PRINTING PDFs to Scale!!

[CadCodes]

GOOD MORNING ALL,

Is there any way we can print PDFs in scale. Say I got pdf file and I

have to print it to 1:20 scale, how can I do it? I have to

do it so please your help will be really appreciated.

[rkmcswain]

Generally speaking, a PDF is just a fancy plot file which was plotted to scale from the CAD program. You can reduce/enlarge the PDF when you print it from Acrobat to get the desired scale.

[Boro Nut]

Simply put, you just need to print it out at the paper size it was originally created for. For instance, if it is an A1 size drawing it will only be at 1:20 when printed out at A1 size. If you print out at any other size it will still be to scale obviously, just not to a recognised scale. ISO paper sizes vary by the ratio of approx 141% - 71%, so an A1 drawing at 1:20 printed out to A2 would be at approx scale 1 : 28.2 (20 x 1.41).

Boro Nut

[fuccaro]

It is correct if the PDF respects the scale. If the drawing is printed at 1:20 on a A1 sheet it will be at the mentioned scale... unless the "fit to page" is checked.
We are talking about CAD drawings, right?
If you have a dimension on the drawing: you are lucky. Measure the length and compare it with the dimension text to get the real scale. I use to do this in Corel -but for sure it is not the only way. Acrobat has a measuring tool too

[CadCodes]

Thanks al lot to you guys. It made sense.

regards

[CadCodes]

Thanks al lot to you guys. It made sense.

regards

I got the CAD files from outsource, and when I was trying to print it out in some specified scale, say, 1:30, the print out doesn't seem to be printed in 1:30. Can you guys tell me what could be the reason is?
Thanks

[fuccaro]

Possible the PDF was "outscaled"? Sometimes I print A3 size drawings on A4 sheet just to save paper while doing test prints. The title date block says that the drawing scale is 1:1 or whatever and the page is A3. But the real paper is smaller so the scale information is wrong. Maybe it is something like this in the drawing you have sent to you.
It is not hard to calculate the real scale of a drawing if you have a length dimensioned. Measure the length and read the associated dimension.