How to Save a SOLIDWORKS Drawing as PDF

Start with the right PDF method

To save a SOLIDWORKS drawing as a PDF, open the drawing first. Choose File > Save As. Set the file type to PDF, choose a folder, then save the file.

You can also use Print with a PDF writer. This route often keeps images and shaded views closer to the drawing sheet. Use Save As for a quick export. Use Print to PDF when graphics matter.

Before either method, check the drawing and model. Rebuild the drawing if you changed the model. A rebuild updates views, notes, and dimensions before the PDF is made.

• Use Save As for a fast, direct PDF export.
• Use Print to PDF for stronger graphical fidelity.
• Use Task Scheduler for many drawings.

Save a SOLIDWORKS drawing as a PDF

The Save As method is the simplest way to convert SOLIDWORKS drawings to PDF. It uses SOLIDWORKS settings for the drawing sheet. It also avoids the extra print setup found in a PDF writer.

1. Open the drawing file in SOLIDWORKS.
2. Click File, then choose Save As.
3. Pick Adobe Portable Document Format (*.pdf).
4. Choose the file name and target folder.
5. Click Save and check the finished PDF.

A drawing with several sheets can often save as one PDF. Check the sheet options before you save. You may need every sheet, or only the active sheet.

This method works well for line drawings and standard title blocks. It may not match the screen view for some images or shaded details. Test one sample when the drawing contains photos, decals, or complex graphics.

Use Print to PDF for visual control

The Print method sends the drawing to a PDF writer. The writer acts like a printer. It can handle images and shaded views in a different way than Save As.

Open the drawing, then choose File > Print. Select a PDF printer, such as Microsoft Print to PDF. Pick the right paper size and sheet range. Then choose a save location when asked.

Check the print preview before you finish. The preview can reveal a cut title block or a wrong page scale. It can also show missing colors or weak image detail.

Check print settings before saving

Set the paper size to match the drawing sheet. A mismatch can shrink the view or cut off notes. Keep the scale at 100 percent when the sheet must print at full size.

Print to PDF is often favored for graphical fidelity. It gives the PDF writer more control over color and image output. It can also produce larger files than Save As.

• Pick the same paper size as the drawing sheet.
• Check portrait or landscape direction.
• Review color, scale, and sheet range.
• Open the PDF after printing.

Automate batch exports with Task Scheduler

Task Scheduler helps when you need to convert many SOLIDWORKS drawings to PDF. It can process files at a set time. This saves repeated clicks on large drawing sets.

Open SOLIDWORKS Task Scheduler from the SOLIDWORKS tools folder. Choose the task for converting files. Add the drawing files or select a folder. Set the output folder and start time.

Run a small test batch first. Use two or three drawings with different sheet sizes. Then open each PDF and check the pages, views, and colors.

Plan the batch before it runs

Keep source files in a stable folder during the task. Avoid moving parts, assemblies, or linked images. Missing references can change the drawing result.

Choose a clear output folder for the PDF files. Keep the source and output folders separate. This makes it easier to find errors and prevent file overwrites.

1. Prepare the drawing files and linked model files.
2. Set the PDF task and output folder.
3. Run a small test batch.
4. Review the PDFs for scale and missing views.
5. Run the full batch after the test passes.

Compare the three export choices

The best choice depends on the drawing content and workload. Save As is quick and direct. Print to PDF gives more control over how graphics appear.

Method	Best use	Main strength	Main weakness
Save As	Simple drawings	Fast PDF creation	Less control over some images
Print to PDF	Images and shaded views	Strong visual control	Needs print setup
Task Scheduler	Many drawings	Batch processing	Needs careful file checks

If the drawing has no images, Save As is often enough. If it has photos or rich shaded views, test Print to PDF first. If you need 50 or more files, Task Scheduler can cut manual work.

Do not judge the result only from the SOLIDWORKS screen. Open the PDF in a viewer and inspect it at 100 percent. Compare one printed page when scale or fine lines matter.

Set up drawings before PDF creation

System options can affect the final PDF. Check color settings before you export. A color drawing may become hard to read if the output uses black lines only.

Review the page setup for every sheet size. Check margins, paper direction, and scale. A drawing may contain A4, A3, and custom sheets in the same file.

Rebuild after model changes. A stale view may show an old hole, edge, or dimension. Press Ctrl+Q for a full rebuild when needed. Then save the drawing before creating the PDF.

• Rebuild views after model edits.
• Check colors and line weights.
• Match paper size and page direction.
• Confirm all needed sheets are included.
• Open the PDF and inspect key details.

Choose the method that fits the job

There is no single best way to export a SOLIDWORKS drawing as PDF. Save As is the fastest choice for routine line work. Print to PDF is safer for drawings with images or shaded views.

Task Scheduler is the practical choice for batch work. Test its settings before you process a full folder. A short test can prevent dozens of poor PDFs.

For most users, the process takes only a few minutes. Open the drawing, rebuild it, check page setup, and export. Then inspect the PDF before sharing it.

Choose based on content, control, and volume. That simple check helps you create clean PDFs with fewer surprises.