Cannot print to PDF...possible file corrupt? Please help!!!

[kitty]

I created a file VW 12.5, and now I cannot print to PDF. I can print other VW files I have to PDF, but not this particular one. It let me print this file to PDF once, but hasn't let me since. Could I have done something to corrupt the file? Can it be fixed? Would hate to have to redraft everything. I even tried copying to another file but still wouldn't let me. Is there anyone I can send my file to and have them look at it to see what the issue is? Any thoughts?

Thanks!!!

[Ray Libby]

Please create a signature with your version of Vectorworks and computer specs including OS version to make it possible to help.

[kitty]

Does this help?

[M.CH]

It sounds like your file is running out of ram, I see you only have 1/2 gig. The fact you cant copy is indicative of that, what is the file size?

[Ray Libby]

Thanks kitty.

I agree, if you really do only have 512MB of ram it's time to upgrade. Even 1GB of ram would be lean.

When you say print PDF, do you mean export? If so try lowering the resolution in the PDF export dialog box to 72 dpi as a test. If it works you can then increase it to get better quality.

[kitty]

When I say print, I mean I go to File and click on Print. Then select PDF. I went into the print properties and changed the dpi to 72, that still did nothing. I can't imagine that would be the problem since I have always been able to print to PDF before, but now all of a sudden I cannot. I can't figure it out at all. Oh and yeah, I know I need to upgrade, just waiting for the cash to do it

[kitty]

Also, the file size is 5.13 KB. And I didn't mean I couldn't copy, it let me copy, I meant that if I copied what I had drafted from the file and placed it in another new file, it still wouldn't let me print. But if I go to other VW drawings, even ones that are larger, it will let me print those, so I am thinking there is an issue with the drawing, I just don't know where.

[brudgers]

What software are you using to print PDF's?

Under windows printing PDF's requires a third party application such as Adobe Acrobat's PDF Writer(not Acrobat Reader).

Most likely, it is a problem with the third party software, not Vectorworks.

I believe VW12.5 supports "Export" for PDF's.

I would recommend this approach.

[islandmon]

Agree... it appears to be a print driver issue.

[Ray Libby]

Agree, try exporting PDF. File menu>Export>Export PDF...

[kitty]

Using Adobe Acrobat to print. Tried exporting but that does not work either. It just seems strange that I can print to PDF from any other VW file, just not this one.

[Ray Libby]

What happens when you try to export PDF?

[kitty]

It comes up blank, just like when I try to print it. I am wondering if it might actually have something to do with my memory. I tried using another program, PDF 995 to write to PDF and I get and error saying that the "memory could not be read", Also if I go into Adobe and try to create the PDF that way, it says that it could not open the file becuase it is either "not a supported file type" or "because the file has been damaged"

[islandmon]

there's probably some weird artifact on the page you are trying to print ... possibly some scale issue. Try GoTo > File > Layer(s) > SelectAll .

Also, checkout the Classes one-by-one.

[Ray Libby]

Have you tried lowering the resolution when exporting PDF?

Depending on the flavor, 1GB of ram is $20-$30, I would say this is a necessity for you.

http://www.newegg.com/Store/Category.aspx?Category=17&name=Memory

[bcd]

5.13kb sounds impossibly low, I'd try opening a new file and workgroup referencing all the layers into the new file rather than copy/paste, break the links by deleting the reference and try your pdf export from there. If pdf printing is working on other files then it doesn't sound like a ram issue to me - although upping your ram is never a bad idea.

[bcd]

btw - you can send me your file & I'll take a quick look at it

[brudgers]

When was the last time you defragged your drive?

I've had Vectorworks crash from a fragmented drive.

Have you tried rebooting?

Just mentioning the obvious.

Edited September 20, 2008 by brudgers

[carpalmer]

I've never have had consistent "luck" with "export to PDF" or Acrobat. I use Primo PDF by default, it's a free application you can download and works flawlessly, complex (heavy, with images, etc, etc, etc...)files and all... It installs as a printer and is very easy to use

check it out

carpalmer

[altoids]

Your file is corrupted. This is indicated by the file size, and the fact that three different method of generating a PDF all fail (Arcrobat, PDF 995 and VW).

You can try several things. Select all, copy, then paste the contents into a new file. Failing that, export it as DWG the import it into a new file. Failing that, try opening the file on VW running on a Mac (which handles PDFs natively) and "print to PDF". Failing that, draw it again.