How to Export Drawing to PDF in SolidWorks Quickly

To export a drawing to PDF in SolidWorks, open your drawing file, then go to File > Save As. In the Save As dialog, select PDF (*.pdf) as the file type, choose your location, and click Save to create the PDF.

Syntax

In SolidWorks, exporting a drawing to PDF follows this pattern:

• File > Save As: Opens the save dialog.
• Save as type: Choose PDF (*.pdf) from the dropdown.
• File name: Enter your desired PDF file name.
• Options: Customize PDF settings like paper size and quality.
• Save: Exports the drawing as a PDF file.

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File > Save As > Save as type: PDF (*.pdf) > Options (optional) > Save

Example

This example shows how to export a SolidWorks drawing named PartDrawing.slddrw to a PDF file named PartDrawing.pdf:

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1. Open <code>PartDrawing.slddrw</code> in SolidWorks.
2. Click <code>File</code> in the top menu.
3. Select <code>Save As</code>.
4. In the dialog, set <code>Save as type</code> to <code>PDF (*.pdf)</code>.
5. Enter <code>PartDrawing.pdf</code> as the file name.
6. Click <code>Options</code> to adjust paper size or quality if needed.
7. Click <code>Save</code> to export the PDF.

Output

A PDF file named PartDrawing.pdf is created in the chosen folder, containing the drawing view.

Common Pitfalls

• Wrong file type: Forgetting to select PDF (*.pdf) in the Save As dialog will save the file in the wrong format.
• Missing views: Not checking drawing views before export can result in incomplete PDFs.
• Paper size mismatch: Not adjusting PDF options may cause clipping or scaling issues.
• File overwrite: Saving with the same name without backup can overwrite important files.

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Wrong way:
File > Save As > Save as type: SolidWorks Drawing (*.slddrw) > Save

Right way:
File > Save As > Save as type: PDF (*.pdf) > Save

Quick Reference

Step	Action	Notes
1	Open drawing file	Ensure drawing is complete and saved
2	File > Save As	Open save dialog
3	Select PDF (*.pdf)	From Save as type dropdown
4	Set file name	Choose a clear, descriptive name
5	Click Options	Adjust paper size, quality if needed
6	Click Save	Exports drawing as PDF

Key Takeaways

Always select PDF (*.pdf) in the Save As dialog to export drawings correctly.

Check drawing views and paper size options before exporting to avoid clipping.

Use descriptive file names to keep your PDFs organized.

Avoid overwriting files by backing up important drawings before export.

Exported PDFs can be easily shared and printed without SolidWorks.