ECN Forum Forums Technical Discussion Re: Computers and the Internet Drawing software

How about a really good CHEAP pdf utility?

I just hate paying hundreds of dollars for Adobe.

For PDF I use Acroplot from Cadzation (www.cadzation.com). We have Acrobat Pro and Acroplot works much easier for what we do and converts to other formats. I have not used it for doing direct conversions though it can handle it (meaning you do not have to convert through AutoCad).

We use AutoCAD 2007. I like the product and the ability to customize it to how I work. I started out with version 9 coming from PCCAD (Printed Circuit Board CAD), Cadvance, and Generic CAD. The first two were far easier programs to use at the time, but I took and modified tremendously the AutoCAD to how I wanted it to operate and found that I preferred it.

What it still comes down to is AutoCAD is expensive and overpriced, but great if you have the time to get it to fit you. Yet if I ever want something for home use, I will definately look elsewhere.

sabrown;

Can the Acroplot utility be used to make .PDF plot files?

Currently using a very old full version of Adobe Acrobat + Distiller (Version 4), for associated .PDF creations and such.

For .PDF Plot File saves (saved CAD files as .PDF Plot Files), I set the "Default Printer" to be the Distiller, then perform "Normal" Plot Jobs from AutoCAD.

Scott35

Kenbo

Ok installed and used ZWcad. It looks feels and functions just like AutoCAD, and the price is nice too.

Yes, Acroplot makes PDF - without Adobe or the PDF plotter within AutoCAD. It is nice because I can take a whole mess of files with multiple layouts and convert them to a single PDF file in one step along with a watermark saying "For Review Only" or anything else desired. Lot's of options and converts Office and image files. It is so good that I have had no desire to even look at AutoCAD Sheet Sets (which looks like a huge pain to me).

I have Adobe Pro 7.0 and Distiller on my computer also and never use it except when desirous to edit an existing PDF files.

Two free 2D programs that may be worth investigating are Solid Edge 2D www.solidedge.com/free2D and Draft IT 2.01 www.cadlogic.com/products/draftit/index.htm.

Shane

I use pdf955 http://site4.pdf995.com/download.html to create pdf files out of AutoCAD LT 2003 many times. It works like a printer driver. Point to it in the plot menu and name the file. It's free if you don't mind the short ad page or $10 if you want it clean. Great tool for anything. I send my quotes out with it too.

edit to add:
Of course the drawing is no longer to scale.

[This message has been edited by Jps1006 (edited 01-30-2007).]