When working with multiple DWG files in ZWCAD, it is often necessary to export them together in PDF format. Plotting each drawing individually is inefficient, not only because of the repeated steps, but also because the resulting PDFs need to be combined manually into a single document.
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This article introduces how to batch plot multiple DWG files into a single PDF in ZWCAD, helping you streamline the plotting process and maintain uniform output.
The following step-by-step guide demonstrates ZWCAD’s Smart Batch Plot feature, providing a clear and intuitive workflow to combine multiple DWG files into a single PDF. The process is straightforward and only requires a few basic settings.
1. Click File on the menu bar, then select Smart Batch Plot. (You can also type the ZWPLOT command or the SMARTPLOT command.)
2. Click the Multi-document to add multiple documents.
3. Select files to the file list.
4. After selecting all the files you need to plot, then click OK
5. Select the options in Output Settings, choose the desired save location, and then click PLOT. （Note: Make sure to check Multipage）
Plan File Order
Arrange your DWG files in the order you want them to appear in the final PDF. This ensures the PDF pages match your intended workflow.
Check Plot Styles
Verify that each drawing uses the correct plot style or layout before batch plotting to maintain consistent line weights and colors.
Use Clear File Names
Rename DWG files with meaningful names to easily identify them in the selection list and avoid confusion during batch plotting.
Preview When Possible
If available, preview a few pages to ensure scale, layout, and content are correct before executing the full batch plot.
Set Consistent Output Path
Choose a dedicated folder for the PDF output to keep all generated files organized and easy to locate.
Make sure the plot paper size in each DWG matches the desired PDF output. Different layouts or scales in individual drawings can cause the final PDF pages to appear larger, smaller, or cropped. Always check the page setup in each DWG before batch plotting. If needed, standardize the paper size and scale for all drawings to ensure uniformity.
Check that all DWG files are properly added to the Multi-document list. Ensure you select the correct layouts to plot; some layouts may be empty or hidden, which will prevent them from appearing in the final PDF. Additionally, verify that file paths are accessible and that the drawings are not read-only or corrupted.
Large drawings or drawings containing complex objects such as hatches, blocks, or external references can slow down batch plotting. To improve performance, consider hiding unnecessary layers, purging unused objects, or reducing the number of visible entities. If the batch is still too heavy, split it into smaller groups and generate PDFs separately. Additionally, check your computer’s memory and ensure ZWCAD has enough resources allocated for plotting.
The page order in the final PDF is determined by the number shown in the file selection list. Therefore, it is recommended to add DWG files in the order you want them to appear, and double-check the order after adding all files before plotting.
By following the Smart Batch Plot workflow, you can efficiently generate a single PDF from multiple DWG files . This method simplifies the plotting process and improves productivity.
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