AutoCAD 2010

[#1]

Hello,

We PDF drawings to send to clients.  Of course we have a concern for the resulting presentation quality.

An example of the problems we encounter occur with the elevation drawings.  Most of them contain hatches  & patterns that need to be displayed in the final drawing.  However, when we plot to a PDF drawing from within AutoCAD, many of those patterns will disappear in the PDF copy.

I am aware that if we plot a drawing to PDF the quality will be better.  However, my file size increases exponentially - starting with a 300+k DWG file - it suddenly balloons to a 1.0mb PDF file.  If I use the "Export - PDF" option - the resulting PDF file is smaller (within the same files size range as the original DWG).  But, I consistently lose many of my hatch patterns.

My question:
How do I maintain my hatch patterns when creating a PDF?
How do I reduce (optimize) my PDF files?

Thank you

[#2 · Accepted solution]

Do you see your patterns on plot preview? - if not change the hatch scale.

to get smaller pdf size - you can use pdf creator instead of dwg to pdf plotter. you will lose all those fancyturn on/off layers things, but your file will be dramatically smaller - sometimes from 3-4 megs to 150-250 kbs.

you can also lower the printing resolution in custom options - that will also lower the size of pdf file.

And what works VERY well - you can first publish your file to DWF and THEN print it to PDF from DWF viewer.

[#3]

>>And what works VERY well - you can first publish your file to DWF and THEN print it to PDF from DWF viewer.<<

This is a trick I learned a long time ago that I still use.  Originally it would *dramatically* reduce the filesize of the resulting PDF.  It doesn't have much of an effect that way anymore, but there are often noticable quality improvements still.  Excellent reminder tip.

Dave.

[#4]

Thank you for your input.

I am just now experimenting using your advise.  I like that the DWF files retains a lot of the image quality while keeping the file size small.  But unfortunately clients are familiar with PDF and request them in that format.

But I will definitely use this advise.

Thank you again!

[#5]

I hope you didn't forget the second step - print to PDF from dwf file using autodesk design review ?