If you’re using AutoCAD 2017 and need to quickly save your drawings as PDFs with the correct scale, understanding the proper export techniques is essential. This guide will walk you through the necessary steps to ensure your PDFs are accurately scaled, saving you time and improving your workflow.
Ensuring Correct Scale When Exportting PDFs in AutoCAD 2017
AutoCAD 2017 offers several options for exporting your drawings to PDF, but achieving the correct scale requires attention to detail during the setup process. The key is to properly configure your drawing’s plot settings before using the quick save feature. This involves setting the right paper size, drawing units, and plot scale to match your intended output.
First, verify your drawing units by typing UNITS in the command line and selecting the appropriate units (millimeters, inches, etc.). Accurate units are fundamental for maintaining scale consistency. Then, set up your layout with the proper paper size that matches your final output requirements. Use the Page Setup Manager to assign the correct plot area, scale, and orientation.
Fast Export to PDF with Correct Scale
Once your layout and plot settings are configured, you can proceed with the quick save process. Follow these steps for a swift export while ensuring the correct scale:
- Open the layout tab that contains your drawing setup.
- Ensure the plot scale is set to 1:1 or the desired ratio, matching your layout’s scale configuration.
- Go to the application menu and select Output > Plot.
- In the Plot dialog box, choose DWG To PDF.pc3 as the printer/plot device.
- Double-check your paper size, plot area, and plot scale. Confirm that the “Plot scale” is correctly set to match your layout.
- Click OK to generate the PDF.
This process ensures your exported PDF maintains the precise scale, which is critical for architectural, engineering, and construction drawings where measurements must be exact.
Tip: For faster workflows, you can also set your preferred plot settings as default in AutoCAD, so that the quick save always outputs to the correct PDF scale without additional adjustments.
In conclusion, by carefully configuring your layout and plot settings before exporting, AutoCAD 2017 allows for rapid PDF creation with accurate scaling. Mastering these steps will improve your efficiency and ensure high-quality, dimensionally precise outputs every time. Remember, preparation in your plotting setup is key to quick and correct PDF exports.