Paper Space and Plotters configuration

[Skybeorn]

We have recently changed plotters at our office.

 

My question is: Is anybody aware of a better way to adjust the Paper Space Plot settings?

 

For example: drawing1 used plotter A, as do all of the drawings, now that plotter A is gone i have to change the plotter to "plotter B" in the "Page setup Manager".

 

Is it neccsary to touch every single layout that was tied to "plotter A" and change it to "plotter B" and then re adjust the paper space accordingly to that plotter so it plots correctly?

 

In the past I would would adjust the template that I created and then import the models into the new template. Then Go in and adjust* each layout and fix the title block on that layout.

 

*adjusting each layout was just entering sheet information on the titleblock

[chulse]

If you create a 'page setup' in the page setup dialog, you can apply it to each layout. The easiest way I know of is a lisp from CAB (at the Swamp)http://www.theswamp.org/index.php?topic=8855.0

...not sure if it's posted here at CADtutor or not.

 

Also, you can change the page setup when you use the PUBLISH dialog.

[Skybeorn]

I have to adjust each titleblock so it is on "printable space" within each "layout tab". I was looking for a better way to do this and i tried using the LISP from CAB but i get a message saying "no Plot Styles in the Drawing".

 

Are we both thinking of the same thing here? Or should i be browsing to a different file location rather than a specfic DWG, when using Cab's LISP.

 

Maybe i am just over complicating this and should just go to each layout and fix it in every drawing.

 

I was hoping there was something like "find and replace" printer A with printer B in all the layouts that used printer A, While retaing all settings from printer A except the plot device.

 

Am i coming across Clear Chulse?

 

Maybe i need to set up something else before I could even preform this.

[rkent]

Sure, set up Plotter B.pc3, then rename or copy it to be Plotter A.pc3 . Your pagesetups will still be calling for Plotter A but will use Plotter B.

 

In the future when naming your plotter.pc3 files use names like WideFormat1, WideFormat2, rather than the manufacturers name.

[chulse]

I have to adjust each titleblock so it is on "printable space" within each "layout tab". I was looking for a better way to do this and i tried using the LISP from CAB but i get a message saying "no Plot Styles in the Drawing".

 

Are we both thinking of the same thing here? Or should i be browsing to a different file location rather than a specfic DWG, when using Cab's LISP.

 

Maybe i am just over complicating this and should just go to each layout and fix it in every drawing.

 

I was hoping there was something like "find and replace" printer A with printer B in all the layouts that used printer A, While retaing all settings from printer A except the plot device.

 

Am i coming across Clear Chulse?

 

Maybe i need to set up something else before I could even preform this.

 

You need to create "named" page setups (not part of a layout) first before you can use CAB's tool.

In the page setup dialog, click 'New', then adjust the 'plot offset' as needed to re-center the skewed titleblock. Then use CAB's routine to apply the saved page setup to all the layouts in the dwg.

 

I hope I am understanding your issue correctly.

[chulse]

Sure, set up Plotter B.pc3, then rename or copy it to be Plotter A.pc3 . Your pagesetups will still be calling for Plotter A but will use Plotter B.

 

In the future when naming your plotter.pc3 files use names like WideFormat1, WideFormat2, rather than the manufacturers name.

 

Nice work around

[Skybeorn]

I am going see what i can do.

 

Thanks for the help Chulse & rkent.

[chulse]

Did you get it to work out?

[Skybeorn]

No I have never seen this Offset thing your talking about?

 

Or what dialog are you referring too?

[chulse]

No I have never seen this Offset thing your talking about?

 

Or what dialog are you referring too?

 

Under 'File', select 'Page Setup Manager'

 

In the Page Stup Manager - click 'NEW'

 

That will bring up the Page Setup Dialog

 

In the lower left are the offset options. Set the offsets to compensate for the plotter marging changes...

 

I hope this helps

[Skybeorn]

Chulse,

 

Well i am in the right place.

 

I Have page Setups. But when i Click import i still get 'No Plot Styles in Drawing'. (Cab's LISP)

 

And How will i know the offset measurements? Draw a line in paper space?

 

I appreciate all the help, wish i could get it to work!

[chulse]

Did you create a new named page setup? If so, I'm not sure why CAB's routine wouldn't work... although, you don't want to click 'IMPORT', you want to 'APPLY' the named page setup (left side of the dialog) to the layouts (right side of the dilog)...

 

As for the measurements - if you open a layout with the new plotter settings applied, the titleblock (whole layout) is shifted, correct? If so, just measure the ammount you want to shift it back (x and y)...

[Skybeorn]

Well i finally got it to work. *cheers*

 

If I understand this correctly the Page setup manager can be used to make mutiple "Views or Pages" Within one layout tab?

 

It just seems cloudly because i have always used a new layout for a new View. Guess you learn something new Everyday.

 

Thanks so much for your continued help.

 

>_

[chulse]

Glad you git it worked out

 

You can make several 'page setups' (I have one for each page size I use and for various plotters/PDF converters), then using the PUBLISH command you can easily print to any setup (ie plotter) without changing the settinsg of the individual layout.