Tips to open PC3 file

Can't open the PC3 file? You are not the only one. Thousands of users face similar problems every day. Below you will find tips on how to open PC3 files as well as a list of programs that support PC3 files.

PC3 file extension

File Name AutoCAD Plotter Configuration Format
File Developer Autodesk
File Category Settings Files

The PC3 file is supported on 1 operating systems. Depending on your operating system, you may need different software to handle the PC3 files. Below is a summary of the number of programs that support and open the PC3 file on each system platform.

Operating systems
  • 1
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0

What is PC3 file?

The PC3 file has been categorized as Settings Files. The creator of this file is Autodesk. Settings Files consists of 1305 similar files. AutoCAD Plotter Configuration Format appears on 1 operating systems as a functional file. These systems consist of Windows, although it may occasionally be found on another system, it will be non-functional. The main program that supports this format is AutoCAD. This was created by Autodesk, Inc..

How to open PC3 file?

The main problem with AutoCAD Plotter Configuration Format is that the PC3 file is incorrectly associated with programs. This is manifested by the fact that PC3 files open in unusual applications or do not have an assigned program. How to solve such a problem?

The first thing you should do is just "doubleclick" on the PC3 file icon you want to open. If the operating system has an appropriate application to support it and there is also an association between the file and the program, the file should be opened.

Step 1. Install AutoCAD

In this case, you should first verify that the AutoCAD application is installed on the computer. This can be achieved by typing AutoCAD into the operating system search engine. If it is not, installation may solve the problem, as most applications create file associations during installation. Later in this article you will find a list of programs that can open PC3 files.

Programs to open PC3 file

Remember to download programs supporting PC3 files only from verified and safe sources. We suggest using the websites of software developers.

Step 2. Create association of AutoCAD with PC3 files

However, it may happen that the application itself does not cause the PC3 file to open in the AutoCAD application, but you can set it manually. It is most convenient to call the context menu with the right mouse button and select Properties. Information about the file and the program that the file is associated with are available here. Using the "Change" button we can select the desired program. It may happen that in the next window there will be no appropriate program - however, this can be corrected with the "Browse" option where you should manually indicate the program location. However, it is important to check the "Always use the selected program ..." box, this will allow you to permanently associate the PC3 file with the AutoCAD application.

Step 3. Update AutoCAD to the latest version

If, however, after binding AutoCAD with AutoCAD Plotter Configuration Format there were still problems, you should update the program to the latest version. Some applications allow you to update from the program level, and for others you need to download the installer from the Autodesk, Inc. page and install.

Step 4. Check for the following problems with the PC3 file

The problem may also be with the file itself if the above steps don't work. The most common file problems are:

Very often, the file may be size 0 or incomplete. This suggests truncating the PC3 file contents when downloading or copying. The only repair option is to download the file again.
The most common cause here is computer viruses. Perform a virus scan using available and up-to-date anti-virus software. Some antivirus vendors also provide free online scanners. However, it is important to scan the entire system, not only the file PC3 or the program directory. Sometimes virus-infected PC3 files cannot be recovered, so make a backup in advance.
A typical compatibility error - the program does not support the older version of the PC3 file. Help should be sought from the software developer, as they usually recommend using free file converters or installing an older version of the program.
The file may be corrupted in a number of ways. Depending on the type of file, it is necessary to repair it accordingly. Sometimes the program itself has options to repair the most popular PC3 file corruption. The easiest way is to restore the file from a backup, if there is one, or contact Autodesk
When reading, a message appears that the file was encrypted or corrupted. The encrypted PC3 files cannot be played on other computers than the one on which they were encrypted, they must be decrypted before using on another device.
The operating system protects files in some locations (e.g. the root of the system partition) against unauthorized access. While there is usually no problem reading such a file, it may not be possible to save it. It is best to move PC3 to a different directory.
This problem only occurs with more complex files. You may find that another program you are using is preventing you from working with the file. Just close unnecessary programs. Sometimes you have to wait for the session to the file PC3 to close. However, some background programs may block the PC3 file while scanning. If the problem persists, restart the machine.