Autocad LT when exporting to pdf

[Red_Neil]

Hi, when I export to pdf from a viewport, the pdf produced has a 'scratchy', grey quality to it. This seems to be caused by a google map image I have on one layer because if I remove it, the 'scratching' goes. Does anyone know why this might be? Thanks 

[maxim_k]

Hi Neil,

I don't see any "'scratching" in the PDF you attached.
Can you clarify what do you mean?

[Red_Neil]

Hi Maxim

Please see a screen shot of the pdf. The 'scratching' dissapears when I zoom in, but is present before this. Thanks.

[maxim_k]

I see.
If I open your PDF with Preview app - the 'scratching' is not visible.
Light green background in the PDF consists of many triangular solids and the bitmap shines through at the junctions of these triangular solids.
Why do you use bitmap if it is not visible under light green solid hatch?
If it is only as temporary item for referencing, you can try to put it to unprintable layer.

[Red_Neil]

I'm not sure I understand the solution you're suggesting. I have three sections to the drawing:

(1) The google PDF (bottom)

(2) An Ordinance Survey dwg of the area (middle)

(3) My drawing (top) 

I would like it to print to pdf in this order without the 'scratching', so that the google layer is only seen where there is no (2) or (3) on top of it.

[maxim_k]

OK, try to substitute "google PDF" with raster image, created from this PDF. You can Save as in Preview app to convert PDF to JPG.

[Red_Neil]

Sorry Maxim, how do I convert the pdf to a jpg?

[Red_Neil]

Hi Maxim, I converted the pdf to a jpg and the same happened. Any further thoughts I could try? Thanks.

[maxim_k]

Do you use transparency for light green solid hatch?
Can you share the drawing (or part of it) here? If yes, don't forget to share all external references (PDF, images).

[Red_Neil]

Can I email you direct as it's a bit sensitive.

[maxim_k]

Yes,
mkanaev@yandex.ru

[maxim_k]

What macOS do you have on your Mac and what AutoCAD LT version are you using?

[maxim_k]

Hi Neil,

Please look at the attached PDF.

Is it what you need?

If yes, then I can explain the trick.

[Red_Neil]

Morning Maxim, 

It's the viewport A2 Entrances & Exits that sems to cause the issue when the google layer is under the other layers. To get around the issue, for the 'Arena' viewport, I move the google layer out of the way. It seems that when the google layer is in place, the scratching occurs.

I hope that makes sense.

Thanks

Neil

[maxim_k]

Do you see scratches in the PDF I attached to my last post?

[Red_Neil]

No, I didn't

[maxim_k · Accepted solution]

>>>>> No, I didn't
So here is the trick I used to create this PDF:
- assign transparency to all solid hatches in the drawing and set it to 1
- in Print or Page Setup window check "Print transparency" option

This will force to create raster images in place of Solid Hatches in PDF output and scratches won't appear in it.

[Red_Neil]

Thanks for this, I can't seem to find the 'Print Transparency' option.

[maxim_k]

It is here:

[Red_Neil]

That's great Maxim, many thanks for all your help.