A PDF is always created when saving in LT 2018

[Anonymous]

Whenever I save a drawing, LT automatically creates a PDF. Searching online, I didn't find anyone else having that problem.

What setting do I change to eliminate the unwanted PDFs?

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the link, but it only applies to Win 7 or (shudder) Vista, and even then only when all icons (for all apps) change to the PDF icon.
I'm running Win 10 and the only misrepresented icon (as near as I can tell) are the .bak files for AC.

[pendean]

Only true fix that I know of is to install an application that will steal the BAK file back: instead of reinstalling LT2018, go grab the free DWGTRUEVIEW2018 program, install it, run it once then close, then start LT2018 alone, open one of your files,a dn see if the issue goes away.

Q: do you really like looking at a window full of icons all day like in your posted screenshot? Do you find the DETAILS view difficult?

[steven-g]

Try this method HERE. the one that is marked as a solution with a green tick, it does work, I just associated .bak files to adobe and this method returned them to non associated, but you might need to read it a couple of times.

[Anonymous]

No need to be snarky. All I’m trying to do is solve a glitch where an Autodesk product produces files that appear to be Adobe files.

As far as which view I use, I see nothing wrong with having previews of the drawings, like this:

Which would you rather see? Text and the "wrong" icons, or any easy preview?

[Anonymous]

I'll forward it to our IT manager. Will that workaround affect all files with a .bak extension, such as from a database or word processor?

But it really comes down to this: why the gold standard for CAD software creating backup files with the icon from a different company?

I'm not asking that to be snide or sarcastic. I merely would like this version of ACAD to produce .bak files the same way every other version has done.

[Anonymous]

Solution found:

1) Right-click on the "Adobe" icon

2) Select "open with"

3) Choose AutoCAD LT

The files now have a AutoCAD icon (slightly different than a regular icon) and when the extension is changed to .dwg it opens as expected. Took about 15 seconds.

Thanks for the help. I truly appreciate it.

[pendean]

Snarky was not my intention: Glad you found a fix.

[steven-g]

The problem associating a bak file to AutoCAD is that AutoCAD will be requested to try and open it if you double click, by disassociating the bak file completely as shown in the thread above (which took about 30 seconds in place of 15) returns it to a blank icon.

[john.vellek]

HI @Anonymous,

Since my installation is not broken it i s hard for me to test this but if you do a repair from the Windows Program control panel does that fix the BAK icon?

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

[phippshadaway]

This is one of the most annoying things in CAD history

[pendean]

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@phippshadaway wrote:

This is one of the most annoying things in CAD history

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which one(s) please? This thread expressed many problems, not just one.

[phippshadaway]

Hello,

I have an issue of everytime I revdate and save the file, a PDF is created
automatically. Have been trying to solve this for years. (Now on ACAD 2023)

Have tried many fixes including the (Autopub to value "o") for example, and
it always does it and creates enormous clutter.

I should have started a new thread but I find myself finding that chain
every time I am researching a solution.

Thank you!

[phippshadaway]

Hello, I have an issue of everytime I revdate and save the file, a PDF is created automatically. Have been trying to solve this for years. (Now on ACAD 2023)

Have tried many fixes including the common (Autopub to value "o") for example, and it always does it and creates enormous clutter.

I should have started a new thread but I find myself finding this chain every time I am researching a solution.

[pendean]

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@phippshadaway wrote:

...Have tried many fixes including the common (Autopub to value "o") for example, and it always does it and creates enormous clutter....

---

Just to confirm, in AutoCAD 2023's OPTIONS command, Plot&Publish Tab, this is unchecked like I have it below, yes?

or this

If so, are you 100% positive those are viable PDF files? As in, you can open them in Adobe Acrobat for example and see the content, and it matches your DWG file?

[cadffm]

Hi,

trying to help, but I need more informations.

Please share screenshots of:

Autopublish dialog

About dialog

and in Windows explorer: Rightclick on the last of these created pdf file, properties..

General tab

Problem since years/versions, but the same PC?

If you can not open the file inside a pdf viewer, it isn't a pdf

If you can open the file in in a pdf viewer, there is a problem of "migration settings from older version".

In this case: Use the RESET to default option.

Answer the question about export settings with YES and save them.

After reset, check the issue again. Still a new PDF by saving a .dwg?

[phippshadaway]

I appreciate you looking into this very much.

• Autopub has been at "0" and rechecked to confirm.
• That checkbox you showed for autopublish has been turned off for months (not checked)
• You were correct that it is not making an actual usable PDF, but appear as PDFs and are of substantial size.

The only variable I changed was I made the default output device to match your settings in the top left of your screenshot.

But it is still creating them. Is probably something simple

[cadffm]

>>"Have tried many fixes including the common (Autopub to value "o") for example"

Automaticpub = zero/0 means off, 1 on, so you you need value 0, never value 1.

The common fix is to set 1 and back to 0 again.

I am thinking you already tried this simple test (set to 1, set back to 0), but I like to write it here, also for other readers with the same problem.

[cadffm]

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@phippshadaway  schrieb:

• You were correct that it is not making an actual usable PDF, but appear as PDFs and are of substantial size.

---

just Guessing, because of the missing screenshot in this moment

So we are talking about an .BAK file (what is the previous version of your .DWG file).

The win explorer property dialog will show you the .bak extension.

Your win explorer is set to HIDE known extensions?

https://help.autodesk.com/view/ACD/2022/ENU/?guid=GUID-6B0C1F3A-0F3F-4428-A612-4FC6E5194B84

Turn it off and you will see the .bak extension

and the .bak extension is linked to adobe.exe (or just the icon is link to the standard pdf icon)

As quick test and quick workaround:

Win explorer, rightclick on this file, properties

[change] and select EDITOR

[pendean]

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@phippshadaway wrote:

...You were correct that it is not making an actual usable PDF, but appear as PDFs and are of substantial size...

---

That's a setting your Windows session messed up a long time ago then, nothing to do with AutoCAD.

First, turn on FILE EXTENSIONS in Windows File Explorer, you'll see exactly what I mean:

You'll either see this if they are real PDFs

Or you'll see some other file extension that is not PDF.

Is it BAK or something else?

[cadffm]

Waiting for your reply.
Were you able to pursue the matter further? you should take advantage of the support and investigate the matter.