Plot or Publish???

[muse95]

After a call to the help desk, I was shown how to "plot" a DWF with layer information from the DWG viewer.
I still can't "publish" a DWF, though. I have a "layout not initialized" error, that I can't seem to get rid of, no matter what I try.
1. What is the benefit of using Publish over Plot?
2. Should I even worry about not being able to use that function?
3. If I want or find that I need to start Publishing, how do I get rid of that error? I can't find any help information of use. At least help me find the relevant help info - I haven't found anything helpful through searching or the available help topics.
4. We draw schematics in AutoCAD, using different layers for different pages. Is there a way to turn layers into separate pages in a multipage DWF? The long way is to plot each layer as a separate DWF file, and then drag and drop them into Composer and save the new multipage DWF. Would there be a way to do it in one step?

[Anonymous]

> I still can't "publish" a DWF, though. I have a "layout not initialized" error, that I can't seem to get rid of, no matter what I try. Go into pagesetup and setup the page > 1. What is the benefit of using Publish over Plot? Personally a plot is faster if its a single page dwf. You have to use publish for a multi-page dwf > 2. Should I even worry about not being able to use that function? Depends on if you use multi-pages > 3. If I want or find that I need to start Publishing, how do I get rid of that error? >I can't find any help information of use. At least help me find the relevant help info - >I haven't found anything helpful through searching or the available help topics. I ran into that with model space. Use layouts for printing instead especially in leiu of your next question > 4. We draw schematics in AutoCAD, using different layers for different pages. Is there a way to turn layers into separate pages in a multipage DWF? The long way is to plot each layer as a separate DWF file, and then drag and drop them into Composer and save the new multipage DWF. Would there be a way to do it in one step? Sounds like you need to learn to use layouts - that's what they're for -- -- Mike ___________________________ Mike Tuersley ___________________________ the trick is to realize that there is no spoon...

[muse95]

All right, thank you for the helpful start. I have no formal training in AutoCAD, and all my experience with AutoCAD is with LT98 or older packages. I will look nto trying to figure out layouts.
Regarding "Go into pagesetup and setup the page". I have done that over and over again, and it doesn't seem to keep it, or when I go into the publish window it doesn't seem to be available there. Does that have to be done in the original dwg in ACAD instead? I am starting to think there is some sort of bug in the software, if not.

Where can I find specific help on setting up a page? The help file in Composer on this topic is extremely poor.

[Anonymous]

The help would be in AutoCAD, not Composer. -- Mike ___________________________ Mike Tuersley ___________________________ the trick is to realize that there is no spoon...

[muse95]

I thought I posted a reply, but it isn't here.
Could you be a little more detailed in your response?
Can I do what you say I need to do, using ACAD LT98? that is the newest full pkg I have access to.
I don't see a "page setup" feature in LT.
Why is there even a "page setup manager" in the DWG viewer if it doesn't seem to have any power to change anything? What is its purpose?
Am I misunderstanding this whole concept? {please don't just answer "yes"}

[Anonymous]

Yes Just kidding. I believe you need a newer version - LT 2004+ or full Acad2004+. I've got no idea about dwg viewer - I didn't know it shipped with one [unless you're talking about that LT version of LT it ships with] Yeah, that was a sarcastic slam at adesk! We need a REAL dwg viewer with a REAL ocx or equivalent for shop viewers, doc mgmt systems, etc, where dwf isn't a viable option. Back to it, I removed the dwg viewer after I saw what it was since I've got every version between 2002 and 2006 plus all the verticals already installed. Side effect of being a developer/VAR. -- Mike ___________________________ Mike Tuersley ___________________________ the trick is to realize that there is no spoon...

[Anonymous]

I have found it necessary to only use the publish command in a new blank drawing. I always crash AutoCAD if the drawing I have current when I execute the publish command is one that is being published. Maybe this will help. jen -- "muse95" wrote in message news:9023915.1112123783922.JavaMail.jive@jiveforum2.autodesk.com... > After a call to the help desk, I was shown how to "plot" a DWF with layer information from the DWG viewer. > I still can't "publish" a DWF, though. I have a "layout not initialized" error, that I can't seem to get rid of, no matter what I try. > 1. What is the benefit of using Publish over Plot? > 2. Should I even worry about not being able to use that function? > 3. If I want or find that I need to start Publishing, how do I get rid of that error? I can't find any help information of use. At least help me find the relevant help info - I haven't found anything helpful through searching or the available help topics. > 4. We draw schematics in AutoCAD, using different layers for different pages. Is there a way to turn layers into separate pages in a multipage DWF? The long way is to plot each layer as a separate DWF file, and then drag and drop them into Composer and save the new multipage DWF. Would there be a way to do it in one step?

[Anonymous]

Publish is not intended for a single drawing thus the problem you are seeing. Besides, its 10x faster to plot even if the publish worked. -- Mike ___________________________ Mike Tuersley ___________________________ the trick is to realize that there is no spoon...

[muse95]

Now that is the first really helpful description I have finally seen as to what the difference is between plot and publish, and when you would do what.
It finally makes sense.

Thanks.