can't export oversize PDFs Help!

[Anonymous]

Mac 10.6.4

I do large architectural and engineering drawings then export them to pdf to send out for printing. But I don't have a large printer in-house so OS-10.6 won't let me load a print driver for a big printer. I can't create a 24x36 pdf from my epson 1400 which is only 11x17. This is a total deal killer. Do I have to go back to my sucky pc!!

[Anonymous]

Why can't AutoCAD Mac plot any sort of useful size to pdf? The biggest default size is A4 and the custom paper size dialog box doesn't let you create a new page size, just gives you a load of greyed out options. Surely it should be compatible with the built in pdf printer in Mac OS X. Is there any other pdf software for mac that I can install as a printer to try to get around this issue - very frustrating as I have to go via a windows machine every time I print! Slightly defeats the point..

[Anonymous]

I figured it out.

Get in a viewport

Go to PAGE SETUP MANAGER.

+ Create a new layout, then choose EDIT.

In the next window PAGE SETUP - "layout name" choose PAPER SIZE.

Choose MANAGE CUSTOM SIZES. + create new paper size and give it the desired dimensions. Click OK.

Back to PAGE SETUP - "layout name" window

Choose paper size pop-up again and select the new paper size you just created. Click ok.

That should change the layout to reflect the new paper size.

Now when you print, the paper size sould be in the popup list.

Choose pdf . . .

Terrel

[Anonymous]

Hero - yea that works. You have to click and hold on the '+' in the CUSTOM PAPER SIZES dialogue box to make anything happen, thats what did me. Cheers

[Anonymous]

I have the same issue with not being able to make 24x36 pdf's from layouts. I tried everything, including creating custom sizes, etc., but the resulting pdf always has part of the drawing cut off (like 12" or so) even though the actual pdf paper size appears to be correct. I've experimented with plot position and orientation but nothing works. Very frustrated! Any more ideas?

[maxim_k]

Hi,

which printer you use?

Have you checked what to plot (display, window ...)?

Have you checked scale?

Maxim

[Anonymous]

---

which printer you use? I created a generic "plotter" print setting for pdf's, Does it matter?

Have you checked what to plot (display, window ...)? Checked layout, but window, extents, etc give me same results.

Have you checked scale? 1:1

---

[maxim_k]

Could you post your file?

[Anonymous]

Here's the dwg file...

[maxim_k]

Here's PDF files 24x36 - this is what you wanted?

Plotter HP DesignJet 450, paper size 24x36 (landscape)

Maxim

[maxim_k]

and A4

[Anonymous]

Looks basically correct...I can't do that. What am I missing?

[maxim_k]

Hi,

I can try to help you, but, please, describe your workflow in creating and editing Page Setup for layout (you open Layout to print, select Page Setup Manager, Select edit .....)

Maxim

[Anonymous]

Sorry for the delay in posting this info. Thanks for the patience...

-open recent dwg file

-choose layout (A1, A2, A3, etc.)

-file drop-down, choose print

-in Print screen

  choose plotter (HP DesignJet 450c)

  paper size ARCH D 24 x 36 inches

  orientation landscape

click Edit Page Setup

-in Page Setup screen

Use available page setup: unchecked

Name: <None>

Printer: Plotter

Paper Size: ArchD

Orientation: landscape

What to Print: Layout

Scale: 1:1

click Advanced

-in Print - Advanced screen

Plot Style Table: monochrome.ctb (print with plot styles checked)

Plot Offset: X = 0.00000, Y = 0.00000

3D Viewports: Shading = grayed out, Quality = Normal, DPI = grayed out

Plot Stamp: Include plot stamp = unchecked

Print Options: Print paperspace last= checked

Sharing: Save device settings to: = unchecked

click OK

click OK on Page Setup screen

-back at Print screen

Paper Size now says "Super A1 24x36"

clicking Preview in either landscape or portrait cuts off 12" or so of 36x24 layout

clicking Print does same thing (of course)

[maxim_k]

Hi,

I've done everything according to your way and get acceptable results.
Apparently the case in the settings of the printer-plotter in System Preferences.
Try again to install the printer via System Preferences.
I've been doing it this way:

1. Add printer with "fake" IP address(3) - something to work around system limitations of the MAC OS when installing printer.

You can name your printer as you want (4).

2. Select driver for your printer:

It should be "HP DesignJet 450C - Guteprint"

3. Click Add in Add Printer dialog

Now, try to repeat your steps in printing from AutoCAD and use name of the printer, that you just install (4 on first screenshot).

HTH

Maxim

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the detailed response/instructions. Added printer exactly as you described...still prints with same poor results. I noticed your printer driver for the DesignJet450 was v5.2.3, mine was v5.1.3 (as all of my Gutenprint drivers are). I am using Mac OS X 10.5.8, not Snow Leopard, for what it's worth.

Hope I can resolve this soon as I have only 6 days left on my trial and I was seriously considering making the investment in the program. so far its been a real deal killer.

[maxim_k]

Hi,

Yes, I use 10.6.

About Guteprint drivers: you can try to install newest version from 

Gutenprint and Gimp-Print for Mac OS X site

"http://gimp-print.sourceforge.net/MacOSX.php"

Current version is 5.2.6 (Apple always have delay in updating Guteprint drivers)

Maxim

[Anonymous]

Downloaded latest (v5.2.6) Gutenprint drivers. Still doesn't print correctly. 

[maxim_k]

Just tested on 10.5.8 - I have everything turns out, so that it is not Gutenprint drivers problem.

I give up

Maxim

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the valiant effort! Maybe in a future life I can have AutoCAD native on my Mac...sigh.