Unless you've been on another planet, you've likely heard about [or used] a DWF file. Many of you may be using or sharing DWF files occasionally, however, did you know that creating one is a snap? For users who aren't using DWF this primer on the DWF writer will be of interest.

Read on for some simple instructions provided by Autodesk describing the simple steps involved in creating your own DWF files for viewing, printing, and sharing with colleagues.

Recall the DWF file format is more compact and easier to distribute than a DWG sheet set, enabling easy distribution and communication of design information over the Internet or via email.

If you are already using AutoCAD software but are not familiar with the steps required to create a DWF file, the following simple instructions will help you.

For AutoCAD 2005 users

While using your DWG file, select Publish from the File menu, click the Publish icon in the toolbar, enter Publish at the command line, or click Publish in the Sheet Set Manager to publish all sheets to a single, multisheet DWF file.

In the Publish dialog box, select Add Sheets to add additional sheets or layouts to the DWF file.
 
- Reorder, rename, or remove sheets from the list.
- Select Publish Options if you want to change the output directory, publish single sheet files, publish layers, or password protect the resulting DWF file.

Click Publish

AutoCAD 2004 users

With a drawing (DWG) open, select Publish from the File menu, click the Publish icon in the toolbar, or enter Publish at the command line.
In the Publish dialog box, select Add Sheets to add additional sheets or layouts to the DWF file. 

- Reorder, rename, or remove sheets from the list.
- Select Publish Options if you want to change the output directory, publish single sheet files, publish layers, or password protect the resulting DWF file.
- Enter the filename and location for the resulting DWF file in Multisheet DWF file -> DWF file name field.

Click Publish.

To Publish a DWF file from the Autodesk MapGuide Viewer ActiveX Control (Plug-In)

• Download and install Autodesk DWF Writer. (See below for link
• Navigate to the view that you want to publish.
• Right-click anywhere in the view, and select Print.
• Select Autodesk DWF Writer from the Printer Name drop-down list and click OK.
• Specify a filename and location for the DWF
• Save

For additional details, visit www.autodesk.com/mapguidedocs.

To Publish a DWF file from Autodesk MapGuide Author

Download and install Autodesk DWF™ Writer.

Navigate to the view that you want to publish.

Select File > Save as DWF.

Specify a filename and location for the published file, then click Save.

The Autodesk DWF Writer

This driver is a freely available download that is useful for anyone wishing to print DWF files. Too access the download simply jump to http://www.autodesk.com/dwfwriter

What is it? The Autodesk® DWF™ Writer is a certified Microsoft® Windows® system printer driver, so you can publish DWF files by simply selecting Autodesk DWF Writer from your standard Printer Name drop-down list in any Windows application.

The DWF Writer also works with other CAD applications that do not offer built-in DWF publishing, such as Bentley® MicroStation® and SolidWorks®.

System Reuirements

DWF Writer requires one of the following operating systems: Microsoft Windows Server™ 2003, Windows XP Professional or Home Edition, or Windows 2000.

Once you download the DWF writer its very simple and fast to load

Right click anywhere on a Mapguide Map and the Print option is available

The DWF Writer appears as a printer option once installed. The next time your looking at an Autodesk Mapguide website, simply right-click on the map, select print, and your available printers will appear. Select DWF to print to a DWF file.

One of my favorite Mapguide sites is the BC Map Place at http://webmap.em.gov.bc.ca/mapplace/minpot/general.cfm The map above was saved (printed) from the website thanks to the DWF writer. Using the Free DWF viewer, I can now view and even share the data with anyone else... very simple!

Suggested Resources:

• Get the Free DWF Viewer
• A GISuser Spotlight on Autodesk's DWF Composer & Viewer