How to export CAD drawings from Rhino to PDF?

This tutorial teaches architectural students basic settings in Rhino, and how to export the drawings to a PDF file. The differences between raster and vector will also be included in the article.

Part I: How to set line weights, types and hatch?

1. Draw 8 lines. (“copy” or “array” to 8 lines)

2.Change each line into different color.

3.Set different line weight for each line.

4.Use “matchproperties” to set your drawing to proper line weight.

5.Change line type in the properties bar. Also click file>properties>annotation>linetypes, and change scale to 100.

6.Click to the object you want to “hatch”, and select proper hatch pattern.

Part II: How to set up a page size in Rhino?

1.Click File>properties>units>model, and change model units to feet.

2.Let’s say you want to print 1/4”=1’ scale on a 24”x36” sheet. First, draw a 24”x36” rectangle. Then draw a 1/4” line close to it.

3. Select the rectangle and the tiny line. Use “scale2D” to scale the line to 1’.

4. Take the rectangular as your real sheet and move it to fit your drawing.

5.Click File>Print>View and output scale, and set the window to fit rectangle.

6.Roll down to the “margins and position”, and set all to 0.

7.Click “print” when done, and save the pdf to the proper folder.

Part IV: What’s the difference between raster and vector?

For architectural students, “vector” is recommended. Because “raster” image is made with pixels, which will easily result in bad resolution after being printed.