I’ve generated my first floor plan with elevation views. I created all 5 drawings in one file. I’d like to print individual pages and don’t understand how to generate the files. Also, when I “Print Preview”, I see the full screen image with the 5 page views but only one layer is visible (the last layer created). First, can I print different area (pages) of the file and how do I get it to display all layers that are visible (I turned Layer 0 off because my construction lines are on that layer. TIA
Here is a screenshot of the file I’m working with.
Each option has its pros and cons.
I understand the layout, this allows construction lines connecting the different views. So the first option is probably the worst, because it breaks this connection.
Thus, depending on the current organisation of layers, I’d go with option 2 or 3.
If it is too much work to split the views into separate layers, use copy/paste and print each view from a new drawing. No need to save it, just print and discard.
When the views are on separate layers, you can enable/disable printing with the printer icon in the layer list.
Another solution that springs to mind is to create a DIY viewport system using dedicated layers and bounding rectangles. This allows you to keep all your drawings in one file while making it easy to isolate and print individual sections.
Here is how you can set it up:
Create Viewport Layers: Create 5 new layers, one for each drawing section, and prefix them for clarity (e.g., viewport_floorplan, viewport_elevation1, etc.).
Define the Printable Areas: On each respective viewport layer, draw a single rectangle (using the rectangle tool or two diagonal points) that perfectly frames that specific drawing view. Note: If you set the line color to something faint or make the box slightly larger than your intended print window, it won’t interfere with your drawing.
Isolate and Print:
Hide all other viewport layers, leaving only one viewport layer visible alongside your main drawing data layers.
Use the Auto Zoom (Zoom to Extents) command. LibreCAD will automatically snap the viewport screen to focus entirely on the boundaries of that single visible rectangle.
Proceed to print that view.
Repeat the isolation step for the other layers when you need to print the remaining pages.
Thank you. I’ll give that a try. I really like having all views in one file for edits. I tried using the Block commands to “export” the individual pages. Thought that would be quick and easy…now my original file has pages that are blocks and if I “explode” them to take them back to editable entities, I get a spiderweb of lines throughout the drawing. Not a good way to do things. I should have saved the original file to files for the individual pages and deleted the other pages in those files. Now, I have a real mess.
Thank you. Yes, the Copy/Paste method worked fine. I did have to go in and separate parts to their previous layer configuration (when I pasted the parts, they all wound up on the current layer) so the line thicknesses will work when I print. Originally, I exported everything as Blocks. I screwed up by saving the original drawing after I generated Blocks and couldn’t edit the parts because they became Blocks. Live and learn!
Using blocks is another option that basically works. But editing a block happens in a separate window and thus also losing connecting construction lines.
So probably the same as having separate files.
Many thanks @flywire, that’s probably my suggestion 3, but way better explained and understandable.
Interesting. I have explored viewports, yet, but sounds like a great way to keep everything in one file, but allow for individual “page” printing. Thanks for the link to the tutorial. I’ll check it out.
Ok, I’m making headway. I don’t understand what I’m doing wrong. I have all layers visible and printaqble, but when I print preview, I only get one layer in the preview and only one layer prints. I did find that If I adjust the Drawing Preferences and indicate that I have 2 horizontal pages and 2 verticale pages, Fit to Page and Center Page, it will display all 4 pages in the print preview and print 4 individual pages, but again, only the one layer prints. What setting am I missing to get all layers to print? TIA
