6.4 Publishing and exporting

Publishing and exporting are crucial steps in sharing CAD drawings. These processes allow designers to distribute their work in various formats, ensuring compatibility across different platforms and software. From PDF to DWF, each format serves a specific purpose in the world of digital design.

When publishing or exporting, it's essential to consider file size, quality, and compatibility. Balancing these factors ensures that your drawings are accessible to your intended audience while maintaining the necessary level of detail. This topic explores the ins and outs of sharing your CAD work effectively.

Publishing drawings to various formats

File formats for sharing and printing

Top images from around the web for File formats for sharing and printing

• 

  VisualPlace View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  外部参照详解与小知识点 - 天下无鱼-资源博客 View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Altium's PCB Design Sharing & Visualization Tool helps to view popular CAD formats in your ... View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  VisualPlace View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  外部参照详解与小知识点 - 天下无鱼-资源博客 View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

Top images from around the web for File formats for sharing and printing

• 

  VisualPlace View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  外部参照详解与小知识点 - 天下无鱼-资源博客 View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Altium's PCB Design Sharing & Visualization Tool helps to view popular CAD formats in your ... View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  VisualPlace View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  外部参照详解与小知识点 - 天下无鱼-资源博客 View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

• Publish drawings to PDF (Portable Document Format) for wide compatibility
  • Maintains original layout, fonts, and graphics
  • Ideal for sharing and printing CAD drawings
  • Widely supported across different platforms and devices
• Use DWF (Design Web Format) for secure electronic distribution
  • Developed by Autodesk for efficient compression and multi-sheet support
  • Allows for secure sharing and collaboration on CAD drawings
  • Supports inclusion of metadata and hyperlinks for enhanced navigation

Considerations for publishing drawings

• Determine the intended use of the published file
  • Printing, electronic distribution, or collaboration
  • Affects choice of file format, resolution, and output settings
• Select desired sheets and set output options
  • Specify paper size, scale, and plot style
  • Adjust settings based on intended use and audience
  • Choose appropriate file format and location for the published file

Configuring publish settings

Balancing file size and quality

• Adjust publish settings to optimize file size and quality
  • Consider the intended use and audience of the published file
  • Balance between file size and quality based on requirements
• Reduce resolution (DPI) and compress data for smaller file sizes
  • Lower resolution for electronic distribution and storage
  • Compress raster images and vector data to minimize file size
  • Suitable for files shared via email or online platforms
• Increase resolution and use lossless compression for higher quality
  • Higher resolution for printing and detailed review
  • Preserve quality using lossless compression techniques
  • Ensures accurate representation of drawing details and annotations

Color depth and compatibility considerations

• Choose appropriate color depth for the published file
  • Monochrome, grayscale, or color options
  • Higher color depths result in larger file sizes but more accurate colors
  • Consider the requirements of the intended audience and output medium
• Ensure compatibility with the audience's software and hardware
  • Consider the capabilities and limitations of the target platforms
  • Test published files on different devices and software versions
  • Provide instructions or guidelines for accessing and using the files

Exporting drawings for interoperability

Common file formats for data exchange

• Export drawings to DXF (Drawing Exchange Format) for wide compatibility
  • Supported by various CAD platforms, particularly AutoCAD and Autodesk products
  • Enables collaboration and data exchange between different software
  • Preserves basic geometry, text, and layout information
• Use DGN (DesiGN) format for interoperability with Bentley Systems' MicroStation
  • Proprietary format commonly used in the AEC (Architecture, Engineering, and Construction) industry
  • Supports advanced features and data types specific to MicroStation
  • Facilitates collaboration with stakeholders using Bentley software

Considerations for exporting drawings

• Ensure version compatibility between the source and target software
  • Check the supported versions of the export format
  • Use appropriate file format versions for the intended audience
  • Provide version information and any necessary conversion instructions
• Review exported files for accuracy and completeness
  • Verify the integrity of the geometry, text, and annotations
  • Check for any data loss or formatting changes during the export process
  • Perform quality control checks and seek feedback from the intended users

Managing drawing revisions and version control

Electronic transmittal and collaboration

• Use electronic transmittal for sending and tracking CAD drawings
  • Email or cloud-based collaboration platforms (Dropbox, Google Drive)
  • Ensures timely delivery and receipt of drawing files
  • Enables tracking and confirmation of file access and downloads
• Implement version control to manage drawing changes over time
  • Assign unique identifiers (revision numbers or letters) to each version
  • Maintain a clear history of the drawing's development
  • Ensures all stakeholders work with the most up-to-date information

Organizing and securing drawing files

• Establish a consistent naming convention for files and folders
  • Include project name, drawing type, revision number, and date
  • Facilitates easy identification and retrieval of specific versions
  • Promotes clarity and organization within the project team
• Implement access controls and permissions for drawing files
  • Assign appropriate user roles and access levels
  • Restrict editing and approval rights to authorized individuals
  • Maintains the integrity and security of the design process
• Regularly archive and backup drawing files
  • Prevents data loss due to hardware failures or accidental deletions
  • Enables retrieval of previous versions when needed
  • Ensures a comprehensive record of the project's evolution