AutoCAD Mac 2021 Export PDF

[David_Stacey]

Hi guys. So I just installed AutoCAD Mac 2021. In previous versions it was possible to export to PDF by Command+E keyboard combination.  In the 2021 version this doesn't work - you need to go through the Print/Plot dialog.

What this means is for multi-layout plans I need to output each layout manually then merge them manually in Mac OS Preview (or similar) - in my opinion this is a backwards step!

My question therefore is - Is there is a way to automatically output a PDF containing all layouts?

Thank you in advance

David

[maxim_k · Accepted solution]

Hi David,

Yes, in 2021 version PDF option was removed from EXPORT command dialog.
If you want to export multiple layouts from drawing to PDF, you van use Batch Publish feature - PUBLISH command:
https://help.autodesk.com/view/ACDMAC/2021/ENU/index.html?guid=GUID-BBBA8D8F-7C3C-4A8D-A581-9223D961...
https://help.autodesk.com/view/ACDMAC/2021/ENU/index.html?guid=GUID-0D1DB83F-F1A3-4D22-8FBC-342B2E93...
Menu File -> Batch Publish, or command alias - BPUB

[David_Stacey]

Thanks Maxim

That's great... guess I was confused by the 'Export to PDF...' under the File menu.

Appreciate your quick response! Cheers!

David

[guy.foord-kelcey]

This still feels like a backwards step, this alternative method takes many more clicks to achieve the same result. Can't help but feel that this a bug not a feature as there is a 'blank' option in the 'Export…' dialog box, where 'PDF' used to be.

[maxim_k]

Welcome to Autodesk Forums!

Hi @guy.foord-kelcey,

I think "'blank' option in the 'Export…' dialog box" is a bug, but not the absence of Export to PDF option, because on this Help page:
https://help.autodesk.com/view/ACDMAC/2021/ENU/?guid=GUID-A72DB257-3410-4792-B548-6B9FC1DED72B
you can see: "Note: Use the PLOT command to output a drawing to PDF."

[David_Stacey]

Totally agree with this... it's a backwards step. Previously I could
Command-E and then click on Save to export a PDF (single or multiple
layouts). It now requires far more clicks to achieve the same results
through Batch Plot. Disappointed this workflow has been removed by Autodesk!

[clweller]

Totally agree with this. I used Cmd+E for export multiple layouts to a PDF many times a day. This is a critical feature loss, and it needs to be brought back.

[pendean]

Tell Autodesk all about it right here https://www.autodesk.com/company/contact-us/product-feedback

[David_Stacey]

I've provided my feedback on this issue as well as the ridiculous "Plot Complete" window. After every Mac release, I've asked for the Plot Complete window to be removed - no other software does such a thing. If Autodesk needs such a feature internally then it should provide a switch to turn it off or have it as a debug feature only. I don't think Autodesk really listen to their customers on many issues.