PDF File Export: Basics

When you create a PDF file you can also create additional pages with device data (properties, parts data, etc.). When doing this, you can define which properties are to be output to the PDF file and also influence the names of these properties. You can also edit the texts used as bookmarks in the PDF file. The PDF texts stored in EPLAN are multilingual and can be output in different languages.

Device tree in PDF files

The structure of the device tree in the PDF file is similar to the tree structure in the device navigator. At the lowest level are the device functions. Clicking a function displays the placement of the function in the schematic in the right side of the PDF.

Between the functions and the displayed DT, the tree structure contains the representation type layer (multi-line, overview, etc.). To create a PDF with device pages, activate the setting Generate device pages under the menu items Options > Settings > User > Interfaces > PDF export. By clicking the displayed DT or a representation type you then jump to the listed data of the device.

This page has the following structure:

Data header area (full DT of the respective device)
The data of the device in the three areas
Properties
Part properties
References

Jump features in the PDF

The following jump features are now available in an exported PDF:

Jumping from reports to the schematic
Jumping between the device pages and the project pages in the PDF
Jump sequence for "three-way" jumps.

In an exported PDF document the jump targets after the jump are marked by a red, flashing frame. The user-specific setting Use zoom is deactivated by default. Possible jump targets are for example devices on the schematic pages, generated device pages etc. If the Archiving format PDF/A check box is activated in the settings for the PDF export, no red markers are generated.

Jumping from reports to the schematic

These jumps allow you to jump from the parts list in the PDF to the main function in the schematic, for example. To do this, click in the middle of the device tag in the parts list.

Jumping between the device pages and the project pages in the PDF

Once you have created a PDF with device pages, you can make the following jumps:

When you click the full DT in the heading of generated device pages in the PDF, then you jump to the corresponding component of the main function in the schematic.
If you click the middle of the component of the main function in a PDF schematic page, then you jump to the corresponding device page with the device data.
The References area of placements and device reports on device pages also provides jump features. For example you can jump from the device page to the auxiliary function on the schematic page.

Jump sequence for "three-way" jumps

By default, "three-way" jumps are created at all components in the PDF on export:

When you click in the middle area of a main function, you jump to the device page.
When you click the middle area of the component for a cross-referenced auxiliary function, a jump occurs to the main function.
By clicking the left area of a component you jump forward in a jump sequence.
By clicking the right area of a component you jump backward in a jump sequence.

All representation types, placements, and report entries for a device are integrated into the jump sequence. This is how you find out about the sequence in a jump sequence:

Click the visible DT or a representation type to display the data of the device.
The sequence of placements is displayed in the References area.
The sequence in the jump sequence corresponds to the displayed sequence of placements.

Tip:

To recognize the jump area at a component in the PDF, you click the component with the left mouse button and hold down the mouse button. The respective jump area is temporarily shown as a selected area in the PDF. You can then move the mouse pointer if you do not wish to perform the jump.

Note:

Please note that the jump area in the PDF has changed compared to the PDF files created with earlier versions. The jump area is now larger and also includes the placed property texts.