How to print a group of files at a time

The Batch Print feature enables to print a group of files (even if they are in different formats) at a time and configure settings for each layout.

Let's take the following situation as an example: you need to print several DWG files on A1 paper and several PDF files on A4 paper. You can print each file separately, but it will be easier and faster to use the Batch Print command.

Go to the Output tab and activate the Batch Print command. It is also possible to call it from the Start menu without running ABViewer.

In the appeared window, click the Add file(s) button and select the files you want to print. If they are located in a separate folder, click the Add from button.

All the loaded files are displayed as a list. By default, all layouts except for the Model layout are selected to be printed. If you do not need to print one of layouts, remove the check-mark next to its name.

If the Add stamp option is activated, the file name, layout name, current date, and time will be printed in the upper part of the drawing.

Now let's move to the printing settings. There are two methods to specify them: for each layout separately or for several files that meet the selection requirements at a time.

Method 1

Select a layout in the list to print, then select a printer and paper size in the Print Setup section (1). Using the commands from the Options column (2), it is possible to specify the advanced parameters. For example, a drawing orientation or width of zero-width lines.

We recommend you always to preview a layout by double left-clicking on it to be sure that the printing area is set correctly.

Method 2

This method consists in using the printing rules – a set of parameters applied to a certain group of files. These rules are applied only to layouts with unspecified printer.

To create a new rule, click the button […] in the Print Setup section. You will need two rules: the first rule to print DWG drawings on A1 paper and the second one to print PDF files on A4 paper.

Fill in the Name field, it can contain any symbols.

Click inside the File filter field, then click […]. In the Filter settings window, activate the filter by file type, enter the desired file format - *.dwg, and click OK. Then click the […] button in the Print properties field and select Print settings. In the appeared window, specify your printer and the paper format – A1.

The first rule is ready. Similarly, create the second rule for PDF files.

When everything is ready, in the Batch print window activate the Create rules for files with unspecified printers option and click the Print button.

As a result, all DWG drawings will be printed on A1 paper and PDF files on A4 paper.