About Batch Plotting in SolidWorks

The batch plotting utility enables you to plot directly from a Vault.

Use the SolidWorks Plot Manager dialog box to submit any number of plot jobs to a plotter or printer. Add CAD files stored in the Vault to the plot list and specify the number of copies for each file in the list. You can select a printing device and specify a page setup for each file. You can also add individual sheets from file formats that support sheets to the list. You can also exclude sheets, so that you only print those that are necessary. Track the progress of submitted jobs with the Plot Monitor.

Access the Plot command from the File menu or the main toolbar. Add any revision of any file to the list. Select files from the History tab, the Where Used tab, or the Uses tab to create a plot list.

Each row in the Plot Manager dialog represents a file or sheet in the plot list. The plot list of files and revisions is organized into columns, including:

• Plot Data: The file that will be used to create the plot
• Sheet Name: The name of the sheet within the file. If the file supports sheets, any number of sheets from the file may be added to the plot list. If more than one sheet from a file is added the plot list, the file containing those sheets is listed multiple times.
• Copies: How many copies of each file or sheet to print
• Device: The plotting or printing device to which the file or sheet will be sent. Available devices can be selected from the drop-down list.
• Page Setup: Indicates if the file will be printed using the default page setup for the file or using custom page setup settings.
• Plot Size: The paper size for plotting.
• Scale: The size of the plot in relation to the page size

Use the Page Setup section of the Plot Manager to view the default page setting for a file or create custom page settings. The Details pane displays a sample of the selected sheet using the current page settings.