ChrisG

Here is a really knotty problem for which someone might have an explanation or answer. I recently created two PS Level 3 files (using the virtual printer option permitted by version 8.7 of the Adobe PS driver). Each drawing was set to print on an HP DesignJet HP2500CP (the PPD description was downloaded from the HP web site). Both files/drawings were ISO A1 in size, contained a number of 'transparent' bitmaps (rendered with RenderWorks), and set to print in best mode. PS was set to Level 3 only and all fonts (type 1) embedded. The size of the PS files so generated was about 11.5 and 14.5 MB respectively. I use a Mac running OS9 with VectorWorks 8.5.2. My print bureau uses a network of Macs and PCs connected to the printers via some sort of NT print server. The PS files were sent to the printers using DropPS 1.1.4. The smaller file downloaded and printed without any trouble. However, the larger file - of which I deliberately created (not copied) a number of versions - just seemed to "lock" itself when only 2.03Mb had been spooled to the HP2500. From then on, the sending of data to the printer became so slow as to be non-existent . After an hour of watching the 'receiving' indicator on the printer flash on and off, the print run was abandoned. The problem was identical with both a PS123 file and a PS3 only version. However, there was no problem sending either file (with the correct PPDs) to either an HP1055 or a Xerox Xpress. Independent verions of the 2500 file were tried and all files checked for PS errors (none). Each time the problem repeated itself. Both files are pretty much the same - layer links, multiple views, etc. etc. - the only difference with the larger is that two of the bitmaps are 300dpi rather than the 150dpi used elsewhere (this was a mistake that I have not yet bothered to correct). I - and the chaps down at the bureau, who are pretty knowledgable - are completely stuck as to what could be the problem. Anyone have any ideas?

As regards the level of PS: if you are printing to a Level 3 machine (not sure what your HP is), then do select the Level 3 only option - the PS file that is sent to the printer is significantly smaller than if you select 1, 2 & 3. The PS savvy bitmaps option is essential if you are printing any bitmap that you have set to be 'transparent' (i.e. the fill for the bitmap has been set to NONE), such as when you might want to see the sky behind the bitmap of a buiding. If you don't select it, then you will not see (print) what is 'behind'. There is a NNA post on the subject somewhere on this site. Personally, I have had a lot of success generating postscript files from VW 8.5.2 and having them plotted on a number of machines (I a local print bureau), includling an HP2500CP, an HP1055CM, a Xerox Xpress and even to a Canon photocopier via a Firey RIP. I am using a Mac (OS9) and - very importantly - the Adobe PS driver (version 8.7). This is far superior to any other driver I've used and, amongst other things, it allows - via the Page Setup dialogue - the creation of a " virtual printer" for generating PS files, just as long as you have the PPD description for the device you are outputting to. Note that the Adobe PS driver and the PPDs are all free. The only problem I've encountered relates to using an HP2500CP, and is a real puzsle - see my separate posting elsewhere in this forum. Hope this is all of help.

Further to my last words on this subject ......... another point to be aware of is the fact that VW now uses transparent bitmaps (i.e. set the fill for the bitmap to 'none' and areas that are white become transparent). This is a great feature and allows you to view objects with other objects behind (e.g. landscape behind a building), whether in the same layer or not. Works like a dream with the Bitmap Render tool. However, if you are printing to a PostScript plotter or printer, you do have to remember to check the PS savvy bitmaps box under the VW print dialogue options (I believe that there's a VW technical note on the subject somewhere else on this site).

Would be nice if future versions of RenderWorks (and perhaps the VW QD3D option) supported ColorSync and perhaps other colour management systems (e.g. all those supported by HP DesignJet PS printers). At the moment, plotting in colour is a bit hit and miss, which at UK?25+ a plot (for and ISO A1) can be a bit of a blow to the pocket.

I know that this is a few months down the line, for which I apologise, but having spent a day fretting over just this problem (I''ve only just stated playing around with advanced rendering techniques) I have come up with a couple of answers. Firstly, try using the Render Bitmap tool to render only the portions of the layers that need to be rendered (you can set the raster resolution via the preferences button). For each layer, only the area covered by the bitmap will be "masked". You can then "see" the layer(s) stacked below when you set the Layer Options to View Others. I've just used this technique to set up a drawing that includes all the plans, sections and elevations of a house, with each of the elevations set up as its own linked layer, and each with its own orientation-specific lighting scheme. Secondly, the problem can be avoided if you can work in Perspective projection, since only the area within the perspective frame is rendered, not the whole area of the page. Hope these tips are of help. Regards, Chris Garrand