AutoCAD or F/X CAD Crashes or Freezes & Fatal Error When You Try to Run Publish or Batch Plot Commands

Issue

You tried to run either the Publish or Batch Plot command, and CAD crashed or froze.

You may have also seen a Fatal error message.

Cause

We've seen this issue result from:

• An improper plotter configuration or
• A damaged or improper page setup

Solution

1. Try plotting a single sheet.

Is the sheet plotting successfully?

• No, the single sheet did not plot successfully: The issue is with your plotter or your plotter setup. See our steps to troubleshoot your plotter and plotter setup.
• Yes, the single sheet plotted successfully: You've confirmed that the issue is in fact with the Publish command. Move on to the next step.

2. Open the Options dialog box:

Manage ribbon, Options button

 

 

 

type Options in the Command line

 

 

 

 

right-click in the Command line and select Options from the menu

Tools pull-down menu

3. Select the Plot and Publish tab in the Options dialog box.

 

Under Enable background plot when, ensure that the Plotting and Publishing options are both unchecked.

 

Try using the Publish command again. If it plots successfully, you've resolved the issue.

 

Still getting the Fatal error? CAD still freezing? Move on to the next step.

4. At this point, you can try using a different PDF provider. See our recommendations for third-party PDF plotters.

Still can't get it to work? Move on to the next step.

5. Try plotting the sheets individually and then using software to combine them into one PDF. Options include:

• Free online services such as smallpdf.com
• More powerful programs such as Foxit software