AutoCAD 2010/2011/2012 DWG Format

[#1]

Why plotting the drawing in pdf file produces a NOT to scale drawing?

I’m wondering if there is a way to print the drawing in a pdf file such that the drawing scale is kept correct.

For example, I tried to print the drawing shown in the screenshot in 1/100 scale using the Adobe pdf printer, but later, as I printed the pdf file, the printed drawing is not to scale!

Why the pdf file doesn’t keep the scale?

Is there a way to “preserve” the scale while printing the drawing in a pdf file?

Thank you in advance,

Regards

Jamal

[#2 · Accepted solution]

Hi,

for exporting PDF I would prefere the driver shipped with AutoCAD (uses the file "DWG to PDF.pc3") ... at least starting with AutoCAD 2010 (because the drivers in earlier versions of AutoCAD are not the best).

For Adobe sometimes there exists an option that does reduce the scale so it fits within a virtual printable frame. So e.g. when I try to plot to A4 (means 210x297mm) and let Adobe do what it wants it reduces the printing area and so also the scaling, the result may be then something like 190x277mm.

Look to the properties within the AdobePDF.pc3 ==> and within this new dialog goto the custom-settings and check that the Adobe-driver does not scale like "fit to page" or something like that.

- alfred -

[#3 · Accepted solution]

You're probably not paying attention to your Adobe Reader print output settings, see attached.

[#4]

Thank you Alfred and Saadallah for the answer. this is quite helpful.

1- i'm not sure where can i set the printer "DWG To pdf.pc3" to be to scale? i couldn't find this option

2- i'm not sure if choosing the "none" option (in my case) is equivelent to what you have already advised in the provided screenshot

best

Jamal

[#5 · Accepted solution]

The DWG to PDF is like all other printers, there is nothing to set: your PLOT parameters determine scale.

That box you have checked on the Adobe Print pop-up, Auto-Rotate and SCALE? That may be your problem. YOur sheets don't match in size either. What old version of Adobe Reader are you using?

[#6]

Thank you for your prompt answer Saadallah.

1. I’m using the most recent version of the Acrobat professional (writer) which is “Adobe Acrobat Pro”
2. If what might solve my problem is to choose “none” for the “page scaling” and to "uncheck" the “Auto Rotate and center” then I’ll do it

are there any other issues that might affect printing the pdf drawing in a wrong scale?

Best

Jamal

[#7]

PDFs have wider margins that most hard-copy printers: so you might see your drawing shift to one size or another, or get cut-off at the edges.

Curious why the pop-up for the print in PRO version of X looks different than the Reader X... .

[#8]

Many Thanks Saadallah for the contribution

very much appreciated

best

Jamal