DWG to PDF files excessively large

[arkelec]

Plotting using Autodesk 2017 DWG to PDF.pc3 results in excessively large files.  They are also impossible to work with once created as they don't respond to zoom/pan commands.

I still have 2015 installed & the same process does not cause a problem.

For the same dwg file, the pdf sizes are:

2017 = 3306 KB

2015 = 843 KB

The only difference I can see in the 2017 plotter settings is an addition button for pdf settings (absent in 2015) & the DPI for Normal is 200 (100 in 2015) - see image.

The hyperlink setting is unchecked & there are no raster images present.  The fact that using 2015 does not result in the issue suggests that there is something wrong with 2017.  

Plotting to the Adobe plotter results in a file with a size of 1350 KB which whilst larger than the 2015 file, does not have the zoom/pan issue.

Has anyone had this problem & solved it?

[john.vellek · Accepted solution]

Hi @arkelec,

This is a known issue with 2017. Check to include  the Hyperlinks and the resulting file size should drop.

Please select the Accept as Solution button if my post solves your issue or answers your question.

[arkelec]

Cheers @john.vellek, issue indeed resolved.

Many thanks.

[rawieten]

I see that the fact that AutoCAD 2017 grossly over-sizing PDF files is a know issue.  However will Autodesk be issuing a patch to correct this issue or will we have to continue to print PDF files using older versions of AutoCAD until the next version of AutoCAD is released?

[john.vellek]

Hi @rawieten,

I hope that is the case. For now it is easy to correct by making sure that the Include Hyperlinks is enabled when creating the PDF.

[rawieten]

John,

Unfortunately it is not an easy fix when the PDF goes from 7mb to 42mb with all hyperlinks and fonts removed from the file.

Our office generally emails files to everyone that needs the files so when the PDF grows to over 25mb in size it can no longer be emailed and we must either use a third party software to send or close the file reopen it in 2016 and replot the PDF so it can be sent to our field people who are using the files on their mobile devises. We are plotting with the exact same settings just different version of AutoCAD.

We are almost to the point of switching back to AutoCAD 2016 until the PDF plotting issue is taken care of.

Thanks

[john.vellek]

HI @rawieten,

Perhaps I wasn't clear. KEEP the hyperlinks. This will drop the resulting file size to normal.

[rawieten]

By turning the hyperlinks on, the file grows from 42mb to 47mb in size.

Thanks

[john.vellek]

Hi @rawieten,

is it possible to share one of your files and the steps you follow in creating your PDFs? Please also attach your CTB/STB file and a PC3.  If you need to send privately you can email to me at john.vellek@autodesk.com

[john.vellek]

Hi @rawieten,

I am still working on your files but I would like you to try something for me.

You have indicated that your office uses AutoCAD 2016, AutoCAD 2017, AutoCAD Architecture 2016, and AutoCAD Architecture 2017. Your email to me  indicates that AutoCAD 2016 produces the smallest PDF file.

I have opened your file and performed a Publish as you describe in your process and I find negligible difference in PDF file size regardless of which application I am using.

So, try this:

I see that all of your objects are to the left (negative position) and really far away from 0,0. Is it possible to move everything closer to 0,0 and in a positive direction to see if it affects your plots?  I tried this and plotted the first sheet in the 20 page set and it is only 148k.

Please let me know your results of this experiment.

Please select the Accept as Solution button if my post solves your issue or answers your question.