PDF Export with QR Codes and Watermarks

This guide explains how to use CADshift’s PDF export feature to create professional drawing packages with QR codes and watermarks.

Overview

CADshift’s PDF export extends SOLIDWORKS’ built-in PDF capabilities with:

• QR Code embedding - Add scannable codes linking to part data
• Watermark overlays - Brand your drawings or mark draft status
• Custom file naming - Use tokens for consistent naming
• Multi-sheet support - Configure different settings per sheet

Getting Started

1. Open a SOLIDWORKS Drawing document
2. Click the CADshift tab in the ribbon
3. Click the PDF Export button
4. The PDF Export PropertyManager opens with three tabs:
   • PDF Export - File naming and output settings
   • QR Code - QR code configuration
   • Watermark - Watermark configuration

PDF Export Tab

File Naming

Use tokens to create consistent, informative file names:

Example Pattern:

<DRAWING_NAME>-<SHEET_NAME>

Result: Assembly-Drawing-Sheet1.pdf

Output Directory

Choose where to save exported PDFs:

• Custom directory - Browse to select folder
• Drawing’s directory - Save alongside the drawing file

Sheet Selection

Select which sheets to include in the PDF:

• Click sheets in the list to select/deselect
• Use Select All / Deselect All buttons
• Each sheet can have individual QR/watermark settings

QR Code Tab

Enabling QR Codes

1. Check Insert QR Code
2. Configure the QR code content
3. Set position and size
4. Optionally add a logo

QR Code Content

Define what data the QR code contains using a template:

Part: <CUSTOM:PartNumber>
Rev: <CUSTOM:Revision>
Drawing: <DRAWING_NAME>

When scanned, the QR code displays this formatted text.

Common Uses:

• Link to online part database
• Display part specifications
• Reference internal tracking systems
• Show revision history URL

Positioning

Logo Embedding

Add your company logo to the center of the QR code:

1. Check Include logo
2. Browse to select logo image file
3. The logo appears in the QR code center

Per-Sheet Configuration

Different sheets can have different QR codes:

1. Select a sheet in the sheet list
2. Configure QR settings for that sheet
3. Repeat for other sheets as needed

Watermark Tab

Enabling Watermarks

1. Check Insert Watermark
2. Configure position and size
3. Set transparency level
4. Choose watermark image or text

Watermark Positioning

Transparency

Adjust watermark opacity from 0% (invisible) to 100% (fully opaque):

Common Watermark Uses

• Company logo - Brand your drawings
• DRAFT stamp - Mark preliminary documents
• CONFIDENTIAL - Indicate sensitive information
• SUPERSEDED - Mark obsolete revisions
• FOR REVIEW - Indicate approval status

Per-Sheet Watermarks

Apply different watermarks to different sheets:

• Cover sheet: Company logo
• Detail sheets: Small corner logo
• Appendix: “REFERENCE ONLY” stamp

Workflow Examples

Basic PDF Export

1. Open drawing in SOLIDWORKS
2. Click PDF Export
3. Set output directory
4. Select sheets to export
5. Click OK

PDF with QR Code for Part Tracking

1. Enable QR Code
2. Set content template:

   https://inventory.company.com/part/<CUSTOM:PartNumber>
   

3. Position in title block area
4. Set size to 15mm
5. Export

Operators can scan the QR code to access part information instantly.

Draft Watermark for Review

1. Enable Watermark
2. Select “DRAFT” image or text
3. Set transparency to 30%
4. Center on sheet
5. Make size large (covers significant area)
6. Export for review

Multi-Sheet with Different Settings

Sheet 1 (Cover):

• Large company logo watermark (centered, 20% opacity)
• QR code linking to project portal

Sheet 2-5 (Details):

• Small corner logo watermark
• QR code with part-specific data

Sheet 6 (BOM):

• No watermark
• QR code linking to purchasing system

Best Practices

QR Codes

1. Test scannability - Always scan test exports before distribution
2. Keep content concise - Shorter data = more reliable scanning
3. Use appropriate size - Minimum 10mm for reliable scanning
4. Avoid busy areas - Place away from dense geometry
5. Consider print size - QR must be readable at final print scale

Watermarks

1. Match document purpose - DRAFT for reviews, logo for finals
2. Don’t obscure content - Keep transparency appropriate
3. Be consistent - Use same watermark style across projects
4. Update for releases - Remove DRAFT watermark for approved docs

File Naming

1. Include revision - <CUSTOM:Revision> prevents confusion
2. Add date for drafts - Include date in draft exports
3. Use project codes - <CUSTOM:ProjectNumber> for organization

Troubleshooting

PDF Settings Reference

Supported PDF Features

Output Quality

PDFs are generated at high quality suitable for:

• Professional printing
• Digital distribution
• Archival storage

Next Steps

• Learn about DXF Export for manufacturing files
• Configure Custom File Names using tokens
• Explore Metadata Export for DXF annotations