Lighten PDF Underlay

[jmerch]

I haven't used PDF Underlays very much as we're always given CAD backgrounds. In this case, I used them to quickly put in since we won't get CAD files. However, they are scanned PDF's so they are essentially raster images. They have jagged lines, etc.

 

Is there a way to just lighten these when plotting so I can still use them as my background? or should I just bite the bullet and trace them to get actual ACAD lines to be able to control in plotting?

[ReMark]

Do you put the underlay on its own layer?

[jmerch]

yes, doesn't help. the scanned lines still show up as dark as they were plotted. I'm guessing there is no way around this since it's pretty much a raster image...

[ReMark]

Have you tried changing the color of the layer?

 

Have you tried adjusting the screening percentage?

[jmerch]

Yes, yes. Doesn't affect the actual image lines.

[ReMark]

I'm all out of ideas.

[jmerch]

hopefully we can get a fresh batch in. Thanks for the suggestions though.

[tzframpton]

I always convert to monochrome TIFF. The reasons:

 

1. TIFF can inherit the color properties of the layer it's on, including colors that are set to screen in your CTB/STB plot style.
   
2. The performance is much better than PDF, albeit still not perfect.
   

Here's the online converter I use: http://pdf.my-addr.com/free-online-pdf-to-tiff-convert.php

 

 

If you still want to use PDF, then try using the Transparency setting to see if that works.

[jmerch]

ahh.....ADJUST. That's the command.