We are using the Bentley PDF Print Driver to create PDF files of our project sheets. The driver is modified, some what; limited to form sizes, color settings, and PDF resolution to 300,300.
We set our cross section sheets with a transparency 30 and priority of -100 on the minor grid lines. This has an effect of diming them down and setting them behind the cross section road elements. The sheets look better.
However, each cross sheet (page) within the plan set PDF file, takes a long time to print. (Bluebeam to printer.)
To test this, the transparency (on all the minor grid lines) was changed back to 0 (zero). The same sheets printed rather quickly. [Certainly did not sit an watch a slow moving progress bar for each and every sheet.] So it is apparent that adding a extensive amount of transparent elements (minor grid lines on a cross section sheet, for example) adds a large amount of print time - each and every time the PDF is to be printed.
I guess I don't see why transparent elements adds so much print time.
My questions... Has this been true for anyone else? Do I have to look at some other method (pen tables, etc.) to get the desired effect.
This printing is being done from MicroStation V8i (SELECTseries 3) = 08.11.09.832.
I believe that the printing of transparent objects involves a raster process which is where the extra time comes into play, at least that's been our experience. If you're looking to make cross section grid lines transparent, we instead use a grey screen pen for these which produces a similar effect, the color settings are modified in the PLTCFG file and are based on RGB values, we print all proposed cross section items with color black RGB 0,0,0 and the grid with a grey RGB 160,160,160
Answer Verified By: Richard Tarntino
JROD,
Thanks for your reply. Interesting that going to 'transparency' turns the element to raster, in the print process. I didn't consider that.
Your solution about the RGB settings, was my back up approach. It is just a little harder to implement (organizationally here...). However, it is the better solution.
Thanks again.