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JLeahScott
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Trying to convert CAD models to 3D PDF, information missing

Jun 1, 2010 8:15 AM

Hi there!

 

I'm working with a series of CAD files (I don't know the original software that was used to create them) from 1995. They're actually 2D solid line models, with some text that serve as labels, as well as colored lines that represent measurements and other information. The first time I tried to convert them, I simply right-clicked on the CAD file, selected Convert to PDF, and sent the new file to the appropriate folder. Once I opened it, all the information was there, no problem.

 

However, after that I got overly curious and decided to try creating a PDF from Adobe Acrobat 9 Pro Extended itself, and selected Create PDF - From File. At first I did not touch any of the settings, and the resulting PDF I got was inferior from what I did the first time. So I decided to go back to the first method for creating PDFs, but once I started to do so, I started getting the same results as I did from when I used Adobe Acrobat 9 Pro Extended, and now I can't figure out how to reverse it! I tried fiddling with the settings for creating PDFs in Acrobat as well, but nothing seems to have worked. I even tried uninstalling the whole program and reinstalling it to see if that would fix the problem, but the resulting PDF files are still missing much of the label information and the colored lines.

 

Since I know I've gotten good results before, I'm really determined to figure out what I did wrong, but right now I'm at my wit's end as to how to fix the problem.

 

Help!

4643 Views   7 Replies   Latest reply: JLeahScott, Jun 9, 2010 7:06 AM
 
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  • Steve Small
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    1. Steve Small,
    Jun 1, 2010 8:34 AM   in reply to JLeahScott
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    It would probably be best to ask this question on the regular Acrobat User-to-User forum.  This forum is specifically for Acrobat 3D related questions, and I'm not sure your 2D files qualify.

     

    That said, you might want tot take a look at your "Convert to PDF" preferences.  Go to Edit > Preferences...   and select "Convert to PDF" in the left hand list box.  Select you format from the list on the left and play with the settings.  If Acrobat 9 converted the file before it should be able to do it again.  Which brings up a good point.  Have you tried converting the same files you had success with?

     
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  • JLeahScott
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    2. JLeahScott,
    Jun 1, 2010 8:49 AM   in reply to Steve Small
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    Hi Steve,

    Thank you so much for your help. I'll move the question over to the Acrobat User-to-User forum.

     

    I am looking at the "Convert to PDF" Edit > Preferences right now, and it actually does not list the format I am using (DWG). Or should I edit Autodesk AutoCAD, since DWG is that program's native format, right? I returned all the settings back to Default, since that was how they were when I was successfully converted the files to PDF, and I'm still having the problem of the missing labels.

     

    I have gone back and tried to reconvert the files that were already successfully converted, and the new PDF files of them are missing information as well. I'm guessing there is some setting that I mistakenly chose and haven't yet figured out which one it is.

     

    Another weird thing that has been happening pertains to the background color. Sometimes the color I specify in the settings is not always the one that appears on the screen once the PDF is created. Perhaps this could help enlighten the problem?

     
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  • Steve Small
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    3. Steve Small,
    Jun 1, 2010 9:05 AM   in reply to JLeahScott
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    JLeah,

     

    Unfortunately I am not a conversion wizard.  I can, however, attempt to locate someone who can help, though it may take a little time.  That said, I think you're on the right track; you should try the Autodesk AutoCAD settings. One solution may be to print to PDF.  If all you need is 2D information, this may get you what you need.

     
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  • JLeahScott
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    4. JLeahScott,
    Jun 1, 2010 9:19 AM   in reply to Steve Small
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    Hi Steve,

     

    Unfortunately the only other program I have for viewing the files, Bentley View, cannot print to PDF. And I cannot do it through Acrobat since by the time the file is already open, the information has disappeared.

     

    Actually, after looking at all the other programs that I can work with under Edit > Preferences, I noticed that all the other programs actually list the specifications that they currently support, yet no matter what I do, the AutoCAD never displays that information. All it says is "Click Edit Settings to view or edit settings for this file type." But once I make a change, nothing seems to stick.

     

    Actually, it would be great if you could contact that person. Thanks so much for your help!

     

    ~JLeahScott

     
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  • JLeahScott
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    5. JLeahScott,
    Jun 3, 2010 6:19 AM   in reply to Steve Small
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    Hi Steve,

     

    Any luck on contacting that person?

     

    Thank you again for all your help!

     
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  • William Gallego
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    6. William Gallego,
    Jun 8, 2010 5:26 PM   in reply to JLeahScott
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    Hello JLeahScott,

     

    Sorry for this late answer... Steve has reached me but i was a little bit busy...

     

    In order to convert DWG files as Steve tolds you you should go under Autodesk Autocad conversion settings

     

    - Open APEX and then go to Edit / Preferences

    - Under the Convert to PDF tabs, select Autodesk AutoCAD and press Edit Settings

     

    In order to convert 2D DWG files to PDF here are the default import parameters to use.

    See screenshot in attachement:

    Converting 2D_DWG_Files_Settings.jpg

     

    In order to convert 3D DWG files to PDF, please Select Convert Model to 3D option

    Then press Chosse 3D Settings and select the 3D conversion settings you need.

     

    Let me knwo if you are still facing problem with your conversion settings..

     

    Thanks

     

    William Gallego

     
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  • JLeahScott
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    7. JLeahScott,
    Jun 9, 2010 7:06 AM   in reply to William Gallego
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    Hi William,

     

    Thanks for getting back to me, your input is very much appreciated!

     

    So, I tried converting the 2D DWG files using your directions, and the 2D PDF output I got was a little better (aka some of the information and labels did appear), but unfortunately not all of them. In some cases, there were even complete sections of the drawings that were missing from the PDF, which the 3-D versions I made before could  pick up. I'm not sure if this is Adobe that's now causing the problem, but perhaps because the DWG files themselves are simply old (they are from 1996, and I don't know the software that they were created on), corrupted, or have strange algorithms that aren't suiting them well towards translation.

     

    Anyway, unless any one else has any other ideas, I may just have to stick with the 2-D versions for now, since their conversion is much more consistent, even though I still am experiencing information data loss.

     

    Thanks for all your help!

     

    JLeahScott

     
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