Randyman Posted June 15, 2011 Share Posted June 15, 2011 Hi folks, I'm using a CAD program called DraftSite and it is free. Anyway, when I try to use the Convert/PDF button the drawing ends up being smaller than what I want when I open the PDF file. For instance I drew a line 36" long and used the Convert/PDF function and when I opened it up it was 32" long. What am I doing wrong? Should it not show the same size in the PDF format? Thank you in advance, Randy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CyberAngel Posted June 16, 2011 Share Posted June 16, 2011 (edited) I'm not familiar with DraftSite, so I may not understand your situation. If the scale is preserved, of course the objects should be the same size. I assume that you're printing the PDF you get. The scale could get changed in two places: when it's converted and when it's printed. Check the settings for the conversion "button" (in AutoCAD it's treated as a plotter) and for the plotter. Printing PDFs can be tricky. Correction: I have DraftSight, but my trial period has expired. For some reason this free software won't start. Edited June 16, 2011 by CyberAngel Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Randyman Posted June 16, 2011 Author Share Posted June 16, 2011 Correction: I have DraftSight, but my trial period has expired. For some reason this free software won't start. I had that problem too and just re-installed the new version and it works fine now. Thank you for your reply. So it seems that I was not using the right printer settings. Once I selected the Microsoft XPS Document writer it worked great and gave me a perfect scale image in Adobe. I don't have a plotter so I could not select the proper sheet size. I'm not sure if thats the problem but at least it is resolved. Thanks again CyberAngel for your help. I am self taught in CAD but would like a career in the field. I'm just not sure what avenue to take ot what courses. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CyberAngel Posted June 16, 2011 Share Posted June 16, 2011 A program like DraftSight is a good introduction to CAD, especially at that price. I can't speak for others on this forum, but I haven't had a single formal class in AutoCAD. Everything I know I've had to learn from manuals, reference books, and pure boneheaded trial and error. I didn't set out to become a civil drafter, that was the type of job available the last time I changed careers. A certificate might help. The local junior college should have classes. You might try an internship with an engineering or architectural firm. Of course there are books. You can get a 30-day trial of AutoCAD Lite... whoa, that sucker costs $1200? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Randyman Posted June 16, 2011 Author Share Posted June 16, 2011 Yes you can't beat the price. I do have access to AutoCad if I need it but he only has the 2002 version I believe. This will be a career change for me so I'm looking at the current situation here in BC to see what the demand is and for what area of expertize. I will call a couple companies and see what they can do for me. Now that I'm an old fart there are not many companies that are willing to help a guy out. I'll check on classes also. Thank you for all your help. Randy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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