Any CAD gurus out there?

[Rocker]

I am currently trying to print some plans of my rocker at 1:1 scale on A0 size paper. My CAD program (AutoSketch) will draw the plans at that scale, but of course I do not have a plotter. Plan printers demand that the file be in .pdf format, but Autosketch only outputs in .dwg, .bmp, .jpg, etc, formats. If I save the file in, say, .jpg format, and then import it into Acrobat for saving as a .pdf file, the scale and the resolution are lost, and I end up with a file scaled at about A4 size with poor resolution. How can I get around this problem? Ideally, want to be able to include colour photos and text on the plans also, so I really need high resolution.

Rocker

[Grunt]

Rocker,

Download a program called PDF995. This is a program pretends to be a printer but creates PDF files. Once it is installed, in AutoSketch, change printers to PDF995 and then select a paper size of ISO A0. Print the plan and a PDF file of A0 should be created.

The website is http://www.pdf995.com/ and it costs US$9.95 if you want to get rid of the adverts.

Grunt

[Rocker]

Grunt,

Many thanks for that. I will try it and let you know how I get on.

Rocker

[duckman]

I am currently trying to print some plans of my rocker at 1:1 scale on A0 size paper. My CAD program (AutoSketch) will draw the plans at that scale, but of course I do not have a plotter. Plan printers demand that the file be in .pdf format, but Autosketch only outputs in .dwg, .bmp, .jpg, etc, formats. If I save the file in, say, .jpg format, and then import it into Acrobat for saving as a .pdf file, the scale and the resolution are lost, and I end up with a file scaled at about A4 size with poor resolution. How can I get around this problem? Ideally, want to be able to include colour photos and text on the plans also, so I really need high resolution.

Rocker

Rocker doesn't the print bureau you are planning on using accept files in either DXF or HPGL formats? Both are, or least were pretty much universal formats.

[Rocker]

Duckman,

The printer I went to wanted the files in .pdf format, and Bitingmidge told me that was the standard format for plan printing. But if I can find someone who will print from .dxf files, my problems should be over, since AutoSketch will save in that format. What I am not sure of, though, is whether, in the process of saving to another format than AutoSketch's own .skf format, the scale and resolution may be lost. I will ring around some more printers tomorrow.

Rocker

[Grunt]

Rocker, can you send me a copy of your plan or just an output of something in .dfx and I'll see if I can create the pdf for you?

I think you have my email address.

[Rocker]

Grunt,

PDF995 seems to work a treat. Thanks very much for that info. I was beginning to tear my hair out :)

Rocker

[Rocker]

Grunt,

I don't think I need to trouble you; I think I have succeeeded in producing a satisfactory A0 pdf file using PDF995 in the manner you suggested. Tomorrow I will take it to the printers and see how it comes out. Many thanks again :) I wil be happy to send you a copy of my plans on CD, if you feel like the challenge of making a rocker. It will take me a week or two to finalize the paper plans. If you want the plans, PM me with your snail mail address.

Rocker

[bitingmidge]

Rocker,

It seems I have mislead you ref: PDF!

Plan print companies here can do pretty much anything a computer will spit out! PDF is great for transportabliity for people without CAD programmes.

Cheers,

P

[duckman]

Duckman,

The printer I went to wanted the files in .pdf format, and Bitingmidge told me that was the standard format for plan printing. But if I can find someone who will print from .dxf files, my problems should be over, since AutoSketch will save in that format. What I am not sure of, though, is whether, in the process of saving to another format than AutoSketch's own .skf format, the scale and resolution may be lost. I will ring around some more printers tomorrow.

Rocker
Fair enuff, Rocker. Its been almost a decade since I last did any serious CAD work. PDF was in its infancy back then. Seems things have moved on quite a bit. Not surprising really.

Oh, I've just read the later posts. Looks like you'll soon be 'squared away' with the PDF creation printer drivers. Glad its working out for you.

Hooroo..

[Grunt]

Grunt,

I don't think I need to trouble you; I think I have succeeeded in producing a satisfactory A0 pdf file using PDF995 in the manner you suggested. Tomorrow I will take it to the printers and see how it comes out. Many thanks again I wil be happy to send you a copy of my plans on CD, if you feel like the challenge of making a rocker. It will take me a week or two to finalize the paper plans. If you want the plans, PM me with your snail mail address.

Rocker

No problems, just part of the collective knowledge of this BB.
Sadly, I don't have the skills yet to try building your rocker, plus I've got 10 projects on the go at the moment. Thanks for your offer anyway.

Grunt