More than one way to make PDFs

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.

4. Adobe Acrobat

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.

Convert ABR Brushes!

I recently did a Photoshop project using some ABR files. The project turned out fine, but the person wanted to use some of the brushes outside of Photoshop. Thus my hunt began for a way to convert ABR files. You can convert them to PNG files using a freeware utility called ABR Viewer 2.0. Once they are PNG files, you can use them in almost any image program. If you'd like a detailed tutorial on how to convert the ABR files to Photopaint Nibs. There's an excellent tut available HERE.

Enjoy!

Free DWG Viewer

Yes, those in the CAD community know that Autodesk finally released a free dwg viewer a while back. It's a huge download offering "true view" technology. But what if you just want to view thumbnails, and maybe browse some dwg files before opening the behemoth DWG Viewer?

I'll refer you to a great freeware utility for CAD users called AVE (autocad version explorer). It's currently at release 1.9, and i've been using it for a while. With some coding, i've integrated into a standard autocad menu. It's a great small dwg browser. Get it here:

http://www.jmsware.com/

Check out the forums, the author is friendly and open to suggestions.

Welcome Stranger!

This blog is dedicated to CAD & Graphics (just as the title suggests). Any tips, neat utilities, tricks, or information related but not limited to AutoCAD, Photoshop, Illustrator, Coreldraw, Photopaint.