Understanding the Process of Printing a Scale Drawing in AutoCAD
Printing a scale drawing in AutoCAD requires a clear approach to ensure that your designs translate accurately onto paper. Follow the steps outlined below to prepare and execute your print job effectively, whether for distribution or presentation.
Setting Up Your Drawing Environment
1. **Open Your Drawing**: Launch AutoCAD and open the drawing you wish to print. Ensure your drawing is complete and ready for presentation.
2. **Configure the Viewport**: If you are using a layout tab (as opposed to model space), set up your viewport to the desired scale. You can adjust the viewport properties by double-clicking inside the viewport area and navigating to the properties panel.
3. **Choose Scale**: To set the proper scale for your drawing, select the viewport and look for the scale option. You can typically find this option within the properties palette, where you can input or select the desired scale ratio.
Setting Up the Print Configuration
1. **Select the Output Tab**: Navigate to the Output tab in the AutoCAD ribbon, where printing options are located.
2. **Access Plot Settings**: Click on the ‘Plot’ button to open the Plot dialog box. This is the primary interface for configuring your print settings.
3. **Select Printer/Plotter**: From the Printer/Plotter dropdown menu, choose your printing device. If you are printing to a PDF, select the DWG to PDF option.
4. **Choose Paper Size**: From the Paper Size dropdown, select the size that corresponds to your desired output (e.g., A4, Letter). Make sure the size matches the configuration for your drawing.
Adjusting Scale and Orientation
1. **Set the Scale in the Plot Dialog**: Look for the plot scale section in the Plot dialog box. Make sure the scale is set according to the requirements of your project. For instance, if you are printing at 1:100 scale, enter that ratio in the respective fields.
2. **Consider Orientation**: Choose between portrait and landscape orientation depending on the layout of your drawing. The orientation can significantly affect how your drawing fits on the designated paper size.
3. **Preview the Print**: Utilize the preview function to check how your drawing will appear when printed. This helps to avoid any unforeseen layout issues.
Finalizing and Printing Your Drawing
1. **Adjust Additional Settings**: Before finalizing the print job, check any other settings such as plot styles, line weights, and colors. Ensure these align with your project specifications.
2. **Save Your Configuration**: If this is a setting you will use regularly, consider saving your plot configuration for future use. This can save time in future printing tasks.
3. **Initiate the Print Command**: Once everything is set to your satisfaction, click on the ‘OK’ or ‘Print’ button to start printing your drawing.
FAQ
**What should I do if my drawing doesn’t print at the correct scale?**
Check the plot scale settings in the Plot dialog box to ensure it matches the intended scale. Additionally, verify that the viewport scaling corresponds with the scale set in the print options.
**How can I save my drawing as a PDF for easier sharing?**
Use the same Plot dialog box to select ‘DWG to PDF’ as your printer, which allows you to export your drawing as a PDF file. Ensure the settings in the plot dialog are still appropriate for PDF output.
**What steps can I take if my drawing is cut off during printing?**
Review the paper size and margins in the Plot dialog. Adjust the plot area settings to ensure your drawing fits within the printable area. Utilizing the ‘fit to paper’ option may also help.
