Understanding How to Save a Black and White PDF in AutoCAD
When working with drawings in AutoCAD, there may be times you need to export or save your designs as black and white PDFs. This is particularly useful for printing or sharing your work while ensuring clarity in presentations. Below are detailed steps to achieve this, along with insights on managing print styles.
Step 1: Access the Print Menu
To begin the process, open your drawing in AutoCAD. From the top application menu, look for the “Print” option. Hover over it to reveal additional printing options and select "Print" from the dropdown menu.
Step 2: Configure Your Page Setup
Once you select Print, a dialog box will appear titled "Page Setup." In this box, make sure to select the printer you intend to use—this should be set to a PDF printer if you’re planning to save as a PDF. Commonly used PDF printers include the “DWG to PDF” driver available in AutoCAD.
Step 3: Manage Plot Styles
Before you proceed with the print settings, you will need to specify the plot style to ensure your drawing prints in black and white. To do this:
- Click on the “Manage Plot Styles” option within the Print window.
- A list of plot styles will be presented. Look for the relevant plot style table that you will be using and double-click it to open the editor.
- In the Plot Style Table Editor, find the plot style you wish to alter. Change its setting to “Grayscale” or enable “Black and White” (depends on your version).
- Once you have made your selections, remember to save your changes and exit the editor by clicking on “Save & Close.”
Step 4: Adjust Print Settings
Return to the “Print” dialog box. Ensure you have selected the desired area for printing, whether it’s the entire drawing or a specific layout. Under the “Plot options,” make sure the radio button for ‘Plot Style’ references your modified styles to ensure it respects the black and white settings.
Step 5: Preview Your Output
To avoid surprises, always preview your settings before finalizing the print. Click on the “Preview” button. This will generate a preview of what your black and white PDF will look like. Ensure everything appears as expected before confirming.
Step 6: Save Your PDF
Once you’re satisfied with the preview:
- Click the “OK” button in the Print dialog box.
- A new dialog box will prompt you to choose a save location for your PDF file. Specify the directory where you want to save the file and name the document as required.
- Finally, hit the “Save” button to generate your black and white PDF.
FAQ
1. Can I print my AutoCAD files without changing the original colors?
Yes, you can print your files in color without altering the original settings by ensuring that you select the appropriate plot style when managing plot styles.
2. What if the plot styles do not appear in certain layouts?
If the plot styles are not appearing, ensure they are assigned correctly in the respective layout tab. You may need to create or edit a new plot style table if necessary.
3. Is there a way to batch convert multiple AutoCAD files to PDF in black and white?
Yes, AutoCAD provides a Batch Plot feature. You can set the desired plot style to black and white or grayscale and select multiple drawings to batch publish them as PDF files simultaneously. Just make sure to follow the same steps outlined for configuring plot styles for each drawing.
