Distorted output to PDF

[Jim Fruth]

I am using TurboFloorPlan 3D -- V16.0.C1.901 in trial mode and have trouble printing to scale through PDF.

If I print to 1/16"=1', it looks OK.  As I progress up through the settings to get to 1/2"=1', horizontal distortion takes over.  The vertical dimension does not distort.

I've created a paper size in my PDF options to print to 42"x60" to match a local printer's paper size, but still no luck.

I can't believe that I am the only one to experience this, so I'm hoping someone has discovered the solution.

Thanks to all in advance.

[Draftcad]

Hi Jim, welcome to the forum!

Can you post your *.bld file? I will print it to different PDF writers and see what I get. If you can post also the distorted PDF, it would be great
If you can, please, let us know what PDF writer do you use

Also --> did you set your PDF writer to "print to scale"

Pat

[Jim Fruth]

Thanks, Pat.

Here's the .bld along with two PDFs -- at half-inch and sixteenth-inch.

Since I handed the thumb drive to a clerk, I don't know if they selected print to scale or not, but the on-screen view of the PDF clearly shows the distortion.

These are made using the Adobe Acrobat 8 Pro.  I also tried several of the other distillers -- all with the same result.  Large items from other programs print to PDF without distortion.

Jim

[Draftcad]

Jim,

I am checking few additional details, but for sure, the PDF scaled 1/2 is not scaled and with the right paper size --> did  you notice that the file has 4 pages, and 3 of them empty

Also, can you confirm the size of the paper? not sure what size is this?

Pat

[Jim Fruth]

Pat:

The paper size is 42"x48" and it's shown to print in just one of the four pages.  When I center it, it wants to print it across 4 pages, but with Lower Left selected, at least it ends up on a single sheet.

Jim

[Draftcad]

Hi Jim,

I checked in my Adobe 9 and I don't see any problem, but I tried with other paper sizes. The only issue I see is that the size of the drawing (in 1/2 scale)  is larger than the size of the paper, so this can be the reason
Also, check if both the scale of the program (View --> View Properties ) and the settings of the PDF writer are matching

Pat

[Jim Fruth]

Pat:

Thanks so much for your effort on this.

Are you saying that you are not getting any distortion at the 1/2-inch scale when you print to your Adobe 9?

Jim

[Draftcad]

Hi Jim,

Correct, I am not getting distortions but notice that I am using other size of paper

Just as control, try this create a file with just a (very) small room and try to print to scale to a A0 size --> let us know if you still get distortion

Pat

[Jim Fruth]

Pat:

Tried it on A0.  Very small room -- cannot detect the distortion on the screen, at least.  Printed the entire extents over an AO 12-page array and got the severe distortion again.

Also note that the distortion is not seen in the preview window, only in the final PDF.

Another noted problem -- maybe not part of the same issue -- my grid lines/dots are not printing either.

Jim

[Draftcad]

Printed the entire extents over an AO 12-page array

Not sure what do you mean? If it is a small room, it should fit in page
Also, can you post the screenshot of the "print screen" (distortion case) --> see attached --> this is what I see when I try to print your plan using ANSI E size (scale 1/16"=1')

Pat

[Jim Fruth]

Pat:

I meant that I zoomed in on a small room, selected "display" as the print area and printed at 1/2"=1'.  I perceived no distortion at this level when viewing the PDF on the screen.

As compared to your screen shot, it's exactly as I see it here.  The preview shows no distortion no matter what amount of the drawing I'm trying to print to PDF. 

I had good luck with a previous version of FloorPlan a couple of years ago and was always able to print to scale without distortion and get the grid dots or lines to show up in the PDF if those were opted for.  That's why this is so frustrating to me.

Jim

[Draftcad]

Hi Jim

The zoom level is not related with the printing size. Printing display means "print the elements displayed" not the size displayed
If you are printing to scale, the printing size will be the same independently of the soom level

Pat

[Jim Fruth]

Pat:

I am well aware of that.  I was merely answering your previous question.

For now, though, it seems I have corrected the problem by selecting 300DPI in the Adobe properties.

I still can't print grid lines or dots...  But that's a different puzzle.

Thanks for the help.

Jim Fruth

[Allan Chesney]

Hi Jim and Pat,

I have purposely  stayed out of this one as I seldom print (other than photorealistic images) but I do know that the program prefers 300 DPI for printing direct to the printer. Any other resolution on the printer can result in horizontal lines accoss elevations and orthographic 'Hidden Line' or 'Rendered Outline' views. Sounds like it may affect PDF prints in some way too.

Allan

[Jim Fruth]

Thanks, Allan.

I got the printing proportions problem solved.

Now if I could just figure out why my grid lines or dots don't show up in the print, I'll be home free.

They show in the preview, but not in the final PDF.

Jim