How to Print from Paper Space AutoCAD?

Understanding Paper Space in AutoCAD

Paper Space is an essential component of AutoCAD that allows you to create layouts for printing. It is particularly useful for managing and organizing the various views and details of a drawing. To print from Paper Space effectively, follow these detailed steps.

Step-by-Step Guide to Printing from Paper Space in AutoCAD

Step 1: Access the Layout

1. Open Your Drawing: Launch AutoCAD and load the drawing you wish to print.
2. Select a Layout Tab: Navigate to the layout tab at the bottom of the drawing area. This is where you will prepare your print layout, typically labeled as "Layout1," "Layout2," etc.

Step 2: Configure Page Setup

1. Open Page Setup Manager: Right-click the layout tab and select "Page Setup Manager."
2. Select a Page Setup: In the manager, you can either choose an existing page setup or click “New” to create a new one.
3. Adjust the Printer/Plotter Settings:
   • In the Page Setup dialog box, choose the printer or plotter you intend to use from the dropdown list.
   • Select the paper size that matches your requirements.
   • Adjust other settings such as scale and orientation (portrait or landscape) to suit your drawing.

Step 3: Define the Print Area

1. Choose the Plot Area: In the same Page Setup dialog, you will find options for the plot area. You can choose from options such as:
   • Display: Prints everything visible in the current area.
   • Layout: Prints the entire layout, including title blocks and other annotations.
   • Window: Allows you to select a specific area to print.
2. Set the Plot Scale: Ensure that the plot scale matches your specifications to avoid distortions in the printed output.

Step 4: Preview the Print

1. Check Print Preview: After configuring the plot settings, click on "Preview" to view how the layout will appear when printed. This step is crucial for checking elements such as margins and details that may go off the page.

Step 5: Execute the Print Command

1. Open the Print Dialog: Press Ctrl + P (or Command + P on Mac) to open the print dialog.
2. Finalize the Settings: Review all settings, including printer selection, paper size, and scale.
3. Click Print: Once you are satisfied with the preview and settings, click the "OK" or "Print" button to send your document to the printer.

Printing Multiple Layouts

If you need to print multiple layouts simultaneously, here’s how to do it:

1. Select Layout Tabs: Hold the Ctrl key and click on each layout tab that you wish to print.
2. Open the Publish Dialog: Right-click on one of the selected tabs and choose “Publish Selected Layouts.”
3. Adjust Any Settings: In the Publish dialog, you can modify settings as necessary.
4. Click Publish: Confirm your selections and click the "Publish" button to print all selected layouts at once.

Unlocking Viewports in Paper Space

To unlock a viewport in Paper Space, follow these steps:

1. Select the Viewport: Click on the viewport you want to unlock.
2. Access the Properties Panel: Right-click and choose “Properties” from the context menu.
3. Adjust Lock Settings: In the properties panel, find the option to lock the viewport. Change the setting to "Unlocked" to allow adjustments.

FAQ

Q1: Can I print directly to PDF from AutoCAD?
Yes, you can print directly to PDF by selecting the appropriate PDF plotter from the Printer/Plotter dropdown in the Page Setup dialog.

Q2: How do I change the scale of my print in AutoCAD?
To change the scale, access the Page Setup dialog and adjust the scale settings under the Plot Scale section, ensuring it is properly set before printing.

Q3: What should I do if my drawing doesn’t fit on the page?
If your drawing doesn’t fit, return to the Page Setup dialog where you can adjust the scale, margins, or even select the "Fit to Paper" option to resize it appropriately for printing.