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Export PDF

What it Does​

Makes a PDF file of your pattern so you can print it. A PDF is a document file that opens on any computer. The pattern is printed at full size. If it is bigger than one sheet, PMP splits it over as many pages as it needs, and you tape the pages together.

Use this when you want to print your pattern at home or at a copy shop.

On a multi-page PDF, each page has lines marking its edges and a circle in each corner. Each corner is labeled with a row and column, such as R2C1. R is the row and C is the column. Use the labels to put the pages back together in the right order. Pages overlap by 1 inch (25.4 mm).

The PDF file is compressed, so it is smaller than before. Logos are shown whole and are not cropped. Pictures brought in with Import Image or Import PDF are not printed.

How to Use​

  1. Select File > Export PDF from the main menu
  2. Select a page size from the list:
    • Letter is the US 8.5" x 11" page
    • A4 is the international 210 mm x 297 mm page
    • 11"x17" is the US tabloid or ledger page
    • 13"x19" is the US Super B page
    • 24" Roll makes one page 24" wide, as long as your pattern needs, for a large format printer that uses paper rolls
    • 36" Roll does the same on a roll that is 36" wide
    • Projector makes one page the size of your whole pattern, for use with a projector
  3. Wait for the file to be made. A large draft takes a moment
  4. Your browser saves the file as MyPattern.pdf. Depending on your browser settings, it saves to your Downloads folder or asks you where to save it

When you print, set your printer to print at 100% or "Actual size". Do not use "Fit to page", or the pattern will not be full size.

warning

Hide reference lines and other large drawing parts before you export, or the PDF can fail to be made. If it fails, a message tells you and your draft is not changed. Only what you can see in the workspace is printed, so there is no need to delete anything.

info

The file is always named MyPattern.pdf. If you export more than once, rename each file so the browser does not add numbers to the name.