Any CAD gurus out there?

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,

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

Grunt,

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

Rocker

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Originally Posted by 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

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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.

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

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.

Grunt,

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

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

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

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Originally Posted by 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

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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..

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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

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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