Huge LayOut pdf output

Calstock

I always use Dropbox and just email the link for the PDF to the client. Works brilliantly, and it's free, (within certain usage constraints I believe).

JQL

Are you using High quality settings output? Have you tried Medium?

I've noticed they're much smaller but still have a good output quality when printing or even visualizing directly on pdf.

pbacot

JQL You are right as always! Yes, I think for construction drawings I'll try the medium setting. It's possible it only affects the raster portion, and for most construction drawings I am not using fancy textures. In fact I prefer to keep it simple.

I wondered if some statement was made by Trimble regarding how these settings relate to portions of the drawing. Looking into these settings--this is from the Trimble LayOut "Help Center:"

@unknownuser said:

LayOut displays content like you would see on a printed piece of paper. You can set the DPI (dots per inch) in LayOut like you would set a printer. If you increase your DPI setting, your SketchUp models will appear less blocky. To change the DPI in LayOut, please follow these steps:
Click the "File" menu.
Click "Document Setup..."
In the left pane, click "Paper."
Select your setting in the "DPI" drop-down list.
For best performance and appearance in LayOut, we recommend that you avoid setting the DPI value higher than 150 DPI.

Of course in my Document Setup there is no "dpi" setting.

JQL

@pbacot said:

Of course in my Document Setup there is no "dpi" setting.

Never seen that myself either!

But that MUST be related with raster part of the output as vector part will always be vector so it doesn't have anything to do with dpi nor will it decrease quality or even create heavier files.

With older versions of LO (8-2013) I was using both vector and hybrid viewports as vector was much faster but couldn't handle textures or shadows. With 2014, I've noticed everything could be on hybrid rendering. With 2015 Layout became MUCH faster and I don't worry about it anymore even if I always have the working settings on Low (wich only affects texture quality while working and on the screen you don't notice it too much.)

The good thing about this is that you can always export to CAD and delete the images folder and you have some clean drawings for engineering consultants, while pdf output to clients are always good looking.

I haven't done much competitions where images (renders and other kind of images) are key so I see no need for High quality settings output.

If you have only a few textures why don't you use low quality only. Basically it would work for shadows, and fairly simple or undetailed textures, wich could include some simpler hatch textures.

The file would be much lighter and faster to export.

It's a shame vector doesn't include shadows...

pbacot

Good Points JQL. I would have to use hybrid for now, to provide some sort of texture for some surfaces. To produce even a construction drawing with no "hatch" for things like stone, horizontal siding or roofing is a step backwards from 2d CAD, and arguably unprofessional. And to add all this anywhere but in the model (or some other "automatic" means) means a lot of work and room for error, each time you make a change,

sonder

FWIW. I export all my CD's at the low setting. It prints beautifully and is much smaller in file size.

JQL

@unknownuser said:

FWIW. I export all my CD's at the low setting. It prints beautifully and is much smaller in file size.

Never had the guts to try that myself. Will do on my next set. Thanks for the info.

pbacot

Sonder, your experience is always worthwhile to hear about. Thanks! I'll look at that too. I would think shadows would become blocky looking--whereas jagged edges of textures are obscured by lines.

sonder

Shadows reproduce just fine on "low". Make sure you print it and you will see the resolution is more than enough for a 24x36 set.

Richard

If you are printing to a good PDF writer (adobe acrobat eg), you can create alternative settings to the default in which to can nominate the downsampling of colour or greyscale images. This way substitution of in model textures isn't an issue!