AutoCAD

How to Print in AutoCAD 2015?

by Wei Zhang
4 min read

Understanding the Printing Process in AutoCAD 2025

To successfully print in AutoCAD, it is essential to familiarize yourself with the process and the available settings. Printing in AutoCAD can be performed in various ways, including printing directly to a physical printer or creating a PDF.

Steps to Print a DWG File

  1. Launch AutoCAD: Open AutoCAD 2025 and access the main interface.

  2. Opening Your File: Click the AutoCAD logo at the top left corner, then select ‘Open’ from the dropdown menu. Alternatively, you can use the shortcut Ctrl+O. Browse through your files to locate the DWG file you want to print, select it, and click ‘Open’.

  3. Choosing Your View: Decide whether you want to print from the Model space where your design is actively being worked on or from a predefined Layout, which organizes your design for printing.

Setting Up the Print Area

  1. Accessing Print Settings: Press Ctrl+P, which will open the Plot dialog window.

  2. Printer Selection: From the drop-down menu under ‘Printer/Plotter’, choose the desired printer or select an option to plot to a file, such as a PDF format.

  3. Adjusting Paper Size: Specify the paper size based on the project requirements. If you wish to alter the dimensions from the preset configurations, this is your opportunity to make adjustments.

  4. Selecting the Plot Area: Under the Plot Area section, choose how you wish to define what gets printed:

    • Display for the current view,
    • Layout for the entire layout,
    • Window if you want to select a specific area of the drawing.

  5. Previewing Your Print: Use the ‘Preview’ option to ensure everything looks correct before finalizing your print settings.

Printing to PDF in AutoCAD

  1. Navigate to the Layout Tab: Near the bottom-left corner of the drawing window, click on the Layout tab that corresponds to the view you want to print.

  2. Open the Plot Panel: Click on the ‘Output’ tab, and from the Plot panel, select ‘Plot’ to open the Print dialog.

  3. Select PDF Plotter: In the Plot dialog box, find the ‘Printer/Plotter’ section and select an AutoCAD PDF plotter configuration. Make sure it suits your printing needs.

  4. Adjusting Print Quality: You can set additional options for print quality in the settings, ensuring that your PDF output meets your standards.

Creating Thicker Lines

  1. Access Layer Properties: Go to the ‘Home’ tab, and click on the ‘Layer Properties’ panel.

  2. Choosing the Lineweight: In the Layer Properties Manager, identify the lines you need to adjust. Click the lineweight under the respective column to change it.

  3. Set Your Preferred Lineweight: Select the desired lineweight from the options available to ensure that your lines print at the desired thickness.

Setting Black and White Print for PDF

  1. Open Your Drawing: Start AutoCAD and open the drawing you wish to print.

  2. Access Page Setup: Click on the Layout tab you want to modify. Navigate to ‘File’, then select ‘Page Setup Manager’ and click ‘Modify’.

  3. Choosing Monochrome Settings: In the Page Setup dialog, locate and select ‘monochrome.ctb’ from the Plot Style table. Ensure the ‘Plot with plot styles’ checkbox is selected.

  4. Finalize Your Print: Click ‘OK’ to confirm your changes, and proceed to print your PDF.

Converting High-Resolution Drawings to PDF

  1. Opening the Drawing: Start with the desired drawing file open in AutoCAD.

  2. Exporting to PDF: Go to ‘Export’, then select ‘PDF’.

  3. Choosing the Right Preset: In the right panel of the export menu, pick a PDF preset that aligns with your needs, such as ‘High Quality Print’ for the best resolution.

  4. Saving the PDF: After setting your preferences, follow the prompts to save your exported PDF document.

FAQs

1. Can I print directly from AutoCAD without using a specific layout?
Yes, printing can be done directly from the Model space or a specific Layout, depending on your choice in the print dialog.

2. Do I need additional software to view DWG files?
While AutoCAD can open DWG files, Autodesk offers a free tool called DWG TrueView for self-viewing and converting files.

3. How can I ensure my print settings are consistent across different projects?
Creating and saving a custom Page Setup can help standardize print settings across your various AutoCAD projects.

About the author

Wei Zhang

Wei Zhang

Wei Zhang is a renowned figure in the CAD (Computer-Aided Design) industry in Canada, with over 30 years of experience spanning his native China and Canada. As the founder of a CAD training center, Wei has been instrumental in shaping the skills of hundreds of technicians and engineers in technical drawing and CAD software applications. He is a certified developer with Autodesk, demonstrating his deep expertise and commitment to staying at the forefront of CAD technology. Wei’s passion for education and technology has not only made him a respected educator but also a key player in advancing CAD methodologies in various engineering sectors. His contributions have significantly impacted the way CAD is taught and applied in the professional world, bridging the gap between traditional drafting techniques and modern digital solutions.

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