Save SLDDRW to PDF

Sometimes I find that I have to send my 2D files to ventors for quotes, and many do not use the Edrawing add-on or bother to download the SWX Viewer. A simple way to get your 2D files out to the general public without loosing format or detail is to send a PDF file.

Normally, this is done with Adobe Acrobat (not Reader), which can cost nearly $400. No one should spend that kind of money simply to get quotes. I have found a great program that you can download for WinNT or Win2k, and it's free*. It's called Win2PDF and it installs like a printer driver on your computer. When you are ready, all you have to do is "print" your 2D file using the Win2PDF "printer" and the program will prompt you to find a location to save the new PDF file. After that, it's a simple attachment to an email (or the PDF is uploaded to your companies site for public veiwing).

You might have noticed that asterik... the program is free, but it automatically places an add on the last page of your PDF file. To get rid of the ad, you'll have to register the program, which only costs $35. I highly suggest registration.

For more info check out "Happy the Hare at morning for she is ignorant to the Hunter's waking thoughts."

Another free pdf writer is through Click on the button near the left column that says free PDF software worth 60 pounds.

You will have to register on the site (also free). Download and install the PDF creator. When in a slddrw, you simply print to the PDF "printer." No crazy ads and very easy to use. I've done it many many times and with no problems or errors.

Thanks for the info swertel. "Happy the Hare at morning for she is ignorant to the Hunter's waking thoughts."

Just to let you know that if you create an e drawing your recepient does not require any specific software as you can save it as a .EXE file.
This means that not only do you get the drawing in a printable format but the recipient can also rotate and zoom with the model.

However!! I have assemblies containing 1 sheetmetal part (as you can n ot add welds to a part) and the drawing contains various bent views from the assembly and the flat pattern to the part. When i create an e-drawing the rotate option is greyed out, presumably as there are views from different files in the same drawing.

Does anyone know a way around this or will i have to create another drawing and send two files (this would be bad practice for us as a non-standard drawing would be produced.

Thanks in anticipation.

G Robinson