Expert: Bob - 5/21/2008

Question
I have been using AutoCAD since the late 80's.  Have only been doing a few things a year for a couple of clients lately.  I still use R14.  Works fine for my stuff.  Architectural stuff mostly.  My latest client has the latest version of LT.  We need to send the printer a pdf.  So we use his, because R14 doesnt save to a pdf.  

The problem I am having is that when I choose the scale, say 1/4" = 1', then I preview, it shows up as a tiny square in the lower left corner.  Of course if I say fit to scale it shows up full page, but we both know that it is not to scale.  I know the answer is something really simple and stupid that I am missing in LT.  Any suggestions?

Answer
Hi --
Sorry if I am a bit cross (horrible day!)--- but I THINK you are saying that you are using his AutoCAD LT 2009? 2008? 2007???

If you are trying to plot from the layout --- you should plot at 1:1, and select LAYOUT or WINDOW when plotting, assuming that the layout was set to the proper page size.
If you are trying to plot from model space, you should scale when plotting, as before.

My guess --- you omit too much for me to be 100%-- is that you are trying to plot the layout.

I gotta tell you that I am shocked when I find users who have not stopped to learn the model space/paper space thing, which was introduced with AutoCAD 2000, in Spring, 1999. (centuries in computer years).  There are hundreds of books, online tutorial, explanations in HELP, and so on.

And except on the latest versions, you PLOT to a pdf, not save to one. since a pdf is sort of an image, not a vector file. (I am pretty sure that LT2008 has a provision to create a pdf without using an outside software.)

If you only use R14, cool for you --- but you will be hopeless assisting someone on modern software without spending some time on catching up.   Fair??? I have a client who does dead simple work, is in his mid-70s, and like to use the latest LT, just in case it is better.  

Write back if I have this all mistaken.

BOB