Introduction
Submitting CAD files for plan or poster printing might seem straightforward, but small mistakes can lead to poor results, wasted time, or unexpected costs. Whether you're an architect, engineer, contractor, or student, understanding how to prepare your files properly ensures accurate prints and a smoother turnaround.
Here are five of the most common mistakes people make when sending CAD files to print and how to avoid them.
1. Sending the Wrong File Type
The most common mistake is sending a file format that’s not ready for print. While DWG and DXF files are standard for design, they often contain layers, references, or elements that do not translate well during the print process.
What to do instead:
Export your file as a PDF set to the correct scale. This locks in your layout and ensures that what you see on screen is what will appear on paper.
2. Forgetting to Set the Correct Scale
Accurate scaling is essential in architectural and engineering drawings. If your file isn’t properly scaled, your printed plans could be misleading or unusable on-site.
What to do instead:
Always check the print scale in your layout or viewport settings before exporting. Common scales include 1:100, 1:50, or 1:20 depending on the drawing type.
3. Using Non-Printable or Faint Line Weights
What looks fine on screen may print too light or not show up at all. Very thin or faint lines can disappear completely on large format prints, especially if they’re meant to represent important details.
What to do instead:
Use clearly visible line weights. Test with a sample PDF print at scale if you are unsure. Choose line widths that will remain readable on physical paper.
4. Leaving External References (Xrefs) Unresolved
Xrefs are great for managing large CAD files, but if they are not embedded or bound correctly, the print output may be incomplete or incorrect.
What to do instead:
Before sending your file, bind or overlay all external references. Alternatively, convert your layout to a print-ready PDF where all layers are flattened.
5. Not Including Print Margins or Bleed
For poster-sized plans or presentation layouts, missing margins or bleed can result in clipped edges or poor framing. This is particularly important for colour graphics, signage, or planning boards.
What to do instead:
If your design extends to the edge, include a bleed area of at least 3mm. For architectural plans, leave a safe margin around the border to prevent trimming essential content.
Bonus Tip: Always Review a Final PDF Before Sending
A quick visual check of your exported PDF can catch 90 percent of common errors. Look for missing text, cropped borders, low resolution images, or scaling issues. It’s much easier to fix a problem before it prints than after.
Conclusion
Submitting your CAD files correctly the first time saves you time, money, and hassle. Whether you’re printing one sheet or hundreds, following these best practices ensures that your drawings arrive exactly as intended.
Why Choose Cadflow
High-resolution plan and poster printing
Accepts all standard PDF sizes from A4 to A0 and custom formats
Fast turnaround and tracked UK delivery
Trusted by professionals across architecture, construction, and design
Need help with file setup or a pre-flight check? Our team is happy to review your files before printing. Just upload your document or contact us for advice.