Autodesk Revit Architecture

[#1]

I've seen this question asked a few times in the group and there is no answer as yet.  I'm trying to print a 24x36 sheet.  when 100% zoom is selected (in both places, setup AND properties) It prints out with a slightly reduced scale so that on large dimensions it's quite noticeable.  At quarter scale 26'-0" = 25'-6".  

I had a meeting with a client who brings her own scale to meetings and suffered embarrassment when I had to tell her I still can't plot to scale yet with my new software.  "Sounds like your new software isnt very good."  she said.  Right now I have to agree.  

What gives?

[#2]

Likely it's not Revit that is the issue....it's your printer.  Some printers will not print to the edge of a sheet of paper, and if you have a line at the edge of your titleblock that represents the edge of the sheet, the printer will "force" this inside the margin of the printer, thus reducing the scale of your print. I would remove any linework that is a rectangle at 24x36.  You don't need a line that represents the paper size.  Then Print to "Zoom 100%" in Revit, not Fit to Page.  You *may* have to use the "offset from corner" settings to position the sheet where you need.  Check your printer settings as well...can you set the paper margins to 0"?  Ultimately our software doesn't do anything we don't tell it to do. :-)

Additionally, I would begin to question anyone who still scales off paper drawings.  Revit is extremely accurate.  If a client needs to know a dimension not on the printed drawings, then open Revit and check the dimension in the model.

[#3]

Funny how my "printer's" issue only reveals itself with Revit.  I've removed all linework near the edge of the sheet and still have the scale problem.  (Though I realize it is only in the horrizontal direction).

Additionally, I question any company who doesn't really think the importance of accuracy of a drawing printed or otherwise is not a a big deal.

This is still an open issue for me.

[#4]

Would you please send me screen shots of your print settings in Revit? 

Secondly, I'm an individual, that happens to be part of a company.  You can question me, as the opinion I expressed was clearly my view, and does not necessarily reflect the company's view, considering the software is extremely accurate.  I worked for a long time in Architecture, and scaling off of drawings is a pet-peeve of mine.  Scaling off of drawings, whether hand-drafted or computer drafted is subject to so many errors, including those introduced by a myriad of plotters and plot/print drivers that are out there.  Accuracy is hugely important, and that's why when we model in Revit, we draw everything at real-world dimensions.  The model is extremely accurate (if the user has input it correctly), and thus any measurements and dimensions should be aquired from the model, not by laying a plastic ruler (which in itself has an innaccuracy tolerance) against a printed piece of paper that is relying on more software to translate form to ink or toner through mechanica/electrical means (that are also built to a tolerance) spit out onto a piece of paper. Then which the person reading the number off the scale can mistakenly interpret the wrong number.  My rule was: never, ever, scale off a printed drawing.

Ultimately your printed drawing is "accurate", just not to a scale that the piece of plastic is designed to interpret. 

Have you filed a Support Request for this issue?  That's the best means to getting it resolved for you.

[#5]

I'm glad you're passionate about accuracy, since that's why I'm posting here.  While I agree 100% with asking everyone (clients and builders) to not scale off the drawings for accurate measurements, I'd like the ultra-super-accuracte Revit, to be able to produce a drawing that is not embarrasingly inaccurate!!! 

We have submitted a support request.  We will try to resolve it there. 

[#6]

We were having the same issue with a local contractor and his crew measuring the prints for distances and such, from there it went to subcontractors, and estimators at local business creating job material quotes.  I kept trying to explain the errors generated by measuring the prints and even went so far as back in the days of hand-drawing/blueprinting.  They looked at me like I was well, did not know what I was talking about.  I even went farther back to the days of my tech school studing building construction, NOT TO USE BLUEPRINTS FOR MEASUREMENTS.......To make a long story short we used what you suggested and ha, it measured out with the scale.  Maybe they need to learn to read the print, perhaps.

Tim

[#7]

I have a question relating to this. 

I am new to Revit. In AutoCAD, when creating a new plotter pc3 you can create one from scratch and have AutoCAD print a box of a set size. It will then print the box and you can check the actual printed result. You then enter the actual printed results for the printer you are setting up the pc3 for and AutoCAD will ajust all prints to those differences so printed drawings are accurate. 

I want to be able to do this in Revit.

So my question is. Can I do this with Revit. I.E create a pc3 file of sorts but more importantly print a test area and be able to enter the print results?

Sincerely

Alastair 

[#8]

There is nothign like this in Revit.  Revit leverages the Windows printing system to generate output.  Printing at 100% scale in the print setup should produce accurate results.  You could draw a box in Revit and then print it at 100% and measure to check the accuracy I suppose.

[#9]

That is disappointing. I know our OCE plotter is off by an 1/8th of an inch over 36" as the roll spools, so AutoCAD can alter for that, but I guess Revit cannot. Down grade. Alastair Battson T h e M o d e l s h o p Wilson Butler Architects architecture for arts and entertainment 195 State Street Boston MA 02109 p 617.720.7127 | f 617.720.7128 www.wilsonbutler.com This e-mail and any attachments may contain confidential information. If you are NOT the intended recipient, please notify the sender promptly by return e-mail and delete this message and any attachments. Wilson Butler Architects Inc. disclaims any liability or obligation arising from the unintended or improper use of any attachments, as well as from any electronic viruses, and any recipient using this message or any attachment for other than their proper and intended purpose releases Wilson Butler Architects Inc. from any claim of damage arising from such use. Certain attachments are copyrighted instruments of service of Wilson Butler Architects Inc and governed and protected by the laws of the United States and by the current edition of the AIA B141 Owner Architect Agreement.

[#10]

You can change the print setup in Revit to print something other than 100%.  You could adjust that percentage to account for however the OCE printer is off.