Printing to PDF - File name is Shet name

[SamuelAB]

Hi,

I've been hunting in the forum for a few hours and I still have not found a sensible solution to my issue.

I am trying to print individual PDFs where the File name is the Sheet name. We are currently using Acrobat and we also use Cute PDF writer on some occasions.

The only solution I've found so far is to use BlueBeam CAD, which is 240$ solution... Has anyone figured out how to print batches of documents where the file name can be picked without buying BlueBeam?

[cdatechguy]

Hi,

I've been hunting in the forum for a few hours and I still have not found a sensible solution to my issue.

I am trying to print individual PDFs where the File name is the Sheet name. We are currently using Acrobat and we also use Cute PDF writer on some occasions.

The only solution I've found so far is to use BlueBeam CAD, which is 240$ solution... Has anyone figured out how to print batches of documents where the file name can be picked without buying BlueBeam?

It's an add-on....but worth it!
http://www.xrev.com.au/revit-addon/xrev-transmit/overview

[SamuelAB]

Hi cdatechguy,

I'm looking for a free solution as opposed to a more expensive solution ;p

I'm surprised no one has written a free script add-on yet.

[RevitNinja]

Look at this old thread:

http://forums.augi.com/showthread.php?t=112405&highlight=PDFCreator

If I remember correctly, I got this to work. Haven't revisited it in about a year though.

[cdatechguy]

Currently I use PDFCreator...you can save a prefix to the file when printing, then I use a "Free" file renaming program to get rid of the extra stuff in between that Revit wants to add.

But I am hoping to get that XRev Transmit soon...I tested it out and it would save me a couple of hours over using the PDFCreator/File renaming method.

[SamuelAB]

Look at this old thread:

http://forums.augi.com/showthread.php?t=112405&highlight=PDFCreator

If I remember correctly, I got this to work. Haven't revisited it in about a year though.

This seems to gather the file name, but not the ViewName or SheetName. If I am wrong, then this is the solution.

[SamuelAB]

Frankly, I think it should have at least the same flexibility Revit gives you when exporting to DWG.

[ppirtle]

This seems to gather the file name, but not the ViewName or SheetName. If I am wrong, then this is the solution.

We use PDFCreator as well with the "Use Auto-save" option checked. The Autosave filename is set to <Title>, which produces a name like:

"J__HydePkVilCtr_HydePkVilCtr_WS2012_pap - Sheet - S0-01 - DRAWING LIST AND LEGENDS.pdf"

where:

- "J" is the network drive
- "HydePkVilCtr" is the project folder on the network drive
- "HydePkVilCtr_WS2012_pap" is the filename
- "Sheet" is the view type
- "S0-01" is the sheet number
- "DRAWING LIST AND LEGENDS" is the sheet name

We then use the FABULOUS freeware "Bulk Rename Utility" from TGRMN Software to strip off anything we don't want.

[SamuelAB]

Interesting solution. I really wish Revit would pick up on this basic need. I will perhaps implement this is we have to deal with many sheets in the future.

[Mr Spot]

I agree, I love free solutions, but you get what you pay for. Tools that enhance productivity cost money to develop, and as such I understand the need to pay for them, as long as the return on investment stacks up.

So as has already been stated there are free tools, that with a bit of stuffing around get you 90% of the way there. Or there are paid tools that get you 100% of the way there with no stuffing around...

Xrev Transmit does what you need and more. As does RTV Drawing Manager and Bluebeam PDF. But yes they are all paid products, because they are professionally developed and have support.

[SamuelAB]

I just think Revit is weak to not provide this feature to architects and engineers knowing that we are bound to print hundreds of pages. Since this is a heavy printing software, they should acknowledge the our universal needs.

[Dannett]

Frankly, I think it should have at least the same flexibility Revit gives you when exporting to DWG.

Have you figured out a way to do this Samuel? it is driving me crazy.

- - - Updated - - -


I agree, I love free solutions, but you get what you pay for. Tools that enhance productivity cost money to develop, and as such I understand the need to pay for them, as long as the return on investment stacks up.

So as has already been stated there are free tools, that with a bit of stuffing around get you 90% of the way there. Or there are paid tools that get you 100% of the way there with no stuffing around...

Xrev Transmit does what you need and more. As does RTV Drawing Manager and Bluebeam PDF. But yes they are all paid products, because they are professionally developed and have support.

This is a lot of stuffing around and frankly a cop out. AutoCAD's publish tool far exceeds the capabilities of Revit. When you consider that Revit has a vast database of parameters far superior to AutoCAD it really should not be difficult to print a PDF with what ever filename convention you desire. Straight out of the box. I mean hell, every other project has contractually binding filename requirements to boot. Having to rename hundreds of drawings over the course of a project is unacceptable.

Dan