PDF quality issues

[PBJE]

Hi all,

When I plot to high quality PDF of one particular drawn symbol (block) item that I prefer to use in multiple drawings the outcome is fantastic.

But when I have a drawing full of different symbols or blocks and also plot this to high quality PDF, things are not so fantastically looking anymore and especially at corners where the smoothness is gone and corner connections are not lining anymore.

Anyone knowing why this is happening and possibly what can be done about this ?

I appreciatie your help with this. Cheers, Peter

[maxim_k]

Hi Peter,

Do you output "drawing full of different symbols or blocks" to the same paper size (same scale) as "one particular drawn symbol (block)"?

[PBJE]

Hi Maxim,

Thanks for your speedy reply as always !

Yes I output to the same A4 paper size.

The moment I go up to A3-A2-A1, I can certainly see the difference.

But still not the same smooth corners as when I only plot one item to A4.

Any suggestions if this can be improved ?

Cheers, Peter  

[maxim_k]

Can you share examples of two PDFS on A4 paper size? One with one block and
another with multiple blocks. I want to look at them.

[PBJE]

Thanks Maxim, will do this tomorrow.

cheers, Peter

[PBJE]

Hi Maxime,

Here are two samples of the same drawing area, one in A4 and one in A1.

As you can see, corners are not smooth running through and the A4 sample is much worse compared to the A1 sample.

I also added a third sample of the original part showing as a stand alone A4 sample VE Bus BMS mains detector.pdf

I appreciate tour help with this.

Cheers, Peter 

[PBJE]

Hi Maxime,

After sending my samples I did see that you asked for multiple block in one A4.

Here is another A4 with multiple blocks.

In the rounded corners you can already see that straight lines are below the corners it should connect too. 

Cheers, Peter

[maxim_k · Accepted solution]

Hi Peter,

Everything is explained very simply. There is a setting in a PDF printer - vector quality.
The smaller is paper size, the smaller is output scale and AutoCAD needs to place more geometry per sheet area. With the same vector quality (resolution) you get more information on the same paper area and the quality is reduced.
In AutoCAD PDF (High Quality Print).pc3 the default vector quality is 2400 dpi. So if you want better quality on smaller paper size, you need to increase vector quality and set it higher values.
You can do this from Print window:

You can start with 4800 for A4 paper size, if this does not satisfy you, then the value can be entered manually, of course, within reasonable limits. Try 9600, for example.

Unfortunately on Mac you cannot save vector quality for .pc3 printer, so you have to change it each time you need.

[PBJE]

Thanks Maxim,

That helps a lot in the quality output !

Would be very helpful when the vector quality settings made for .pc3 printer settings can be saved within the next update ? So you do not have to think about it again.

Also wonder what it will do for batch plotting to PDF ?

Cheers, Peter

[maxim_k · Accepted solution]

In Batch publish dialog you also have an option to change vector quality if you select "Publish to PDF" option on the top left of Batch publish dialog.

[olav.skaareland]

I have found a solution that works for my drawings if I want PDF quality close to DWG quality.

I have attached files and instructions for Publish DWG to PDF you can try. 

Olav

Engineer

GT A&E

[pendean]

@olav.skaareland your Windows-based PC3 file and solution will not work in the MAC environment, the forum you are posting in.

[maxim_k]

Welcome to Autodesk Forums!

Hi @olav.skaareland ,

Your solution could work on Mac (at least in 2022, 2021 and 2020 versions) too, even without "OCS-HQ-PLOT TO PDF.dwg" template, but Mac users should put  "OCS COLOR PLOT TO PDF 4xA0(High Quality Print).pc3" plot style file to

"~/Library/Application Support/Autodesk/AutoCAD 20XX/RXX.X/roaming/@xx@/Plotters"

folder.

XX - depends on AutoCAD for Mac version

and

@xx@ - depend on AutoCAD for Mac language.

For 2021 version with English language the folder name should be:

"~/Library/Application Support/Autodesk/AutoCAD 2021/R24.0/roaming/@en@/Plotters"

Then you need to create new page setup with "OCS COLOR PLOT TO PDF 4xA0(High Quality Print).pc3" plotter:

[olavchr.skareland]

Sorry i did not notice, wrong Forum, but it would be great if it can help Mac users top improve quality.

When used on Windows computers the quality is great.

regards

Olav