How to Export PDF and Print 1:1 Scale on Oversized Paper?

Printing technical drawings at a 1:1 scale on oversized paper or continuous paper rolls (exceeding A0 size) is critical for accuracy. Whether you are dealing with massive blueprints or long structural layouts received from a designer, you don't need expensive software like AutoCAD to get the job done.

CAD Reader offers a built-in feature to print custom sizes seamlessly, ensuring your physical prints perfectly match your digital designs.

Common Industry Use Cases

Large-format, true-scale printing is essential across various professional fields:

• Architecture & Engineering: Large construction plans, site layouts, and infrastructure schematics requiring continuous roll paper for scale accuracy.
• Surveying & Mapping: Topographic maps, land surveys, and GIS outputs printed on long rolls to capture extended terrain.
• Garment & Textile Printing: Full-scale fashion patterns, curtain layouts, and upholstery templates printed on continuous rolls for precise cutting.
• Packaging & Industrial Design: 1:1 scale die-cut templates for boxes, cartons, and product packaging.
• CAD/CAM Manufacturing: Machine part outlines, cutting guides, and CNC templates that require exact alignment during fabrication.
• Advertising & Event Graphics: Banners, posters, retail signage, exhibition backdrops, and booth panels.

Step-by-Step Guide: Exporting 1:1 Scale to Custom Sizes:

If your drawing does not already have a border, you must create one. This boundary acts as your reference dimension to limit the printing area according to your paper size.

1. Download the latest CAD Reader version for Windows via https://dwg.fastcadreader.com, then launch the software.

2. Subscribe to the VIP membership to unlock the ‘Editor’ and ‘Export PDF’ features via https://club.fastcadreader.com/question/detail/286/how-to-upgrade-to-vip-membership-in-cad-reader (Note: VIP membership works across Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android).

3. Click the Editor tool on the top toolbar.

4. Hover over the Line feature on the toolbar and select Rectangle from the dropdown menu.

5. Draw a rectangle around the area you wish to print.

Note: If your printer's maximum roll width is 1.8 meters, ensure your border width stays below 1.8m.

6. Click Save to apply the changes, then close the Editor window.

7. Hover over Open on the toolbar and select the same drawing from your recent files dropdown. The newly added rectangle border will now be visible.

8. Click the Measure feature on the toolbar and choose the Linear tool from the dropdown.

9. Measure the width and height of your newly created rectangle box. Write these numbers down; this is your exact custom paper size.

10. Click the VIP feature on the toolbar and select Export PDF from the dropdown.

11. In the paper size section, select Custom Size.

12. Input the exact width and height you measured in step 9.

13. Click Select export area, then box-select (click and drag around) the rectangle border you drew. This guarantees a perfect 1:1 scale on the final PDF.

14. Configure your preferred color settings, line weights, comments, and layers.

15. Click Export, choose your preferred destination folder, and click Save to instantly generate your 1:1 scale PDF file.

Your oversized, precisely scaled PDF is now ready!