Print

Use the Preview area to fine-tune the selection before printing.

To print the current document:

  1. Click Print SolidWorks eDrawings tool print Print or File, Print.

  1. In the Print dialog, set the options described below, then click OK.

To print from a multi-sheet drawing:

Under Print range, do one of the following:

  • Select All Sheets to print the entire document.

    The Preview settings are unavailable and the sheets print as they are displayed.

  • Select Sheets to print a subset of the document. For from and to, type a page range.  

    The Preview settings are unavailable and the specified sheets print as they are displayed.

  •   Select Active sheet to print only the current sheet and fine-tune in the Preview area.

To fine-tune in the Preview area:

  • To print a portion of the active sheet: Use Pan SolidWorks eDrawings button pan Print, Zoom to Fit SolidWorks eDrawings button zoom to fit Print, Zoom to Area SolidWorks eDrawings button zoom to area Print, Zoom In/Out SolidWorks eDrawings button zoom in out Print, and Scale to fine-tune.   

  • To print the current sheet at its actual size: Select Active sheet and To scale (1 to 1). Use Pan to fine-tune.

  • To print a 3D model or assembly:    Use Pan, Zoom to Fit, Zoom to Area, Zoom In/Out, and Scale to fine-tune.   Active document with Current screen image is the only available print mode for 3D models and assemblies.

  • For Scale, type a scale ratio.

To close the Preview area:

  • Click Hide Preview. To reopen the Preview area, click Show Preview.

Printer

  • Name. Select a printer name from the list. The system provides read-only information about the printer’s status, type, and location.

  • Properties. Set page setup options and advanced printer options that are specific to the printer name that you selected.

Print range

For drawings:

  • All sheets.

  • Sheets. Specify a range.

  • Active sheet. Choose from:

    • Current screen image. Prints the contents of the eDrawings graphics area. In the Preview area, fine-tune with Pan, Zoom to Fit, Zoom to Area, Zoom In/Out, and Scale.

    • Entire sheet. (Drawings only.) Scales and centers the drawing sheet to fit the page. The Preview settings are unavailable and the sheet prints as is.

    • To scale (1 to 1). (Drawings only.) Prints the drawing at its actual size. The printout measurements match the online drawing document measurements. If the margins are not set to zero or to the printer default margin size, a warning message appears about clipping the print. Click Yes to force the printer to use the printer default margins for the print job. Click No to print with the margin settings, which might result in a clipped image.  

SolidWorks eDrawings tip PrintIf you select To scale (1 to 1), in the Preview area, Scale is unavailable.

For models:

  • Active document.

    • Current screen image. Models print as displayed. Use Preview to fine-tune.

Quality

  • Normal

    • Render model edges as vectors. Use this option when presentation-quality output is required. It is not available for selection when the drawing contains only high-quality, non-shaded views since eDrawings applies the setting automatically. The option is also unavailable for parts and assembly documents that contain elements that cannot be rendered as vectors, OLE objects, for example.

SolidWorks eDrawings tip PrintUsing Render model edges as vectors for large assemblies or drawings that include complex draft quality views may result in long print times or print failures if your system resources are exceeded.

  • Draft. Print with lower quality, which usually results in faster printing.   

Options

  • Number of copies. Sets the number of times you want to print the document.

  • Style. Choose one:

    • Color / grayscale. Colors are printed in grayscale on black-and-white printers.

    • Black & white. Lines, edges, and text are black, and shaded data is grayscale. For example, items that are light colors against a black background on screen are black on white when printed.

For Drawings only:

  • Print shaded. Views that are in shaded mode are printed in shaded mode. When cleared, shaded views are printed in hidden lines removed mode.

Line Weights. Click to specify drawing print line weights.

Preview

  • Pan SolidWorks eDrawings button pan Print. Drag in the Preview area to view a different portion of the document.

  • Zoom to Fit SolidWorks eDrawings button zoom to fit Print. Show the entire model, assembly, or drawing sheet.  

  • Zoom to Area SolidWorks eDrawings button zoom to area Print. Click Zoom to Area and drag to select the view area.

  • Zoom In/Out SolidWorks eDrawings button zoom in out Print. Drag up to zoom in or down to zoom out.

  • Scale. Type a scale ratio. The Preview area updates.

Print Troubleshooting

See Page Setup or Troubleshooting eDrawings Printer Problems for tips on setting up your printer.

Print