PDF Quality & Content collects practical CAD plotting guidance for this topic within PDF & Publishing. Use these articles for setup, verification, troubleshooting and reliable final output.
AutoCAD PDFs can contain vector drawing data and raster image data. Vector quality controls vectors and gradients, while raster image quality controls raster content; raster quality cannot exceed vector quality.
AutoCAD PDF quality settings use separate DPI values for vector graphics and raster images. Higher values can preserve more detail but increase file size and processing/printing time.
AutoCAD can plot object/layer transparency when Plot Transparency is enabled. Autodesk recommends leaving PLOTTRANSPARENCYOVERRIDE at its normal value so Page Setup/Plot controls the behavior because transparency can affect plotting performance.
AutoCAD PDF options can capture eligible TrueType fonts or convert text to geometry for visual fidelity. Font capture keeps supported font data; geometry conversion prioritizes appearance but can increase file size and pixelation at high zoom.
PDF does not store AutoCAD SHX text as normal TrueType text, so AutoCAD preserves SHX visually as geometry and can add comments or hidden text for searchability. PDFSHX controls that extra behavior.
AutoCAD can include layer information in PDFs so compatible viewers can turn layers on and off. The option is controlled in PDF export or publish settings and is enabled by default in several predefined presets but not Smallest File.
AutoCAD PDF options can retain drawing hyperlinks and convert Sheet Set links into PDF hyperlinks. Enable the option when interactive navigation is part of the deliverable, then test the actual links in the final viewer.
AutoCAD can create PDF bookmarks from sheets and named views when the PDF option is enabled. Bookmarks are especially useful in multi-sheet issue packages.
PDF Merge Control determines what happens where plotted lines overlap. Overwrite lets the top line hide the lower line; Lines Merge blends overlapping colors. AutoCAD’s predefined PDF presets use Overwrite by default.