topic Re: DWG to PDF - File name not carrying over in AutoCAD Forum

DWG to PDF - File name not carrying over

Ciaran.FrancisY56EK — Tue, 02 May 2023 13:30:21 GMT

Please see attached image for reference.

Currently using AutoCAD 2022 and when I plot DWG to PDF and select ok, the name of the DWG isn't carrying over when I try to save the PDF. I haven't seen this issue occur before and manually typing, copy/pasting sheet names is tedious. AutoCAD LT seems to be the only package this issue doesn't happen with.

All updates are installed and no settings have been changed within AutoCAD.

Any help is greatly appreciated.

Re: DWG to PDF - File name not carrying over

nrz13 — Tue, 02 May 2023 13:49:07 GMT

AutoCAD 2022 (full, vanilla version) autofills the drawing name and sheet name in the File Name field when saving for me. Have you updated the software to make sure this issue wasn't patched? AutoCAD 2022.1.3 is the current version (enter ABOUT at the command line to see your version). If you're not up to date, you can download the full version from your Autodesk Account.

If that's not the issue, then I'd guess it's some sort of glitch in your Windows Registry, but I'm not sure how to go about fixing that.

Edit: we actually use the AutoCAD PDF driver instead of the DWG to PDF driver. It still shouldn't make a difference for the save dialog, but mentioning it just in case.

Edit 2 (rough morning for me, I guess): just re-read your post and saw you mentioned you've already updated.

Re: DWG to PDF - File name not carrying over

matthew.mccrea — Tue, 02 May 2023 14:03:11 GMT

I am also having issues with this. I have tried all of the above steps mentioned and have had no luck.

Re: DWG to PDF - File name not carrying over

paullimapa — Tue, 02 May 2023 15:46:33 GMT

Have you tried using one of the other pdf pc3 devices AutoCAD comes with to see if the file names fills out during plot sequence?

Re: DWG to PDF - File name not carrying over

Valentin_CAD — Tue, 02 May 2023 16:27:02 GMT

@Ciaran.FrancisY56EK

Since there is currently no way to change the default proposed name which is composed as following:
<file name>-<Layout name>.pdf

Consider using Sheet Set Manager or the PUBLISH command to gain more control over the PDF file naming conventions. (Ref)

Re: DWG to PDF - File name not carrying over

Ed__Jobe — Tue, 02 May 2023 16:48:28 GMT

In addition to what @Valentin_CAD mentioned (I agree that SSM is a good option), we use Bluebeam Revu. It allows some choice on file names. It also presents a save dialog, so you can rename too. There are other free pdf drivers available too. But if you work with pdf a lot and you need a pdf editor, then I would recommend Revu. It also comes with print drivers for any program and conversion tools.

Re: DWG to PDF - File name not carrying over

fkellogg — Mon, 11 Dec 2023 20:35:30 GMT

I recently started having this issue, where AutoCAD goes to the folder where the drawing is, and shows a blank name in the "File name: bar.
This happens only the first time I go to save a file in a new AuroCAD session.
Rather than typing or copy/pasting, I have found that I can simply type a few random letters and save that. Then go back and to pdf the file, and the normal <>filename>-<layoutname> suggested name is there, like it is supposed to be, for this file and all subsequent "prints" in that session. Our resident Folder Police will remind me if/when I forget to delete the random-named file.

What brought me here is that I was wondering if I can change the default dash (-) to an underscore (_).

We use numbers with dashes in filenames, and the layout tabs are simple ##-## format (like 05-15). I'd like to be able to have the underscore by default instead of the dash.

Re: DWG to PDF - File name not carrying over

fkellogg — Mon, 11 Dec 2023 20:56:00 GMT

At my last Performance Review I committed to bringing SSM into practice in our Engineering Department (if I find it to be practical for our work environment.
I am slowly looking into it. My main concern is how much of a disruption it could cause to the practices of 5-7 AutoCADders in several different locations, and including using sub-contracting cad services.

I have studied some step-by-step-from-the-beginning resources, but not gotten very far.

What I am looking for at the beginning, is a global overview / summary of the changes / adaptations to our everyday method of work that SSM could cause. I feel it is entirely possible it could turn out to be a negative impact.
Since some of you on the post seem to know about SSM, could you point me to a few sources that concentrate on the big picture, so I can then proceed to the nuts & bolts? Even just suggesting a good forum to start in.

I personally am a big fan of using the technology to help make our work faster and more accurate.

Thanks ahead of time!

C. Frank Kellogg