Tip for week 1/13/03

This week there are 2 tips.

1.  How to retain those invaluable Express tools originally offered with a full install of AutoCAD 2000. Express tools are not included with AutoCAD 2000i or 2002. See http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/ps/item?siteID=123112&id=2879139&linkID=2475323  for the full explanation.

2.  How to make a J-peg image file from your AutoCAD drawing. Many people have inquired on our Tech Line about this technique in the recent months. By creating a raster image file of your drawing, anyone with an Internet browser such as Microsoft Internet Explorer or Netscape Navigator, will be able to view the drawing.

  1. Open the drawing to be saved.
  2. Execute File<Plotter Manager.
  3. Double click on the Add-A-Plotter Wizard icon in the Explorer window that opens.
  4. On the Add Plotter - Introduction Page choose Next.
  5. On the Add Plotter - Begin page ensure that the My Computer option is highlighted and choose Next.
  6. Scroll down in the Manufacturers column on the left and highlight Raster File Formats.
  7. Scroll down in the Models column on the right and highlight Independent JPEG Group.
  8. Choose Next to accept the two selections.
  9. On the Add Plotter - Import Pcp or Pc2 page choose Next.
  10. On the Add Plotter - Ports page ensure that the Plot to File option is highlighted and choose Next.
  11. On the Add Plotter -Plotter Name page accept the default plotter name or enter one of your own and choose Next.
  12. On the Add Plotter - Finish page choose Finish.
  13. Close the Plotters explorer window and return to AutoCAD.
  14. Issue the PLOT command.  


           Jpeg plot-01.bmp (544634 bytes)
  15. Under the Plot Device tab choose the Independent JPEG Group Pc3 file.
  16. Choose a Pen Style Table and in the Plot to File area give the image a file name and directory path to save it to.
  17. Continue on to the Plot Settings tab and configure the settings as though it were a typical hardcopy plot. Notice that under the Paper Size pull-down that you can choose different resolutions should the file quality or size not be correct the first time for your application of the file.