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Creating PDF files using AutoCAD

 

The following is intended as a general guide to assist the user in creating PDF files that are appropriately sized and scaled. Specifically, it provides information based on Windows XP Pro, AutoCAD 2005 and PDF Creator printer. For other operating systems, AutoCAD versions, and PDF software, it is only intended to provide the user with a general understanding of what is required to configure AutoCAD for plotting to PDF. Please refer to the appropriate software documentation.

 

PDF File Requirements

 

The final PDF file generated must be a half-size page with 600dpi (dots per inch) resolution and zero margins. Any images within the AutoCAD file must also be plotted to the PDF at 600 dpi. The PDF file must be PDF version 1.5 (Acrobat 6.x) compatible and comply with all Tri-service standards that are required for similar paper copies. The standard drawing size for Mobile District is 22"x34", making the 1/2-size PDFs 11"x17". Submitted file shall contain only one page (sheet) per PDF file.

 

Configure the PDF Creator printer

 

1) Open the Windows' Printers and Faxes. Locate the PDF Creator printer. Right-click and choose Properties, click the Printing Preferences... button.

 

2) On the PDF Creator Printing Preferences dialog, select the General tab. Make note of the current settings for Page Size and Default Settings. Click the Custom PDF Page Size option. Create a new Paper by specifying the width, height, and margin in millimeter.

 

3) On the General tab, set the PDF Resolution to 600 dpi. On the Images tab, check the "Maximum Compression for all image formats" option. On the Images tab, for each of the Image type settings, set the Downsample to "Bicubic Downsampling to" 600 ppi for images above 600 ppi. For color and grayscale images, set the Compression to "JPEG2000 (PDF 1.5)" and set the Image Quality to "High". For Monochrome Images, set the Compression to "CCITT Group 4".

 

4) Using your note of the settings for Page Size and Default Settings from step 3 above, set the Set the Page Size and Default Settings back to the original settings suitable for other applications. The default is Letter page size and Standard settings. Click OK to close the Printing Preferences dialog.

 

5) Click OK to close the PDF Creator Properties dialog.

 

Create an AutoCAD Plotter to use the PDF Creator Printer

 

1) Start AutoCAD and open a drawing with a 22" x 34" border. This will be used for previewing and test print only.

 

2) Create a new plotter configuration file (and associated PMP file) using the pull-down menu, File->Plotter Manager, or type PLOTTERMANAGER at the command prompt. Add a new plotter using the Add-A-Plotter Wizard. Click Next to continue. Select System Printer and click Next. Select "PDF Creator" as the printer and click Next and Next again. Provide a name for the plotter (e.g. PDF_VISTA). Click the Edit Plotter Configuration... button.

 

3) On the Device and Document Settings tab, under User-defined Paper Sizes & Calibration, select Modify Standard Paper Sizes (Printable Area). Select the custom paper size created in step 3 above and click Modify. Set all of the margins to zero (0.00). Click Next. Provide a name for the PMP file to store the parameters. Click Next. Click Finish.

 

4) On the Device and Document Settings tab, select Custom Properties. In the Access Custom Dialog section, click the Custom Properties... button.

 

5) In the PDF Creator Properties dialog, select the General tab. Set the Orientation to Landscape. Select the PDF Creator Settings tab and select "PDF_VISTA" as the Default Settings.  Click OK to close the PDF Creator Properties dialog.

 

6) Click OK to close the Plotter Configuration Editor.

7) Click Finish to close the Add-A-Plotter Wizard.

8) Go to PLOT section below.

 

Due to the vast variances in CAD applications, operating systems, it is beyond the scope of this document to provide specific guidance on PDF creation for all design software and systems.

 

PLOT

 

From within AutoCAD, select File, Plot.

From the PLOT dialog box, select the PDF_VISTA.pc3. In the Plot style table section, select an applicable color table. If the Plot Style Table section is not visible, click the button at the bottom right to expand the dialog box. Select all other plot options as applicable.

 

In the Paper size drop-down, select the 11x17 paper size.  Select the appropriate Plot Area and plot scale. The partial preview should indicate paper size, printable area, and effective area of 17.00 inches x 11.00 inches for 22"x34" border.