Hi Clay,
Current use:
1 All our projects are done in MSP on ISO A1 or B1 size sheets depending on the project. Occasionally an A3 sheet size is used,
2. The date stamp and other file and project info are included on all sheets,
3. Each sheet name is renamed to the actual sheet number in the Multilayout/Sheet menu,
4. When using Batch Print, the Print To File(s) is used, and the path and folder selected, with output to PDF and predominantly as No Layers,
5. The '+' toggle is used to expand all the sheets in the Multi-Layout sheets tab and either all or selected sheets selected for printing,
6. Skip screen redraws (faster) is selected,
7. The output PDF's are then collated using the Merge PDF function,
Some suggested improvements below:
1. All the individual output PDF's are named 'filename-Sheet MSP sheet name'.PDF. Having the ability to specify an output typology prior to printing would be of benefit as in most situations the PDF's need renaming. Certain contractors and PM also request the PDF's in a certain format. The use of the Merge PDF has lessened the need to rename the individual sheets as the final PDF name of the merged set can be specified using Merge PDF but with situations issuing individual sheets this can still be time consuming renaming them all,
- Possible solution here is to add another input tab on the batch Print menu where the PDF output naming format is entered or several field options are displayed for selection allowing a short or long name format? ie. in the above example, filename, Sheet, MSP sheet name would be 3 field types available to edit their name and select for inclusion,
2. Add the option to automatically Merge PDF on creation of the batch print. This saves the need to do it after using the Merge PDF feature. There could also be a second option to output the individual PDF's as currently done and create a Merge PDF at the same time. Again, add another tab in the Batch Print menu allowing: [ ] Output Individual Print Files [X] Output Merged Print File and the ability to select one or both,
3. Add the option to add security password options using a similar method to the above for selection on each output file or the Merged file,
4. Add a third option to the output File Format as Bitmap/raster, compressed and at a high resolution. This also provides a level of 'security' as it prevents conversion back to CAD using PDF to DWG etc.
5. Add the option to Print in Color or B&W,
6. Add the option to Print to an alternative sheet size, ie. from the current A1/B1 to A3 from within the Batch Print menu, avoiding the need to go to the Setup menu. This option would only be temporary for the Batch print and not affect the main print output sheet format,
7. Add the ability to embed DataCAD Hyperlinks into the output PDF files. Personally, this would be our first wishlist item as the use of hyperlinks to navigate a drawing set has become popular in the construction industry and it helps negate the whinging factor of 'why don't you use that other software which can do it',
8. Add another option to the Insert/Stamp/Total Print Sheets which can be added to a cover sheet Drawing Register to automatically denote the total number of sheets in the set. We've created an automatic Drawing Sheet Register which lists all drawings and revisions automatically on the cover sheet but haven't found a way to show a tally of all the sheets. Linking the Batch print list to a Stamp format which can be added to a drawing would resolve this,
9. Add the ability to embed O2C models onto MSP sheets allowing the viewer window to display on the PDF sheet(s) created. This is useful for both presentation and construction documentation drawings,
10. Consider a live display window of each sheet in the MLS list on the batch print menu, ie. click on a drawing name in the list to display a large thumbnail image of the sheet,