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Plot AutoCAD Drawings to PDF
Tip# 3450 By Mitch Hirschklau On 27-Jun-2010
3.5
Rated By 2 users
Categories : Styles
Software type : AutoCAD 2011
Rename File To : No Files to download.
Plotting AutoCAD drawings to PDF can save time and simplify file sharing.

Space Management Specialist Mitch Hirschklau discusses the many benefits of plotting AutoCAD drawings to PDF.

"Now that I'm using AutoCAD 2010 full-time, I've been getting into the habit of plotting to PDF (using the AutoCAD 2010 PDF generator) almost every time I plot. When I'm going to plot a hard copy, I plot to PDF, and then plot the PDF.
 
"First, this practice saves some time. My organization is always asking for PDFs (via e-mail, etc.), and this way I almost always have a PDF of my latest version or design on hand. Second, the AutoCAD 2010–generated PDFs, in addition to having a much smaller file size, also allow you to turn the AutoCAD layers on or off. While this is a wonderful convenience for the people we supply the PDF to, it's also a great convenience to us, the originators.
 
"For example, if you get a request for a fresh hard copy of the latest proposed floor plan, but this time with the Demo turned off, you don't have to load up and generate a new plot. Just open the previously built PDF, turn off the layers you need to, and re-print! I know that this saves just a little time, but multiplied by days or weeks, it might prove well worth developing a new habit."

 
Notes from Cadalyst Tip Patrol: PDF files are a great format to send your documents and CAD files in; they are accepted by most individuals and businesses worldwide. AutoCAD comes with a printer driver that will allow you to "print" to a PDF, creating a digital version of your printed files. This process gives you the ability to export your drawing files to a PDF format. The AutoCAD DWG to PDF printer driver not only prints to PDF, it also retains the object layers in the PDF. This is a great feature.

 

 

Average Rating:
3.5


User comments
Comment by McSwain,R.K.
Posted on 2010-06-28 13:26:02
It is also a good way to check your plot without using paper and ink/toner.
Comment by Hill,Clinton
Posted on 2010-06-28 13:51:09
Autodesk has confirmed that there is known issue (bug) with the AutoCAD DWG to PDF printer driver in AutoCAD 2010 that I use. See Autodesk website: http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/ps/dl/item?siteID=123112&id=13586189&linkID=9240817 Quoted below from this Autodesk website: Published date: 2010-Mar-25 ID: TS13586189 Applies to: AutoCAD® 2011 AutoCAD® 2010 AutoCAD LT® 2011 AutoCAD LT® 2010 "Issue You created a PDF file from your drawing but the text or symbols are displayed as dots. Solution In order to have the text and symbols display correctly in the PDF file, follow these steps: Start the Plot command and choose DWG To PDF.pc3 as plotter Click Properties and select Custom Properties in the Device and Document Settings tab Click the Custom Properties button Under Font Handling, select "Capture all" Click OK and save the file Create the PDF file using the modified PC3 file" I hope that helps! Clint
Comment by machiels,lyle
Posted on 2010-06-28 14:20:05
With several printers per floor it's become a nightmare keeping up with all the pc3 files, so,we too are starting to print to pdf. Only two pc3 files required! One for lines merge, one without line merge. An issue with AutoCADs pdf writer is that line merge fails to work when publishing multiple layouts to one pdf from the sheet set manager. As a result, we are still using Acroplot for our pdf driver. The layer feature is useful in house, but turning over pdfs with layer control over to a client or contractor can be dangerous if they decide to print a construction drawing with critical layers turned off.
Comment by Doutey,Nancy
Posted on 2010-06-28 14:45:29
Also if you use text mask the text is boxed out. Workaround is to NOT USE TEXTMASK!!! Change properties and use background mask. Not something to find out at the end of a large project!
Comment by Chauhan,Brad
Posted on 2010-06-28 18:06:43
I often recommend publishing to DWF and use Design Review to add additional pages and get the plan set page order correct, then print to PDF