CAD File Printing Help

[corvette63]

I am running CAD 2005. Is it possible to save the file in a format that it can be printed by someone that does not have CAD software on their computer? I can make a PDF out of the file, but it does not print to scale. I was looking at the save as options but it did not look like there were many options.

 

[MikeHalloran]

Try the add-a-plotter wizard. You can add 'pseudoplotters' to produce several different kinds of files that are printable by persons without CAD. Expecting a _scaled_ plot may be unrealistic.

PDF files in large formats have _never_ printed right for me; maybe I just hold my tongue wrong.

I've had reasonable success plotting large TIF files without CAD.

One tactic you might try is suggesting that your correspondents invest in an inexpensive CAD program that can read AutoCAD files, and use it just for plotting. TurboCAD, for one, can be _deeply_ discounted if you don't buy on the first contact, and is not too shabby.



Mike Halloran
Pembroke Pines, FL, USA

 

[ctopher]

I have not tried, but check into DWF Viewer(AutoDesk)

Chris
Systems Analyst, I.S.
SolidWorks/PDMWorks 05
AutoCAD 05
ctopher's home site (updated 06-21-05)
FAQ559-1100
FAQ559-716

 

[dik]

I have a stand alone pdfwriter from adobe that is configured as a printer in autocad and have it set up for a custom sheet size 24x36. I simply print to this device and it creates a *.pdf file that is 24x36 and can be printed to scale on a large format plotter.

Dik

 

[MikeHalloran]

Maybe on a plotter with _way_ more than 32MB of ram, or a hard drive.



Mike Halloran
Pembroke Pines, FL, USA

 

[IFRs]

If you know what the other printer is, you should be able to install it on your system, redirect it to a file then print to that printer (file) and send them the file.

 

[IFRs]

You might be able to print directly to their printer if it can be set up as an internet printer. If it is on a LAN or WAN you could get VPN rights and maybe print to it.

 

[corvette63]

Thanks to everyone for the responses. The option that Dik listd is the one that is easiest for me to follow. Dik can you tell me more about how you did it. Purchased adobe writer? I am running CAD 2005. Thank you.

 

[corvette63]

Anymore input on this one?

 

[IFRs]

Search this forum for pdf.

 

[ADMIRALKEN]

You can download a free pdf print engine here:

http://sourceforge.net/projects/pdfcreator/

 

[xgrigorix]

DWF works like a charm. PDF typically do not print to scale very well.