Fix AutoCAD Printing Issues: A Guide for 11×17 Printers

Encountering printing problems with AutoCAD, especially when trying to output technical drawings on 11×17 paper? You’re not alone. Many AutoCAD users face frustrating issues like incorrect scaling, missing elements, or print jobs failing altogether. If you’re using printers that print 11×17 for your AutoCAD projects, a simple driver change might be the solution you need.

This guide focuses on a proven workaround that resolves common AutoCAD printing problems by switching to the HP Universal Printing Driver PS. This solution has been successfully tested and implemented for users running Windows 10 and AutoCAD, and it could streamline your printing process as well.

Understanding the Issue

Often, printing problems in AutoCAD are not due to the software itself, but rather stem from conflicts or inefficiencies within the printer driver. Printer drivers act as translators between your computer and your printer, ensuring that print commands are correctly interpreted. Sometimes, device-specific drivers can be complex or poorly optimized for certain applications like AutoCAD, leading to printing errors.

The Solution: HP Universal Printing Driver PS

The HP Universal Printing Driver PostScript (UPD PS) offers a robust and reliable alternative. This driver is designed to work with a wide range of HP printers and provides a consistent printing experience across different models. By switching to the HP UPD PS, you can bypass potential issues caused by your current driver and establish a more stable printing environment for AutoCAD, particularly for printers that print 11×17 and other paper sizes.

Step-by-Step Guide to Install HP Universal Printing Driver PS

Here’s how to change your printer driver to the HP Universal Printing Driver PS:

1. Download the Driver: Visit the HP support website and search for “HP Universal Print Driver for Windows PostScript (64-bit)“. Download the latest version of the driver.
2. Access Printer Properties: Go to Control Panel > Devices and Printers. Right-click on your printer and select Printer properties (ensure you select “Printer properties,” not just “Properties”).
3. Initiate New Driver Installation: Navigate to the Advanced tab and click on the New Driver… button. If this button is greyed out, you may need to uninstall your current printer driver and reinstall the printer using the wizard in the next steps.
4. Run the Driver Package: Execute the downloaded .exe driver package from HP. This will extract the necessary driver files to a location on your computer. If you had to uninstall and reinstall your printer due to the “New Driver” button being greyed out, proceed with the printer setup wizard. If the “New Driver” button was accessible, you can close the HP wizard once the files are extracted.
5. Browse for Driver Files: Click on the New Driver… button in the Printer Properties window. Follow the Windows wizard prompts. When you reach the Printer Driver Selection window, click Have Disk….
6. Locate the Driver Information File: Navigate to the folder where you extracted the HP driver files. Select the file named hpbuio200l.inf. While other .inf files in the list might also function, this one is a reliable option.
7. Choose the Driver: You may be presented with two options: HP Universal Printing PS or HP Universal Printing PS (v6.8.0). Select the first option, HP Universal Printing PS (the non-versioned option), and click Next. Complete the remaining steps of the wizard.
8. Apply the New Driver: Once you return to the Printer Properties window, click Apply. Allow a few minutes for the driver files to be applied. After it’s finished, click OK.

After completing these steps, you should be able to print from AutoCAD without the previous issues. It’s typically not necessary to restart AutoCAD or your computer for the new driver to take effect.

Why the Universal Print Driver Works

The HP Universal Printing Driver PS is designed for compatibility and stability across a broad range of printing environments. Its generalized nature, while still providing PostScript functionality crucial for applications like AutoCAD, can often avoid conflicts or specific device driver errors. For printers that print 11×17, especially in technical or professional settings, a reliable driver is paramount for consistent and accurate output.

Conclusion

If you are struggling with printing from AutoCAD, particularly on printers that print 11×17 paper, switching to the HP Universal Printing Driver PS is a straightforward and effective solution. By following these steps, you can potentially resolve frustrating printing errors and ensure smooth, reliable output for your important AutoCAD projects. Give it a try and experience a more seamless printing workflow.