How to Install PDF Printer in Revit?

Step-by-Step Guide to Installing a PDF Printer in Revit

Establishing a PDF printer in Revit can enhance your workflow, allowing you to create high-quality PDF outputs directly from your projects. This guide will take you through the detailed steps necessary for setup.

Accessing the Control Panel

1. Open Control Panel: Click on the Start menu and type "Control Panel." Select the Control Panel from the search results.
2. Navigate to Devices and Printers: Once in the Control Panel, find and click on the "Devices and Printers" option. This section displays all the printers currently configured on your system.

Adding the Adobe PDF Printer

1. Select Add a Printer: In the Devices and Printers window, look for the option labeled "Add a printer" and click it. This will launch the Add Printer wizard.
2. Choose Printer Type: Select "Add a local printer," ensuring you select the option that allows for manual configuration.
3. Select Printer Port: You might be prompted to choose a port. If you are setting up the Adobe PDF printer, select the appropriate port or use the default option.
4. Choose Adobe PDF Driver: From the list of available printers, locate "Adobe PDF" and choose it. If it’s not listed, ensure you have Adobe Acrobat installed on your computer, as the PDF printer is bundled with it.

Configuring Printer Preferences

1. Open Printer Preferences: Once the printer is installed, right-click on the "Adobe PDF" printer icon and select "Printing Preferences" to configure its settings.
2. Adjust Settings: In the preferences dialog, navigate to the Adobe PDF Settings tab. Here, you can specify the output folder for your PDFs, typically set to your "Documents" folder by default. You can change this as needed based on your project structure.

Setting the Printer in Revit

1. Launch Revit: Open Revit on your machine.
2. Initiate Print Command: Click on the "File" tab located in the upper left corner of the Revit interface, then select "Print" to open the print dialog box.
3. Select Printer: In the Print dialog, you will see a dropdown menu for printer selection. Choose "Adobe PDF" from this menu.
4. Configure Printer Properties: Click "Properties" to review and adjust any necessary printing settings, such as quality and paper size, ensuring they meet your needs.
5. Begin Printing: After finalizing your settings, proceed with the printing process, specifying which sheets or views you want to print.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

When encountering issues, consider the following steps:

1. Update Revit and Drivers: Ensure that both Revit and your printer drivers are updated to the latest versions to avoid compatibility problems.
2. Check Temporary Files: If printing fails, close Revit, remove temporary files from the temp folder, and clear the recycle bin.
3. Use Raster Processing: If both PDF and plotting fail to work, try switching to Raster Processing in the print settings for better compatibility.

FAQs

1. Can I use other PDF printers besides Adobe PDF in Revit?
Yes, alternatives like Bluebeam PDF or Microsoft Print to PDF can also be used. You can install them similarly and select them within Revit’s print dialog.

2. What should I do if my PDF prints are not clear?
Check the resolution settings in the printer properties. Aim for a resolution of 600 DPI or lower for faster printing without sacrificing too much quality.

3. Is there a way to speed up printing in Revit?
Yes, consider upgrading your PDF printer driver, lowering resolution settings, and ensuring your document does not contain complex non-rectangular crop regions which can increase processing time.