AutoCAD 2008 finally has a PDF plotter, but for those still on older versions, what can you do? Here's my offering of PDF tools to use for AutoCAD.
1. CutePDF Writer installed with Ghostscript
This creates a PDF printer that can be used with any application, including AutoCAD. I use this, because it's free, free, free!
2. PrimoPDF installed with Ghostscript
Again, it's another front-end for Ghostscript, like CutePDF.
3. Acroplot Pro
An excellent PDF printer geared for AutoCAD printing. The printing is saved as vector information so the PDFs are small.
The most expensive option, even though they have different versions available, you'll want to spring for the Pro version if you're doing drawings. They also have a 3D version, that support 3D models from many cad applications. Very cool, and very expensive compared to our other PDF products.
Which one is better? If you want the cheapest solution and are uncomfortable with Ghostscript setup and installation, I suggest CutePDF, they have a easy version of a ghostscript install on the same page as CutePDF writer. If you want to manage, merge, split PDFs, create and control them with layer management and digital signatures, then Acrobat still reigns as the main choice.
There are free alternatives for PDF management, and I'll probably post some at a later date. But for now, this should be enough to get you going.
