Steps to Print to PDF in AutoCAD Using PDF995

Now that PDF995 is set up, you can easily print your AutoCAD drawing to a PDF. Follow these simple steps:

1. Open Your Drawing:
   • Open the AutoCAD drawing that you want to print.
2. Open the Plot Dialog:
   • Type PLOT in the command line and press Enter. This opens the Plot dialog box, where you control all printing settings.
3. Select PDF995 as the Printer:
   • In the Printer/Plotter section of the dialog box, select PDF995 from the drop-down menu. This sets PDF995 as your virtual printer.
4. Choose Paper Size:
   • Under Paper Size, choose the paper size for your PDF (e.g., A4, A3, 24"x36", etc.). Make sure the paper size matches your drawing’s layout.
5. Set Plot Area and Scale:
   • Choose the appropriate Plot Area (usually Window or Layout) to select the area of the drawing you want to print.
   • Under Plot Scale, make sure the scale matches what you need for your drawing (e.g., 1:1, 1/4”=1’0”, etc.).
6. Preview Your Drawing:
   • Click on the Preview button to see how your drawing will look in the PDF. If everything looks correct, click Close to return to the Plot dialog.
7. Adjust Plot Settings (Optional):
   • If needed, adjust additional settings like plot style (e.g., monochrome or color), orientation (portrait or landscape), or any other print settings.
8. Print to PDF:
   • Once all settings are adjusted, click OK to print.
   • PDF995 will prompt you to choose a location to save your PDF file. Choose a location on your computer, name your file, and click Save.
9. Complete the Process:
   • PDF995 will now create a PDF of your AutoCAD drawing. The PDF file will be saved in the location you selected.

Troubleshooting Tips

• Check Plotter Settings: If the PDF doesn’t look right, go back into the plot settings and make sure that your paper size, scale, and plot area are set correctly.
• Test Preview: Always preview your drawing before printing to PDF. This ensures everything fits on the page and the scale is accurate.
• PDF995 Settings: If you experience any issues, you may need to adjust settings within PDF995, such as resolution or output options. You can access these settings by clicking the Options button when prompted to save your PDF.

Advantages of Using PDF995 in AutoCAD

• Free and Accessible: PDF995 is a cost-effective solution for creating PDFs from AutoCAD, especially for users who need a basic tool.
• Easy Sharing: PDFs are universally accessible and easy to share via email or cloud storage, making it simple to send your drawings to clients or colleagues.
• Maintains Quality: PDF995 preserves the quality of your AutoCAD drawings while reducing file size for easier sharing.
• Widely Compatible: PDF995 works with almost any program that can print, making it a versatile tool for multiple applications beyond AutoCAD.

Conclusion

Printing to a PDF in AutoCAD using PDF995 is a straightforward process that saves you time and effort when sharing your drawings digitally. Whether you’re creating detailed technical plans or simple layouts, PDF995 provides an easy, free method to convert your drawings into PDF files. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you’ll be able to produce professional-quality PDFs with minimal hassle, ensuring that your AutoCAD drawings are easy to distribute and view on any device.