Steps to Create a PDF in AutoCAD 2014
Creating a PDF from an AutoCAD drawing can be a straightforward task. Follow these detailed steps to successfully export your drawing to a PDF format.
Step 1: Open Your Drawing
Launch AutoCAD and open the drawing you wish to convert. Make sure the layout or model view is prepared for printing.
Step 2: Access the Publish Menu
Navigate to the “Output” tab on the command ribbon. In the “Plot” panel, select the “Plot” option. This opens the Plot dialog where you can configure the settings for your PDF conversion.
Step 3: Select PDF.pc3 as Printer
In the “Printer/Plotter” drop-down menu, choose ‘DWG To PDF.pc3’. This option is specifically designed for generating PDFs from your AutoCAD drawings.
Step 4: Configure PDF Settings
Once you’ve selected the PDF printer, configure any additional settings required for your document. Set the paper size, plot area, and scale according to your needs. Make sure to select “Window” if you want to specify a particular section of the drawing.
Step 5: Set Output Options
Click on the “PDF Options” button to view more choices. Here, you can adjust options such as creating a multi-sheet PDF file by selecting “Multi-Sheet File” if you are publishing multiple layouts. Check other preferences like quality and monochrome settings based on your requirements.
Step 6: Preview the PDF
Before finalizing, it can be helpful to preview your document. Click the “Preview” button in the Plot dialog box to view the output. This step ensures that everything is set correctly.
Step 7: Save Your PDF
After confirming the preview, click “OK” to continue. A dialog will prompt you to choose the location where you want to save the PDF. Enter a name for your PDF file and select your desired folder to save it in.
Step 8: Finalize Conversion
Once you have saved your file, AutoCAD will begin the conversion process and create the PDF. After it completes, navigate to the saved location to open and review your new PDF document.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I create a PDF from multiple layouts in AutoCAD?
Yes, you can convert multiple layouts to a single PDF. Use the “Publish” command found under the Output tab, select the layouts you want, adjust your settings, and export them as one multi-sheet PDF.
What should I do if the PDF conversion does not include all layers?
Make sure that the layers you wish to include are visible and not frozen. You can manage layer visibility in the Layer Properties Manager prior to exporting your PDF.
Is it possible to set a customized page size for my PDF?
Absolutely. In the Plot dialog, you can create a new page setup or select a predefined size from the paper size options. This allows you to customize the dimensions of your output PDF.
