tips

Use Object Snaps (OSNAP) – Accurate selection at corners, midpoints, etc.
Use Object Snap Tracking – Align from other objects easily.
Use ORTHO Mode (F8) – Draw straight lines only.
Use POLAR Tracking – Draw at angles (like 45°, 30°).
Use UNITS Command – Always set units before starting.
Use DIMSTYLE – Standardize dimension appearance.
Use LAYOUT view for sheet setup – Avoid clutter in model space.
Use Annotative Text & Dimensions – They scale automatically in viewports.
Draw to Scale Always – Use real-world dimensions.
Set Drawing Limits – Define boundary using LIMITS command.

⚙️ Commands & Shortcuts

L – Line
C – Circle
REC – Rectangle
PL – Polyline
TR – Trim
EX – Extend
F – Fillet
Z – Zoom
E – Erase
CO – Copy
M – Move
RO – Rotate
SC – Scale
AR – Array
H – Hatch
D – Dimension
B – Block
X – Explode
LA – Layer Manager
PLOT – Print/plot command

🖨️ How to Print/Plot AutoCAD Drawings on A3 Size Paper

🧾 Step-by-Step A3 Printing Guide:

🔹 Step 1: Prepare Your Layout

Go to Layout1 or Layout2 tab (not Model Space).
Click Page Setup Manager > Modify.

🔹 Step 2: Page Setup Settings

Printer/Plotter: Choose PDF (ex. “DWG to PDF.pc3”) or real printer.
Paper Size: Select ISO A3 (420.00 x 297.00 mm).
Plot Area: Choose Layout.
Plot Scale: Set to 1:1 or custom (e.g., 1:50, 1:100 depending on your drawing scale).
Drawing Orientation: Portrait or Landscape based on your drawing.

🔹 Step 3: Adjust Viewport

Double-click inside the layout’s viewport.
Use Z → Enter → E (Zoom Extents).
Lock the viewport by selecting it > Right-click > Display Locked > Yes.

🔹 Step 4: Add Title Block and Scale Bar

Use a pre-made title block (A3 format).
Insert blocks using INSERT or from Tool Palettes.

🔹 Step 5: Use `PLOT` Command

Type PLOT or press CTRL + P.
Review your settings and Preview before final print.
Click OK to print or save as PDF.

🧠 Bonus Tips for Better Printing

Always check lineweights (LWT) are turned on.
Use PLOT STYLES to control colors and lineweights.
Use MONOCHROME.CTB for black-and-white printing.
Save your Page Setup as a template for reuse.

📚 FAQs

❓ Why does my drawing not fit A3 paper?

Check the plot scale, paper size, and viewport settings. Use Zoom > Extents in the viewport.

❓ How to create A3 paper layout in AutoCAD?

Go to Layout > Page Setup > Paper size > Choose A3 (420 × 297 mm).

❓ What CTB file should I use?

Use monochrome.ctb for black-and-white or acad.ctb for color printing.

❓ Can I print multiple A3 sheets automatically?

Yes, use Sheet Set Manager or batch plot tool in AutoCAD.

❓ How to center my drawing when printing?

In the plot dialog, check “Center the plot” option.

🏁 Final Thoughts

Whether you're an AutoCAD beginner or intermediate user, these 50 tips and printing steps will level up your workflow. According to sources like Autodesk University and experienced CAD professionals, understanding layout and plotting is just as important as knowing how to draw.

Stay consistent, organize your layers, and always preview before printing.

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