PDF from OCAD8

[pyrat]

Hi, I would like to convert an ocad map to pdf for printing on a mac without ocad. I heard you can export ocad maps as pdf but I cant see it on the export list.

Do I have to export it as Illustrator then open it in Illustrator and save as pdf or is there an easier way?

[madmike]

Not sure about OCAD8 but very easy to export PDF on OCAD9 - if you want to send it to me I can convert to 9, export and send you back a PDF? It will have to be this evening though.

[DJM]

OCAD 9 has export to pdf as an Export option if that helps ...

[Spookster]

I think export to PDF was a new feature of OCAD 9. So I would go with Mike's offer, or use another OCAD 8 image format that Macs can read.

[pyrat]

Hi Mike

Thanks for the offer, have sent Ocad to you by email.

Many thanks.

[Nimby]

Just install a free PDF creator such as CutePDF. There are several but this one works very well and doesn't add a watermark or advert like some do.
It installs as a printer - just print to this instead of your "real" printer and it creates the output as a PDF file. You can do this from any application, including OCAD of course.

[kedge]

Just make sure that you set the dpi to a suitably fine resolution before you export your map.

I had to reject the maps and ask for a reprint for one day of WTOC2010 because the planner had sent the map file to the printer at the wrong resolution

[Angry Haggis]

Just make sure that you set the dpi to a suitably fine resolution before you export your map.

Even better, use a vector-based PDF, i.e. resolution free. Then you won't have any problems with the print quality. This is what I've done for the City of London Race maps for the last couple of years. The colours haven't been quite right but the print has come out very sharp.

Adobe Illustrator can save PDFs in vector format, as does OCAD 9. However, PDF printer applications, e.g. CutePDF, generally can not do this. If you can specify the resolution when using a PDF printer, it probably doesn't do vector PDFs.

Here's how to tell if your PDF is a vector PDF:
http://www.visual-integrity.com/scalable-pdf.htm

[madmike]

Pyrat,
PDF's sent - let me know if there are snags.

Mike