AutoCAD

How to Print PDF in AutoCAD?

by Wei Zhang
4 min read

Understanding PDF Printing in AutoCAD

Printing PDFs from AutoCAD requires familiarity with specific tools and settings. Here is a comprehensive guide to navigate the process efficiently.

Steps to Print Directly from AutoCAD

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

  2. Access Print Setup: Navigate to the ‘Output’ tab, then select ‘Plot’. This opens the Plot dialog.

  3. Choose Printer/Plotter: From the drop-down menu, select a PDF printer. For instance, the "DWG to PDF" option is commonly used.

  4. Configure Paper Size: In the Paper Size field, pick the appropriate size based on your needs, such as A4 or A3.

  5. Set Print Area: Determine the plot area. Options include ‘Display’, ‘Extents’, ‘Limits’, or ‘Window’. Choose ‘Window’ if you need to select a specific area.

  6. Adjust Quality Settings: Click on ‘Properties’ to configure the PDF output settings. Select preferred quality options, ensuring text and graphics appear clear.

  7. Preview and Print: Utilize the ‘Preview’ option to check the print layout. Once satisfied, click the ‘OK’ button to proceed.

Printing Multi-Page PDFs in AutoCAD

  1. Open Publish Command: Type PUBLISH in the command line and hit Enter.

  2. Choose Output Format: In the ‘Publish To’ dropdown, select ‘PDF’.

  3. Configure Options: Click on ‘Publish Options’. Ensure that the ‘Multi-sheet file’ box is checked, allowing for multiple drawings.

  4. Finalize Settings: Adjust other preferences as required.

  5. Start Publishing: Click the ‘Publish’ button to generate the PDF.

Converting Multiple DWG Files to PDF

  1. Select Files: Hold down the Shift key and select multiple DWG files in the File Explorer.

  2. Right-Click: While holding Shift, right-click to open the context menu.

  3. Combine in Acrobat: Choose the option ‘Combine supported files in Acrobat’, which opens a dialogue box.

  4. Arrange Files: Rearrange the files if necessary and select any specific layouts for the output.

  5. Create PDF: Once set, click ‘Combine’ to produce the final PDF.

High-Resolution Printing from AutoCAD

  1. Access Export Function: With your drawing open, go to ‘Output’ and choose ‘Export’.

  2. Select PDF Format: In the options provided, select ‘PDF’.

  3. Preset Choices: In the right pane of the export menu, pick the predefined settings. Options may include ‘High Quality Print’, ‘General Documentation’, or ‘Smallest File’.

  4. Adjust Further Settings: Customize any additional settings as per your requirement before exporting.

  5. Export: Click ‘OK’ or ‘Export’ to generate a high-resolution PDF.

Batch Printing PDFs

  1. Launch Batch Plot: Go to the ‘Output’ tab and select ‘Batch Plot’ or enter the command BATCHPLOT in the command line.

  2. Configure Output: Set the output format to ‘PDF’.

  3. Add Drawings: Click ‘Add Sheets’ to include all drawings you wish to print.

  4. Finalize Options: Check and modify any additional settings as needed.

  5. Publish: Click the ‘Publish’ button to create the batch PDF print.

Compiling PDFs in AutoCAD

  1. Open the Application: Launch the appropriate PDF handling tool if required.

  2. Select Merge Functionality: Navigate to the ‘Other Tools’ tab and select the ‘Merge’ option.

  3. Add Files: Either click to select the required files or drag and drop them into the provided box.

  4. Initiate the Combine Process: Once the files are selected, click ‘Convert’ to start merging.

  5. Save Final PDF: After successful merging, save the output file to your desired location.

Scaling a PDF in AutoCAD

  1. Activate Scaling Command: Enter SCALE in the command prompt.

  2. Select Object: Click on the PDF or image you wish to scale and press Enter.

  3. Base Point Selection: Choose a base point to maintain the reference for scaling.

  4. Input Reference Point: Press ‘R’ for reference scaling and indicate the first known dimension point followed by the endpoint.

  5. Specify True Length: Enter the actual length of the chosen dimension to finalize the scaling.

FAQ

1. Can I print directly to a PDF from AutoCAD?
Yes, you can print directly to PDF by selecting the appropriate PDF printer in the plot settings.

2. How do I create a high-resolution PDF from AutoCAD?
To create a high-resolution PDF, go to ‘Export’, select ‘PDF’, choose a high-quality preset, and then export your drawing.

3. Is it possible to batch print multiple drawings in AutoCAD?
Yes, using the ‘Batch Plot’ command, you can select multiple drawings and print them all as a single multi-page PDF.

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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