Windows Plotting Instructions

Overview

Steps on how to print to the vcplot, vcplotg, and vcplotcf plotters.

NOTE: Adobe Illustrator is the preferred program for plotting in color. If you plot using Adobe Acrobat, refunds for color issues will most likely not be approved. This program is available in the Adobe Creative Cloud suite or on the Computers in the VCC Lobby. Your document can be saved as a PDF and printed through Illustrator. 

Important Notice:

The Operations staff works as hard as possible to get your job plotted and in the output bins quickly.  However, plotting is a slow and labor-intensive process.  Therefore, during periods of heavy usage, you should plan on having to WAIT SEVERAL HOURS before your job even begins to plot.

Procedures

1. Save your file as a PDF.
2. Select the type of poster paper you would like to print on.
   • VCPLOT and VCPLOTBW — Regular paper
   • VCPLOTG and VCPLOTGBW — Glossy paper
   • VCPLOTCF and VCPLOTCFBW — Clear-film
3. If you do not have Adobe Reader installed:  https://itssc.rpi.edu/hc/en-us/articles/4580793081741-Adobe-Acrobat-Reader
4. Make sure the plotter printer you need is installed, see "Installing Printers for Windows", open your PDF file in Adobe Acrobat Reader DC and select “Print” from the File menu.
5. Select the correct printer from the drop-down menu and then click “Properties”.  See step 2 for selecting a printer.

[printer name and the properties button selected]

5. In Document Properties, go to the Paper/Quality tab, then click the “Custom…” button under “Paper Options”.
   
   [Paper/Quality tab pointing to custom button]
6. In the Custom Paper Size window, set the width to 36”, and set the length to the length of your document.
   
   [custom paper size dialog box pointing to the name field]
7. In the same window change the name of the Paper Size to something descriptive so you can use it the next time you need to print, then click “Save”.  You MUST change the name or you will not have an option to continue.
8. In the same window, press “OK”.  Then press “OK” in the Printer Properties window.
9. In the Print window select “Actual Size” under Page Sizing and Handling.  If this does not look correct, you can instead select “Fit”.  Deselect “Choose paper source by PDF page size”.  Select “Auto portrait/landscape” under Orientation.
   
   [print dialog box pointing to actual size]
10. Ensure that the preview looks correct and that the dimensions look correct.  Press “Print” to print the poster.
11. To make sure the poster has been sent to the printer, wait to see if a pop-up appears in the lower right hand corner of your screen indicating the document has been sent to the printer.  If not, ask at the Help Desk.
12. Posters are printed in the VCC Print Room, and will be brought up by staff.  Usually, posters will be ready about an hour after they were printed. This can take more time if the Print Queue (seen at the Help Desk) is long or if you are using the glossy or clear-film plotters.  Please plan enough time for your plot to complete before an assignment is due.
13. The posters are brought upstairs to bins in the southwest corner of the main lobby and are organized alphabetically by RCS ID.  Glossy and clear-film plots may have an extra cover paper wrapped around the plot to protect it.  If your poster is not there after 1–2 hours, feel free to ask at the Help Desk for an update on its status.  Please do not attempt to visit the Print Room — you'll be distracting the staff from the work of rolling up the plots.

Last Reviewed: 26-Feb-2024