Plotting/Publishing in AutoCAD

[Solvash]

Hello, new member here.

I wanted to see if anyone with AutoCAD experience could help me? I'm currently teaching myself how to use AutoCAD and I've already drawn several plans for props I want to make in the future. However I've found it difficult trying to teach myself how to print (Plot? Publish? I'm actually not too clear on the differences here) things in the scale or format that I want. I've tried asking/looking around on AutoCAD centered forums, but haven't really received the most helpful answers. I figured asking here would be better since all of you understand the process of creating a full scale replica prop.

I have drawn everything at full scale in AutoCAD. What I am trying to do is create a pdf file where my drawing is full scale. And, if possible, sectioned into pieces that would fit onto standard 8.5 x 11 in. printer paper. If that makes any sense. I don't have access to a plotter, as I believe they are called? Before trying to use Autocad, I simply took the best reference image I could find, scaled them up, then manually cropped it into sections that would fit on printer sheet size, printed them in Microsoft Word, then taped the pieces together.

Or if there was some way to convert the drawing into a vector file of some sort? I did manage to convert one of my first drawings into a png file (and I'm sure I could do the same for jpeg) at the highest resolution option AutoCAD gave me. I'll attach it below. But the image still came out very pixel-y and jagged. Also, I had to manually crop the image to the proper size in a separate image editing software, which is annoying. Some of the props I am planning to make are also HUGE (Auron's Katana from Final Fantasy X, for example) and I don't think the resolution option AutoCAD gave me will be up to snuff for those.

To be honest, I don't know very much in terms of file types, image quality, or image resolutions, etc. But if anyone is willing to help, I am ready and willing to learn.

TL;DR: How can I print my drawings in AutoCAD in full scale?

Here is my drawing of Hei's dagger from the anime Darker than Black that I did as a test.

 

[BAK55]

What I have done in the past is create an 8 1/2" x 11" border in the AuotoCAD file. Then place copies of this border to encompass the full scale image that had been created edge to edge until the image is contained within these borders. Click on the plot icon on the AutoCAD toolbar. When the plot wizard window comes up, click on the Print/Plotter,Name area scroll down arrow and scroll down to DWG to PDF and click on it. Be sure the paper setting is at 8 1/2" x 11". The scale setting should be selected to 1:1. The next thing to select is in the "Plot area" and click on the scroll down arrow for "What to plot". Select "Window". The AutoCad file that is wanted to plot will come up with the borders. Select the upper left corner of the first border wanted and draw the cusor down to the lower left corner of the first border and click. Hit the Preview button, if all looks well within that border, hit the print button in the toolbar, if it doesn't the "center the plot" needs to be selected . Save it under a name for the pdf file when prompted. It should show the file in pdf format when completed. To continue plotting the rest of the image, select the plot icon on the AutoCAD toolbar again, go to the "Page setup" frame of the plot wizard scroll arrow, and select <Previous Plot>. Select "Window", and select the next border as before. Preview and print as before, name the file and continue for each border.

One other thing to be aware of is the "Landscape" or "Portrait " feature of the plot wizard.
This can also apply directly to a printer instead of a pdf format.

 

[Solvash]

Hmmm, I see. I did try something similar to this! But I didn't think to make a 8.5 x 11 border in advance. I just guessed at it. Hahaha
That would help quite a bit in the future though. Thanks for the tip!

I was hoping for a method that would just put all of the sections into one pdf for me. But combining all of the separate pdfs into one later won't be such a big deal.

Thank you for the help!

If anyone else has any tips for an aspiring AutoCAD user, please feel free to weigh in!

 

[zookone]

Youtube should be a good way to learn what you need. Watch tutorial videos on paper space, layout tabs, and viewports.

 

[OldSkoolEffects]

A quick and dirty way is to just draw match lines on the drawing, then make several sheets, each containing a different section (with match lines). Then just print them out, and use the match lines to position the sheets.

Granted, there may be a better way in-program, but I haven't used AutoCAD in years.

 

[Solvash]

A quick and dirty way is to just draw match lines on the drawing, then make several sheets, each containing a different section (with match lines). Then just print them out, and use the match lines to position the sheets.

Granted, there may be a better way in-program, but I haven't used AutoCAD in years.

Yeah, I have seen other prop builders use that method! I will definitely do the same with some overlap between each section. A lot more effective than trying to just match edge-to-edge. Haha

 

[micheal1191]

Print to pdf should do it for you. Basically its a driver that when its set up acts like a printer in the software but saves out a pdf instead of printing. Something like this one
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&sou...EQFjAF&usg=AFQjCNFzCRCDDReTcAs5f2cylN_Qc_xlqQ

 

[wwbubba0069]

The 8.5x11 boarder pattern and print each section, using the "window" option to select what section you want, setting the plot scale to 1:1 the default is to "fit".

Outside of that, take it to a local blue print supply or save the file as a PDF and go to kinkos and have them plot it full scale.

If you want you could spit the full drawing out as a PDF 1:1, then in Adobe use the "poster" setting to print it that way.