AutoCAD for Mac Excel and AutoPublish 2012

[kmarshall]

Hi, has anyone figured out a way to AutoPublish yet?  

Also, how do I link data in my fields to excel?  I was able to do this in the pc version.  I can see my links, but I can't change their reference.

[pendean]

OLE linking is a Microsoft Windows feature.
Autopublish: as in AutoCAD prints your file to PDF or DWF on its own when you close a file? A little lisp is one choice.

[maxim_k]

Hi,

Dean already answered about Excel.

But what do you mean by AutoPublish?

Maxim

[kmarshall]

I didn't think having a field in a table reference a named range in excel would be considered OLE.

As for autopublish, it used to be when I saved my ACAD file as a dwg, it would automatically print a PDF for me in the same folder...I also don't really understand how to make LISP files, was hoping someone may have already created that and I could download and install it.

[pendean]

Autopublish from the Windows version of AutoCAD: http://exchange.autodesk.com/autocad/enu/online-help/ACD/2012/ENU/pages/WS1a9193826455f5ff1848157110...

[maxim_k · Accepted solution]

Hi,

The attached AutoLISP routine let's you save your drawing like QSAVE command does plus it publishes to PDF your current Layout (or Model).

Prior to using routine you have to save your drawing file (give it the name) and create and assign Page Setup to Layout (or Model) in order to get the expected results in PDF.

Load routine and use SAVE&PUBLISH command. It will save current drawing, and create PDF file in a folder, where your drawing was saved.

The name of PDF will in a form: "DRAWING NAME-LAYOUT NAME.PDF".

The routine will override any existing PDF file with such name without prompting you.

Maxim

[kmarshall]

Thank you!  I managed to get it to work after figuring out how to install a PDF printer on my mac lion...it was not easy lol. (Well the solution was easy, just not finding the solution).

I'm adding it here in case anyone needs it:  http://sourceforge.net/projects/pdfwriterformac/?source=dlp

The PDF function for mac is awesome, but in this case, you have to have it as a "printer" in order to get it to work.

Thanks so much for your help with the LISP 🙂 you made my day!!!!

[maxim_k]

Just want to warn you about PDFwriter "virtual printer" - I tested it a while ago and it gives worst results in PDF quality I've seen. Have to say, that in order to be able to save PDF files from AutoCAD for Mac you can install ordinary printer, I'm using Gutenprint drivers

Look at the discussion here, about installation and using printer drivers with AC for Mac.

Maxim

[kmarshall]

oh ok, perfect, I installed the "fake" printer and it seemed to take perfectly!  terrific thanks again 🙂

Now, if only Autocad could figure out how to make the mac talk to excel and import my data, I'd have no complaints.

Thank goodness for experts like yourself who take the time to explain.

[MILESarch]

Maxim,

Is there a way to have the lisp program choose the page setup as well?  Most of my collegues are plotting to PDF using the ACAD13WIN DWG to PDF printer configuration.  I want to leave this as default.  I create a special MAC page setup for me.  The only way I can get your routine to work is to make my special page setup default.  I don't want to do that.

Thanks!

NEVERMIND, I FIGURED IT OUT!  REPLACED 2ND "" WITH THE NAME OF THE PAGE SETUP.  WORKED PERFECTLY.  HERE IS THE MODIFIED PLOT COMMAND IN THE LISP ROUTINE.

(command "_PLOT" "_N" "" "MAC" "" "_Y" publish_name "_N" "_Y")

[maxim_k]

Yes, you are right: if you are using the same page setup (named "MAC" as I see), it is the way. In my case routine uses current page setup.

Maxim