AutoCAD to PDF problem

[witsend]

So I am currently using AutoCAD LT 2007, to make these fairly simple maps for my employer. (they are pre-plans for the fire department to use that show fire suppression equipment in buildings on our campus). Keep in mind I'm a fairly rookie user, I'm self-taught and really only know how to do what I need to do. (basic drawings, blocks, layouts, plotting)

Anyway, he wants these maps converted to PDF so we can give electronic copies to the fire department, who doesn't have AutoCAD.

But when I use the built in CAD to PDF plotter it thickens all the lines in the whole drawing. This causes all of the floor plans to look cluttered and bulky, and makes any text look very bold and difficult to read.

If anyone can help me find away around this problem, I will be forever in your debt! I've been trying for weeks and can't find a thing. :(

[rkmcswain]

What CTB (or STB) file are you using? This may be controlling the lineweight.

[witsend]

What CTB (or STB) file are you using? This may be controlling the lineweight.

Originally I hadn't set one, so it was at None. But I've tried acadlt.ctb and Virtual DWF.ctb

[profcad]

Does your line look thick on screen? Turn on the LWT button on the status bar.

Are you printing from model space or a layout?


Use your layer manager and reduce the lineweight of these layers. I don't recommend that you use the default lineweight. This setting can vary from computer to computer.

[witsend]

Does your line look thick on screen? Turn on the LWT button on the status bar.

No they don't, not on the AutoCAD screen at least. Not with line weight on or off. And the text gets thicker too so its not just the lines.


Are you printing from model space or a layout?A layout.



Use your layer manager and reduce the lineweight of these layers. I don't recommend that you use the default lineweight. This setting can vary from computer to computer.

Ok, I'll mess with this.

But one thing to clarify - this doesn't happen when I plot to a printer. When I plot to a printer (I use 3 diff ones in the office) the lines always look like they do on the screen. Its only when I plot to PDF and open the new PDF that everything has become thicker.

[Dave1910]

Hi
Sounds like its happpening during the file conversion process of the pdf converter.
Try PDfill. Its a free program available on "downloads.com"
Once installed it sits on your PC like a printer.
Just select this when you want to print.
I've been using it for about 18 months and never had a problem.

Hope this helps

Dave G

[zars]

Or CutePDF as well

[witsend]

Or CutePDF as well

Unfortunately writing from CutePDF or an adobe acrobat writer program causes all the l's and i's to get thicker. Its very odd.

Someone on another forum told me to install the Service Pack 1 for AutoCAD 2007, but it won't install on my computer it keeps saying that it can't find the program on my computer.

[Dommy2Hotty]

Did you check "scale lineweights" in the plot dialog box?

[witsend]

Did you check "scale lineweights" in the plot dialog box?

I hadn't before - but I just did and I have the same thickening of the lines.

[witsend]

Ok - I didn't give the IT guys in my office enough credit. Since they don't know AutoCAD I didn't want to bug them with this problem. But I finally did - and he figured it out.

Now I'm using CutePDF and checking off to do the true text as graphics instead of text - that solves the big l and i issue.

Thanks everyone for your input - it led to solving it!