Troubleshooting Common Issues with Amethyst DWG-2-PDF

What is Amethyst DWG-2-PDF?

Amethyst DWG-2-PDF is a software tool (or plugin) designed to convert AutoCAD DWG/DXF files into PDF documents while preserving vector data, layers, lineweights, fonts, and layout fidelity. It’s aimed at producing high-quality PDFs for printing, review, archiving, or client distribution.

Key takeaway: Amethyst DWG-2-PDF converts DWG/DXF to PDF while preserving vector quality and layout.

Before you start: preparation checklist

Back up your original DWG files.
Confirm which DWG version your files use (R12, 2000–2024, etc.).
Install the latest Amethyst DWG-2-PDF version and any required runtime libraries.
Ensure you have appropriate fonts installed (especially custom or CAD-specific fonts).
Decide whether you need single-sheet PDFs (per layout) or merged multi-sheet PDFs.
Prepare a test DWG to validate settings before batch processing.

Step 1 — Install and set up Amethyst DWG-2-PDF

Download the installer from the official vendor or your licensed distribution.
Run the installer and follow the prompts. Typically it will detect installed CAD software and offer integration options (standalone or plugin for AutoCAD-compatible programs).
Restart your CAD application (if plugin mode is used).
Open Amethyst’s preferences or the plugin’s settings panel to configure default output folder, DPI, and PDF version (e.g., PDF 1.4 / PDF/A if archival compliance is needed).

Step 2 — Open your DWG file

Launch your CAD application (if using the plugin) or open Amethyst’s standalone interface.
Open the DWG or DXF file you want to convert. Check model space and paper space layouts to verify what should appear in the PDF.

Step 3 — Choose output mode: single layout vs. batch vs. merged

Amethyst typically offers multiple conversion modes:

Single layout/sheet — exports the current layout or model view to a single PDF. Use this for one-off drawings.
Batch conversion — processes multiple DWG/DXF files and produces one PDF per input file. Useful for libraries of drawings.
Merge into a single PDF — combines several layouts or files into a multi-page PDF. Good for project packages or submissions.

Choose the mode that fits your workflow.

Step 4 — Configure page size, scale, and orientation

Select paper size (A4, A3, Letter, ARCH D, etc.). For architectural and engineering drawings, choose a size matching your drawing scale.
Set orientation (portrait or landscape).
Verify plotting scale. If the drawing must be printed to scale, choose the exact scale (1:1, 1:50, 1:100, etc.) and ensure the layout viewport is set accordingly.
Use “Fit to page” only when precise printed scale is not required.

Step 5 — Set visual fidelity options (lineweights, linetypes, and layers)

Lineweights: Ensure “Plot lineweights” is enabled if you want line thickness preserved.
Linetypes: Confirm dashed or centerline patterns are rendered correctly; sometimes a higher DPI helps.
Layers: Decide whether to export all layers or a selection. You can also configure layer visibility per layout before conversion.
Colors: Choose whether to convert colors to grayscale or keep color output.

Step 6 — Fonts, text, and TrueType handling

Embed fonts in the PDF if recipients may not have the same fonts installed. This preserves text appearance.
If you use SHX fonts, choose whether to convert SHX text to geometry or to TrueType equivalents; converting to geometry ensures exact appearance but increases file size.
Check that special characters and Unicode text render correctly—run a quick preview.

Step 7 — Image and raster settings

Set raster image compression (ZIP or JPEG). Use ZIP for lossless quality, JPEG for smaller size with adjustable quality.
Choose image resolution/DPI for embedded bitmaps. Higher DPI (300–600) yields better print quality but larger files.
If your DWG contains scanned backgrounds or raster traces, set appropriate compression to balance clarity and file size.

Step 8 — PDF version and compatibility

Select the PDF standard: If you need broad compatibility, choose PDF 1.4 (Acrobat 5) or similar.
For long-term archival, consider PDF/A (ISO-standard archival PDF). This embeds fonts and disallows encryption.
Enable metadata (title, author, keywords) if you need searchable, organized PDFs.

Step 9 — Security and annotations

If required, apply password protection or restrict printing/copying. Note this can interfere with downstream workflows (editing/printing).
Decide whether to export and preserve CAD annotations, comments, or markups.

Step 10 — Preview and test export

Use the built-in preview before exporting. Check page breaks, margins, lineweights, text legibility, and image quality.
Export a single test page at final settings and open the resulting PDF with Adobe Reader or another PDF viewer to confirm fidelity.

Step 11 — Batch conversion (if needed)

Add multiple DWG/DXF files or entire folders to the batch list.
Choose whether to create individual PDFs or a single merged PDF.
Apply a naming convention (e.g., ProjectName_SheetNumber.pdf) or use metadata-driven filenames.
Run a small batch first (3–5 files) to confirm settings.
Monitor CPU and disk space—large batches can consume significant resources.

Troubleshooting common issues

Text appears as gibberish: Ensure fonts are embedded or convert SHX to geometry.
Lines missing or hairlines too thin: Enable “Plot lineweights” and increase PDF DPI. Some viewers render very thin lines poorly—thicken them slightly in CAD if print fidelity is critical.
Dashed linetypes look solid: Increase vector quality or use higher DPI; certain linetype patterns rely on exact scaling.
Huge PDF file size: Compress images (JPEG with moderate quality), rasterize complex hatch areas, or convert some vector elements to embedded images selectively.
Layers not preserved in PDF: Enable “Preserve layers” option if you need layer-aware PDFs (some PDF readers can toggle layers).
PDF won’t open on older viewers: Export to an older PDF version (e.g., 1.3) for compatibility.

Tips for best results

Keep a “conversion profile” for recurring jobs with your preferred settings (paper size, DPI, PDF version, compression).
Use vector output for linework and text to maintain crispness at any zoom level.
For submission to clients or authorities, include a PDF index or bookmarks for quick navigation.
If multiple team members convert files, standardize profiles to ensure consistent outputs.
For legal or archival needs, use PDF/A and embed fonts and metadata.

Automation options

Command-line or API: If Amethyst includes CLI or SDK support, script conversions to automate nightly builds or integrate with CI pipelines.
Watch folders: Some versions can monitor folders and auto-convert new DWG files.
Integration with document management systems: Configure output paths to feed PDFs into DMS or project folders automatically.

Example conversion workflow (concise)

Open DWG in CAD with Amethyst plugin.
Select layout → choose A1 paper, landscape, 1:50 scale.
Enable plot lineweights, embed fonts, set image compression to ZIP.
Preview → export single PDF.
Verify PDF and—if satisfactory—run batch on project folder.

Final checklist before distribution

Confirm correct scale and page size.
Verify embedded fonts and readable text.
Check lineweights and linetype fidelity.
Ensure file naming and metadata are correct.
Test open on multiple PDF readers.

Converting DWG to PDF with Amethyst DWG-2-PDF becomes routine once you standardize profiles and run a few test exports. With attention to fonts, lineweights, and image compression, you’ll produce reliable, print-ready PDFs suitable for client delivery, printing, and archival storage.