I am still using my softdesk 8-ACAD R14 which does not have the PDF save as feature. So I bought "Any dwg to pdf" software and it works but all the linework is the same width. Am I SOL with the conversion software or does anyone know how to solve this situation. Do the newer versions of ACAD create a PDF with the original line widths?
The easiest way to create a pdf from a drawing is to get one of the free pdf creators that show up as a system printer. With this setup you choose the pdf printer from inside Autocad. This allows you to configure plot styles and line weights like you would for a standard printer. Plot just like you would to a normal printer and the software will prompt for a file name.
I downloaded a free program that's called primo PDF and it will show up in the pull down when you go to plot.
I had marginal success with Bullzip using Autocad 14. If I remember right it had issues with paper space drawings but worked fine in model space.
I use PDF995.com
It seemed to work okay w/ Autocad LT98 which was essentially R14. It just tricks Autocad into thinking it's sending the file to a printer.
Bullzip PDF Printer works for me. www.bullzip.com
If you can go free great but if you have to pay I use Acroplot. It's pretty good but I think it costs around 250 🙁
The first problem is that you're on Softdesk still. This probably means you're doing work on the side...
Either way, if you are planning to continue surveying then I suggest upgrading to make your life easier. I just left my HP 48 recently and it was tough. But....,,
PDF 955 will solve your problems in the meantime.
You have to choose the pdf printer first, then go to pen setting and change the color to line weight again.
PDF's are a "printing" result, not a "conversion". Instead of printing to a physical device, your sending the print job to a pdf creator.
I'll throw my hat in the ring for PDF995. Been using it for many years.
We use Adobe Acrobat. Works great.
Thanks for the prompt replies everyone and the good leads. As for working on the side...No, I am old and cheap. I like to get all the value from my hard earned dollars before buying something new. Thanks again.
i use Primo PDF, there are 100s of freebies out there
if you use WIPEOUT the PDF will not print properly for most print drivers
pdf995 does work good overall.
For the AutoCAD users (recent versions), export to pdf is probably the preferred choice of many. This command creates a PDF in which the layers of the CAD drawing are controllable in Adobe environment. So, the recipient (client) can turn on/off layers in Adobe; a feature that may be appreciated.
This method also forces the person preparing the CAD file to keep its layers and drawing housekeeping in order (unless that person does not mind sending a so-so looking product).
Those who use Carlson will probably tell you that the layer inspector of the software is a great tool to use before exporting to PDF in AutoCAD. This is by far the fastest way that I found to inspect the layers one by one (move entities on correct layer if necessary) to make sure that things are looking good. Very fast and convenient.
Sometimes, spending a few dollars in order to stay relatively current with the times is not a cost but a benefit for a business, be it small or large.
Ha! Yes, I'm cheap too. I love using my colleague's equipment.
I only said that in hopes that your employer wasn't keeping you on an older version.
Happy converting and safe surveying!
I was using primoPDF for my 11x17 drawings, but I recently had to print one that was 17x22 and primo didn't work. I went to cutePDF and it fit the bill. both free too.
Once you get smart and "move up" to at least 2007, the pdf conversions are built in and work very well. Carlson has it too.
That's not a Carlson feature... The "DWG to PDF.pc3" is core Autocad.
But I second the opinion that, in this day and age, R14 is SO PAINFUL to use... If you've been using it all these years, then you definitely should have earned enough to move up. And the newer software makes your life SO MUCH easier. I personally do not consider R14/Softdesk8 to be anywhere near usable these days, even though that's what I learned on. We can run so many circles around that software these days that it's no wonder so many companies who have clung to that software have been going out-of-business in recent years.
That's a Carlson feature in the Embedded version true enough, thus it is a Carlson feature. That's a "Print Screen" directly from my Carlson Survey 2010 Embedded.
Damn Son, you just LOVE semantics don't you!! No matter how irrelevant.
If it comes with my Carlson, it is a Carlson feature.(and it is reported that that feature is in the Intellicad version also. I do not have a copy of that, so I will not state that as fact.)
downloaded PDF995 and installed it...it works great...thanks to everyone who posted replies...this forum is a great place for information.
