How to Give Print Command in AutoCAD?

Understanding the Print Command in AutoCAD

Printing or plotting designs from AutoCAD is essential for sharing your work. Below are step-by-step instructions for executing the print command effectively in AutoCAD.

How to Print in AutoCAD

To initiate the printing process, you have two primary methods: using a keyboard shortcut or the command line.

Using the Keyboard Shortcut:

1. Press CTRL + P on your keyboard. This will immediately open the Print dialog box.

Using the Command Line:

1. Type PLOT in the command line and press Enter. This will bring up the plot window.

Selecting the Right Plotter

Once in the plot window:

1. Look for the section labeled Printer/Plotter.
2. From the drop-down menu, choose DWG to PDF.pc3. This option allows you to create a PDF from your AutoCAD drawing.

Setting Up Your Print

Before printing, it’s crucial to configure your settings accurately. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Choose the Layout

• Select a layout from the layout tabs at the bottom of your AutoCAD window.

Step 2: Open Page Setup Manager

• Right-click on the layout tab you’ve chosen.
• Select Page Setup Manager from the context menu that appears.

Step 3: Modify Page Setup

• In the Page Setup Manager, find a default page setup to modify.
• Click on Modify to adjust the plot settings.

Step 4: Configure Plot Settings

• Here, specify settings such as paper size, plot area, and plot scale. Ensure that the plot area is set to the desired layout.

Printing a Drawing as PDF

To print your drawing as a PDF file, follow these steps:

1. Choose the layout tab at the bottom of the drawing area.
2. Navigate to the Output tab.
3. Click on Plot under the Plot panel. This opens the Plot dialog box.
4. Under the Printer/Plotter section, select the appropriate PDF plotter configuration.

Use of Model and Layout Views

When printing a DWG file, you can choose to print from either:

• The Model View, which is your working area.
• A predefined Layout View, which may have specific formatting and style applied.

Creating a Page Layout

Setting up a custom page layout is straightforward:

1. Select the desired layout tab in your AutoCAD interface.
2. Go to the Layout tab in the ribbon menu.
3. Click on Page Setup, and then click on New.
4. Assign a suitable name for your new layout setup.
5. Choose the printer and configure the necessary options such as paper size and plot area.
6. Click OK to save your new layout settings.

Saving a CAD File as PDF

To convert your AutoCAD file to PDF format:

1. Hold down the Ctrl key and click the layout tabs you wish to export.
2. Right-click and select Publish Selected Layouts.
3. In the Publish dialog box, select PDF from the Publish To drop-down menu.

Converting DWG Files Without AutoCAD

If you do not have access to AutoCAD, consider these options to convert DWG files to PDF:

1. Right-click the DWG file in your file directory.
2. Select Convert to Adobe PDF. Note that Adobe Acrobat 8 Professional or Acrobat 3D version 8 must be installed for this feature to work.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I directly print a DWG file without opening AutoCAD?
Yes, you can use dedicated software like DWG TrueView to print DWG files without needing AutoCAD. This viewer allows you to plot and convert files to PDF as well.

2. What is the difference between printing and plotting in AutoCAD?
While the terms are often used interchangeably, plotting typically refers to creating vector graphics outputs, while printing is used for raster images and text outputs.

3. How do I resolve issues with drawings appearing too small when printed?
Set your limits by typing LIMITS in the command line, then use Z followed by A to zoom to the limits. This should adjust your view and scale appropriately for printing.