Raster images in PDF underlays plotted to PDF from AutoCAD display artifacts in PDF viewers

Autodesk Support

Oct 8, 2023


Products and versions covered


Issue:

Raster images contained in PDF underlays display incorrectly when they are plotted to a PDF file from AutoCAD. They may look as expected in AutoCAD but once the PDF is opened in a PDF viewer they may look fuzzy, blurred, or with sharp contours. Some parts of the image may show artefacts.
PDF viewers include but are not limited to:
  • Adobe Acrobat Reader / Adobe Acrobat Reader DC.
  • Microsoft Edge.
  • Google Chrome.
 
User-added image

Solution:

Adobe Acrobat Reader / Adobe Acrobat Reader DC

Uncheck the Smooth Images setting. Follow these steps:
  1. Go to Edit menu > Preferences > Page Display.
    • On macOS, go to Adobe Reader menu > Preferences > Page Display.
  2. Under the Rendering section, uncheck the box next to Smooth Images.
  3. Confirm with OK.
User-added image

Other PDF viewers

Do any of the following:
  • Use a different viewer, such as Preview or Adobe Acrobat Reader.
  • To reduce but not prevent the issue, increase the resolution of the image in the PDF underlay in an image editing software such as Adobe Photoshop, then reimport it in AutoCAD.

Products:

AutoCAD for Mac; AutoCAD LT for Mac; AutoCAD Products;


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