Unless I am missing something, I have for all versions, including latest of Intellicad, found that when I want to use my line weights, I cannot print an image with transparency to dim the image like is needed on many drawings. Has anyone found a workaround on this.?ÿ Carlson support offers no usable workaround.?ÿ This is hard to believe, and I am sure I am missing something, and there must be a good workable solution to this other than having to hang on to my AutoCAD which I so much want to decommission.
Hey Frank, I think you can do what you are wanting. I'm in 2019 Carlson Survey with Intellicad.
Double click the frame of your image in model space, check "use transparency"
Adjust the settings for the image: Fade, Contrast, brightness, primarily Fade I think. Click apply and ok.
Press Control + P and make sure "Print Transparency" is checked, press apply to layout
I think it will do what you are wanting at that point.
You can also fade a hatch pattern if you want in a similar manner by adjusting its "transparency" slider. It can be frustration sometimes when you know what you want to do but just don't know what buttons to press!! I spent a couple hours on this one last winter.
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@rpls#
I believe that Frank wishes to use transparency with all drawing entities, not just images. Which is a thing, a very useful thing, in AutoCAD.
Are you plotting to PDF? I was trying to solve a different issue and noticed certain PDF creators wouldn't plot with transparency.?ÿ Also, the "Output Layouts to PDF" function did not seem to support transparency.
I use Adobe as the PDF engine and plot with transparency all the time though, photos/lines and hatching.
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I've not been able to replicate the problem with images nor standard entities (such as polylines). From my side, however, I too, have Adobe PDF Creator installed on my computer so output plotters and device services may vary. For example, I set the Transparency in the Layer Control dialog box of one layer to 50% and left the other at its default value as illustrated below:
I drew in a pair of polylines making sure to have the non-transparent polyline sent to back and with the "Print Transparency" and "Print with Print Styles and Lineweights" as cited elsewhere, obtained this example result in Carlson 2020:
For images, it was the same thing (although I have to admit I wasn't as pleased with the coloring of transparency of the images... but it did appear to work). I hope this information helps.
When I try to plot drawing with transparency to PDF or to my printer, Intellicad says it cannot do that feature.?ÿ I appreciate the response indicating FADE, which might give me what I need.?ÿ Carlson admits the problem.?ÿ Their support is so good for the civil design and surveying software.?ÿ ?ÿBut they told me they have no way currently of fixing the transparency issue and are aware of it.?ÿ
Here is the solution.?ÿ It is very simple.?ÿ Right click the image and click properties.?ÿ The properties dropdown will appear on the left side of screen.?ÿ Adjust the image by using "fade."?ÿ ?ÿThis is a substitute that works perfectly for me, and with that command I can use line types and styles and get same effect with no problems. I can also add brightness and contrast in the properties box.?ÿ I did not even realize fade was an option until I read the post above by RPLS# above.?ÿ MANY THANKS.?ÿ And it works properly WITHOUT the "Plot Transparency" check box highlighted, which is where the problem had been occurring after I checked that box, but it is no longer needed.?ÿ
I am old school having spent a good portion of my drafting career with Leroy. So I use a specific layer system and assign unique colors/pen types to each layer.?ÿ When I plot to either a pdf or hard copy, I use a ctb print style file that assigns pen types to each color.?ÿ This ctb file is unique to me and my drawings so if I need to export a CAD file to someone I include the ctb file.?ÿ It is easy enough to modify and create a print style. Open the print styles manager, select, copy and edit a ctb file setting the "screening" to 50% or what ever dose of enlightening you choose. I have a normal.ctb, a half.ctb, and a 20.ctb that I can print with and export along with the drawing.?ÿ
I am using Microsurvey fwiw.?ÿ?ÿ
