How to create a PDF file of a Deed-Chek/Subdivide drawing.
Applies to:
All Windows versions of Deed-Chek and Subdivide.
Introduction:
These instructions describe one way to create a file that can be delivered or emailed to a service bureau for plotting. In this case, I will describe how to do this by creating a PDF file of your drawing. I will also show how to do this so it can be plotted on large “D” or “E” size plotters.
Preparation:
First, you must install Adobe Acrobat or some other PDF writing software on your computer. Note that the free version of Adobe Acrobat reader will not work. You must use the full version (the paid version) of Acrobat. There are also several freeware and shareware PDF writers available on the internet which may work as well, however, I have not specifically tried them and cannot attest to how well they work. For these instructions, I am using Adobe Acrobat 7.0 Professional.
Disclaimer:
Dialog boxes differ significantly among the various versions of Adobe Acrobat. If you are using a version of Acrobat other than 7.0 your screen may differ quite a bit from the screenshots below. However, the basic ideas are the same.
Also, if you have specific questions on how to use Adobe Acrobat, please direct them to Adobe Technical support.
And finally, the settings I show you here will probably work with most service bureaus. However, you should check with your service bureau to find out if they have an preferred file formats and settings.
Background:
Most PDF software works like a printer driver that “prints” to a document (the pdf file) instead of a printer. In other words, you are not likely to find any commands to “save to pdf”. Instead, you will select the print command in your software and set the PDF driver as your printer.
So let’s get started….
Go ahead and load your drawing into Deed-Chek or Subdivide. In my case, I’m going to use the “Sample B8.dcw” drawing that ships with the program.
Next, click the File menu and then Print.
In the print dialog, click Print Setup (see screen shot below)
Now, click the Drop down list and select the Adobe PDF driver. It may be called something else, but it will still probably have the word PDF in it. If you can’t find it at all, go back and check that your PDF software is installed correctly.
Once you have selected the Adobe Printer driver, click Properties.
The next dialog that you see may look significantly different than the one shown below. Regardless of what it looks like, you will want to change the PDF settings to a high resolution configuration. I have had good luck with PDF/X-1a:2001. If you find that lines are missing in the final pdf file then you will need to either change this setting or adjust the configuration settings.
Next, I will change the plot size to “E” size (34” x 44”). You can probably do this from the main Print screen (at the beginning of these instructions), however, I am in the habit of changing it here.
To change the plot size, click on the Layout tab, and then click Advanced…
You can then change the Paper Size to whatever you desire.
Now, click okay (several times) to get back to the main Deed-Chek print preview screen. Make sure you set the appropriate scale for your drawing, and then click Print. I’ve posted the final result on our web site, which you can view by clicking here .
If you have any questions, or anything else to add to these instructions, please let us now by sending us an email to support@agtcad.com
