printing without a full sized plotter

[Anonymous]

We have an older 2010 version of Autocad that works very well for our needs, but now we have a printing problem.  In the past all we have needed was any printer that would take 11" x 17 " paper.  However, we now need to print larger layouts, but find a full size 36" wide plotter to expensive for our operation.  

I have noticed a printing option labeled "print to file" so the question I have is this.  If I print a 24" x 36" layout and save it as a "print to file" can I then take that file to Staples o Office Max and have them print it with there plotter and get the 24" x 36" layout that I wanted in the first place as if we had a full sized plotter?

[terryjob]

Yes you can but I would make that file a PDF file using something like "pdf creator".

[pendean]

Get a free PDF printer driver for Windows, plot to it to create PDF files, then take that to any print shop on the planet for a paper print.

"print to file" is too random and used to be the only option in the last century, but its not a wise choice this century.

[Alfred.NESWADBA]

Hi,

I agree that PDF would be the best choice, but you don't need a printer software to install, you can use the "DWG to PDF.pc3" to use the plot command for creating PDF-files.

- alfred -

[s.borello]

Just create a PDF file that is the proper size.  You can then send these files out for printing.