Defining Large-Format Custom Page Sizes

Most CAD drawings are formatted for large paper sizes, such as 24" x 36".  The PDF format handles drawings of this size with no problem, but the the page size must first be defined for the PDF driver to use it.

Some PDF printer drivers come supplied with large-format sizes already defined.  Other drivers do not, and a custom size will need to be defined through the operating system or the driver itself.  The choice of method to use (through the operating system or the driver) will depend on the driver you are using and the operating system itself.

Defining Page Size in the Operating System

This method works only on Windows XP, NT, or 2000 systems, which refer to page sizes as "forms".  Windows 98 and Windows ME do not have this capability.

To define a new form, follow these steps (for Windows XP, NT, and 2000):

• Under the Start menu, choose Control Panel
• Open the Printers and Faxes control panel window
• Choose File > Server Properties
• In the dialog box that appears, check the box for Create a new form
• Give the new page size a unique and descriptive name, such as "24x36" or "Custom A size"
• Select Metric or English units as required
• Define the page size with the long dimension as the width an the short dimension as the height. 
• Click the Save Form button.
• Repeat for other new page sizes.
• Click the OK button when finished.

The new page sizes should now appear in the page size selector in the print driver dialog box.  If it does not appear, then the driver is unable to recognize it.  Try the second method outlined below.

Defining Page Size in the Driver

Each driver will have its own method of defining custom page sizes.  Try opening all dialog boxes that set custom properties or printer properties and look for page size definitions.  Define the page size needed and then try printing.

Page Rotation Problems

Sometimes when large-format drawings are plotted from CAD software (AutoCAD in particular) there is a problem with the page being rotated incorrectly (displaying as Portrait when you want Landscape).  See the article titled AutoCAD Printing and Page Orientation for suggested solutions to this problem.

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