Plotting problem

I have produced a drawing using a trial version of AutoCad 2010.

I have just completed adding dimensions and text and decided to plot a test print on my default HP Officejet 6000 printer.

The print of the drawing came out fine but excluded the dimensions and text.

I have had a look at the layer manager and find all layers to be on and not frozen.

I have attempted to change the yellow colored dimensioned dimensions to reed but this did not change anything.

The printer is set to black printing only.

I have also attempted to print the drawing in PDF format but achievd the same results.

Look forward to some assistance?

They may be On and not Frozen but did you bother to check the Plot column in Layer Properties Manager to see if a "no print" symbol (in red) was overlaid on the printer icon?

ReMark

Thank you for coming to the rescue once again.

I can't seem to find the layer properties manager.

Have refered to the system search facility and all I have managed to achieve is have a look at the "Layer Settings dialoge box" which indicates all OK and the "Layer States Manager" which is blank.

Could you please assist with finding the "Layer Properties Manager"?

When all else fails one can still type the word LAYER at the command line and it will bring up the Layer Properties Manager. And just so you don't lose it again set the Properties to Auto Hide, turn off Docking (put the LPM up against the left-hand side of the screen). Finally, if you already haven't done so create a new Workspace (name it Wilbri - 2D Drafting) and use the Save Current As option to save it. See your Workspace Switching button in the lower left-hand corner of your screen. Now, any time you use your workspace and not one of the AutoCAD defaults everything you need will be at your fingertips.

ReMark

Found it thank you.

I was not aware that the Layer Property Manager was what I termed the Layers Settings Dialogue box.

Yes after axpanding this window I found what you had described, cleared the cancellation crosses and everything is normal.

Many thanks

Another lucky guess...another satisfied customer. I think I'll call it a day and go out and play in the snow with my dog. See ya.

ReMark

Having stated that everything was OK, I have discovered that the yellow text to be very faint.

Changed text color to red, works like a charm.

The system is set to monochrome and my printer to black only, why is the yellow color so faint?

Sorry I seem to have crossed your reply.

Some cold weather would suit me fine just now. We are in the middle of our very tropical summer season in Durban, South Africa. 90 degrees F, discomfort level approximately 88%. Present temperature in my house at 24h00 is 87.

Enjoy the outing with your dog.

You have interrupted my dog's playtime. She isn't wagging her tail.

Check your plot style table (use the Edit button). On the left hand side of the Plot Style Table Editor click on the Color 2 (yellow). Then look to the right. Make sure that under Properties the color is set to black and Screening is set to 100. Make any necessary changes then Save & Close.

That's the best I can do for now. If I don't play with the dog she will tear my pant leg off and I'll have to send you a bill for a new pair of jeans. LOL

See you later...much later. Bye.

If your using a ctb file then the color number you chose for that layer is set to plot screened (i.e. shaded by a certain percent). If your using a stb file then its based on the plot style found in your layer manager.

Many thanks to both of you

Will persue the issue in later today, need to attempt to get some sleep now.

Will reply once I have had a look see.

ReMark

Thank you for your message. I certainly hope that your dog did not resort to attacking your pant leg in frustration.

I have followed up on your suggestion, entered the Plot Style Table Editor and followed your instructions. Under properties Color 2 (yellow) was set on black and Screening set at 100 but continue to obtaining the same printing results.

Have checked printer set-up, print black only, similarly PDF format has not changed, I suppose that is why I consider myself a beginner. it has become very obvious to me that i am not even touching the fringes of the software.

ScribbleJ

I believe that your reply is similar ti ReMark's as this is where I arrived following his instructions.

I have quite a drawing workload at present so do not have much time to investigate.

in an effort to succeed today I defaulted all my layers to Layer 0 and obtained the right result.

I look forward to further assistance.

I am very grateful for the answers I have received from this forum as it has most definitely assisted me to improve my skills and save time.

Check what it says for Shade plot in Shaded viewport options in the Plot dialog box. It should say As displayed.

Make sure Plot with plot styles is checked off.

i have reviewed the Plot Dialog Box, obtained by initiating Plot?

The various window contents are as follows:

1. Page setup - Name.

2. Printer/Plotter - Properties.

3. Paper size - No. of copies.

4. Plot area.

5. Plot offset.

6. Plot scale.

Nothing pertaining to Shade plot in Shaded viewport options is evident.Am I possibly looking at the wrong box?

There should be an arrow in the lower right-hand corner of th ePlot dialog window. Click on it to expand. Look at the far right hand side.

Found it thank you

both settings seem to be in order.

"As Displayed" in window and "Plot with Plot Styles" checked.

I'm thinking there is something I'm still missing but I've been up since 1:30 a.m. and I'm running on empty. Sorry.

Thank you for your constant enthusiasm and perseverance.

With my lack of knowledge and considering your experience I would believe that the problem lies with me.

Was considering sending you a copy of my drawing to examine as it includes all properties

and settings I am using.

Would this be possible and if so would your system settings possibly overwrite my drawings.

My immediate major concern regards Annotation, which I would be grateful to you for some assistance when the time is right?

My other interest is drawing in paper space as this seems the more logical way to me having spent some 17 years on the plank (drawing board), prior to the inception of CAD.

Presently occupied with an important drawing assignment for a client, thus the reason for communicating on the forum at such a late hour South African time.

You're entirely welcomed.

It (the solution) will come to me sooner or later.

Yes, you can email me the drawing. I'll send you a PM with my email address via the link here at CADtutor.

Annotation? As in annotative scaling? Do you do everything, lines, text, dimensions completely in model space and then scale the drawing at plot time? Do you do your CAD work as one would have done on the drafting board? Been there...done that too.

You could draw entirely in paper space but I would not recommend it. Objects really belong in model space. As for text and dimensions there at at least two if not three schools of thought on where they should be. If you are using layouts then your titleblock and border definitely should be in a layout.

The PM has been sent.

Thank you for your prompt reply.

Yes I do all my drawing in model space and then insert the title block (In many cases a client's title block) and then transfer my drawing into it. (obviously scaled down to suit the final plot size). and plot from model space.

Layout space, which to assume is the same as paper space is strange to me but resembles a paper on a drawing board so to speak.

As you are aware I am presently operating ACad 2010.

Can send as 2010 or would you prefer the attachment in another version?

Looking forward to becoming familiar with annotation and blocks in the near future, once the work load lifts a little.

Send as 2007. Although I have access to 2010 it is on another computer.

Paperspace and layouts are basically the same thing.

Most advice is to draw everything in model space at full size whether it is the size of a coin or the size of a luxury liner. Once done switch to a layout and create a viewport (or several veiwports depending on your needs). It is the viewport that a scale will be assigned to but when it comes time to plot (from your layout) it is at 1:1. Most people will put their titleblock and border in the layout. There are at least three different ways text and dimensions can be handled. But we'll get to that later.

Note: A viewport is just a window that allows us to see the objects we have created back in model space.