[lightnb]

Not sure if this is the right forum, but it seems close enough...

I got VectorWorks recently to use for my scenic designs and Lighting
plots.

Previously, I was only doing student projects, so I could export my
designs as images, and then use Powerpoint and an LC projector to
present them.

I am now working on the design for a real show (one that we are
actually producing) and I have run into a dilemma: I have no idea
how to print it.

All I own is an 8 1/2" x 11" laser printer, and the document is
almost 6 feet long!

I went to Kinkos, but the guy said that they can only print Adobe
Files. I could export as an image, and past it in illustrator, but
then it becomes a photo, and is no longer to scale.

Another company, who supposedly specializes in blueprinting, will
only take computer files in .PDF (Acrobat) format. I don't have
Acrobat pro, and I think that that would alter the scale also,
wouldn't it?

It appears that VectorWorks expects me to be able to afford a $2,000+
printer.

Are there places that will print a VectorWorks file in it's native
format (.MCD)?

Thanks,

Nick

[Davebomb]

Export a DWG or DXF to Illustrator. A good blueprint shop should accept DWG or DXF. These are vector files, scalable.

[lightnb]

When I open a DWG file in illustrator, will it still be to the exact same scale that it was in VectorWorks?

I.E. if I have Kinkos print the Illustrator file, Would I still be able to get accurate readings of of it with a scale ruler?

Thanks,

Nick

[Davebomb]

I'm not an expert in this area. My boss designs machine parts and he once asked me to get a large print of a cad file because he knew that I was into graphic arts as a hobby. I found that Kinko's was not a good place for large technical drawings. Here in California there are many small local blueprint shops, and I'd imagine it's the same in Florida. That would probably be your best bet, unless you need to have color. A blueprint would just be line drawings. The reason I mentioned Illustrator is that your drawing sounds like it may have an "artistic presentation" aspect, and I figured you might want to color it in Illustrator. But I don't know how you would print the color picture that large once you had it.

If you skip Illustrator and just go to a blueprint shop with your exported file, the file itself should keep the correct scale. The person who sets up the print may have to scale proportionally larger or smaller to fit a certain paper size. It just depends how you have the document set up. I pretty much had to find a friendly place that was willing to spend twenty minutes with me figuring it out the first time. Then I had to go back and make a few changes to the way my boss exported it.

Good luck.

[CTPerimeter]

You may want to check software995.com for an Adobe file maker. While the file may not be exactly to scale, it's a great way to share your drawings. Adobe allows you to zoom without losing detail.

Bill

[flyeater]

I.E. if I have Kinkos print the Illustrator file, Would I still be able to get accurate readings of of it with a scale ruler?

No. The program it's printed from has to set the scale. Most better CAD/CAS programs can do it.
An alternative to blueprints is to deal with a sign shop.
I can do either a "pen pattern" of a vector drawing or cut vinyl to scale or full size.


pen pattern


A pen pattern is a cheap alternative to blueprints. Think of it as a felt tip marker drawing on butcher paper. It can be as big as you want but for me if it's over 22" high I'd tape sections together. Length doesn't matter. Doing a 100 foot long pen pattern is routine for us. You may be able to find a sign shop with a wider format plotter. I can do pen patterns cheap and very fast. I only do pen patterns in one color and it's strictly line art.
You can also have a "pounce pattern" made. For the pounce pattern instead of a plotter pen we use a needle to punch holes along the vector lines. Then using a "pounce bag" you can transfer the lines to say the side of a building and then paint it in. It's also a good way to install letters to insure proper spacing and the like.
Vinyl would be an option if you want color. If your not familiar with cut vinyl think of each color being cut separately and then applied to the substrate. The substrate is the backing material. It can be anything from paper to painted plywood to aluminum. Most vehicle graphics such as logos on company vehicles are vinyl.




In the above image the white area is the part that has been "weeded" or removed.

Vinyl is usually priced by size, number of colors and quality of vinyl. Better vinyl is thinner and glossier. Better vinyl also lasts longer. Vinyl can last any where from 2 to 8 years in outdoor environments.
The two drawbacks to standard cut vinyl are colors and size. Typically only solid fills can be done. In other words no gradients or shaded areas. We also can't cut and "weed" very small images. 1/8 inch lines are the smallest I'd go and only if you must
If colors are critical consider wide format printing.


The above image is printed on vinyl.

Prints can be done on anything from plain butcher paper to sheets of plywood. Some equipment can handle material up to 2 inches thick and print as wide as a billboard or larger. Images can also be cut to virtually any shape.
The two drawbacks to wide format printing are cost and the life expectancy of the print. Due to the equipment and the price of the inks and equipment it's used mostly for commercial applications. The life of the wide format has a few variables, resin/wax inks versus water based inks, laminated, indoor/outdoor, etc. Usually less then five years before the color bleeds out.

So in the end size and color aren't a problem it's a matter of how much you want to spend.
I see your in Florida as am I. I'm not in sales so I can't quote hard numbers but if your anywhere near Collier county (Naples) we might be able to help. Even if you just need info feel free to PM me or drop me an email