Suggestions to reduce Layout PDF print file size?

I’m wondering what setting I should use when printing from Rhino to reduce PDF file size. Printing a simple drawing from ACLT to PDF gives files usually in KB. From Rhino its in always several MB forcing me to run the “optimize” function in my PDF software. I’m sure there must be something in the Rhino print settings to reduce the file size? Suggestions?

What print driver are you using in your print settings?

Also can you share your print settings dialog window in general?

Thanks

I have Bluebeam which helps (and maybe a lot but it depends on the drawing). Bluebeam installs a virtual printer of it’s own. To really knock the file size down post processing is probably the way to go. But post-processing is a pain of course (I mean not terrible but one extra step). I also bought PDF-XChange which is kind of a quirky program but does a few quite well, and is way cheaper than Bluebeam.

I’m using Rhino PDF.

I post process with Nitro PDF which is my PDF program, but it is an annoyance having to do it for each sheet. I’d love to find a way to generate sheets the size that AC produces for me.

Does NitroPDF have a driver that pops up in Rhino?

+1 on Bluebeam, I use bluebeam driver to plot from Rhino and it’s been good to me so far but Adobe PDF has yield problems in the past.

Obviously a free solution or the native RhinoPDF would be ideal for this.

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I think most PDF programs will let you do the whole document all at once. I’ll have a go at printing something ridiculous and see how small I can get it.

Nitro has a “save as optimized” feature (apologies if you’ve tried it already):
https://kb.gonitro.com/knowledgebase/#/search/reduce%20file%20size/000004105

PDF-X-Change does as well. I haven’t used it on a Rhino print but maybe I’ll have a go. The “Optimized” PDF’s might not be much smaller but instead offer smoother zooming, scrolling, etc…

Nitro creates a smaller file than Rhino PDF, by the print is not good. I currently optimize the files using Nitro, and that works well but is an annoying additional series of steps.

My Rhino PDF is set to 600dpi. I wondered if this was too much, or a lower number would result in poor quality? As for other PDF software, I am avoiding software that requires a subscription. Why I dropped Sketchup, and working to drop AC by becoming more proficient in Rhino.

Thanks for your efforts.

Reducing sheet size and/or resolution will reduce PDF file size.

What I was wondering is if there was a recommended resolution? The time it is currently taking for each print makes experimenting at different resolutions not viable today. I’m being asked to print at ARCH-E1 42x30in.

I don’t have a specific number.
The ideal resolution would be as low as you can go, without compromising the quality of the physical print, assuming that’s the ultimate use of the PDFs.

Your best option is to do a few small tests.

My guess is as long as the E-Size PDF is printed at 1:1 and not enlarged, you should be able to go down to about 200 dpi.