How Do I Save Multiple AutoCAD Files as a PDF?

Are you looking for a way to save multiple AutoCAD files as PDF documents? Look no further!

In this tutorial, we will walk you through the step-by-step process of converting your AutoCAD files into PDF format. With just a few simple steps, you’ll be able to easily save and share your drawings in a universally accessible format.

Step 1: Open AutoCAD

To begin, open AutoCAD on your computer. Make sure that all the drawings you want to convert are saved and ready to be exported.

Step 2: Open the ‘Publish’ Dialog Box

In AutoCAD, go to the ‘File’ menu and click on ‘Publish’ or use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl+P. This will open the ‘Publish’ dialog box.

Step 3: Add Drawings

In the ‘Publish’ dialog box, click on the ‘Add Sheets’ button. This will allow you to select multiple drawings that you want to convert into PDF format. You can either select individual drawings or use the ‘Add Folder’ option to include all drawings within a specific folder.

Note:

  • Make sure that all the drawings are listed correctly in the ‘Sheets to Publish’ section of the dialog box.
  • If needed, you can rearrange the order of the drawings by selecting them and using the up and down arrows located on the right side of the dialog box.

Step 4: Set Output Options

In this step, you can customize various output options for your PDF files:

  • Paper Size: Select the desired paper size for your PDF files. You can choose from a range of standard sizes or specify custom dimensions.
  • Plot Area: Choose whether you want to plot the ‘Window’, ‘Layout’, or ‘Extents’ of each drawing.
  • Plot Scale: Set the scale at which you want the drawings to be plotted.

    You can choose a specific scale or use the ‘Fit to Paper’ option.

  • Plot Style Table: Select the plot style table (CTB or STB file) that you want to use for plotting. If you don’t have a specific plot style, you can choose ‘None’.

Step 5: Choose Output Location

Select the folder where you want to save your PDF files by clicking on the ‘Browse’ button next to the ‘Publish To:’ field. Choose a location that is easily accessible and convenient for future use.

Step 6: Publish as PDF

You are now ready to convert your AutoCAD drawings into PDF format! Simply click on the ‘Publish’ button in the bottom-right corner of the dialog box. AutoCAD will start processing each drawing and save them as individual PDF files in your chosen output location.

Note:

  • The progress bar at the bottom of the dialog box will indicate how many drawings have been successfully converted.
  • You can also monitor the conversion process in real-time by checking the status messages displayed in AutoCAD’s command line.

Congratulations! You have successfully saved multiple AutoCAD files as PDF documents.

You can now navigate to the output folder and access your converted drawings. PDF files are widely supported and can be easily shared with others, ensuring that your designs are accessible to anyone, regardless of their CAD software.

Remember to regularly save your AutoCAD files and update your PDF versions whenever changes are made to the original drawings. This will ensure that your PDF documents always reflect the most up-to-date versions of your designs.

We hope this tutorial has been helpful in guiding you through the process of saving multiple AutoCAD files as PDFs. Now you can efficiently share your drawings with colleagues, clients, or anyone else who needs access to your work!