Working with PDFs

[Argonor]

Sorry to a´sk this again, but I'm struggling to get to gfrips with re-sizing pdf-paper models.

I have downloaded my free files from FiddlersGreen (HO-scale, appr. 1/80), and now I want to blow them up and rearrange them for 28 mm (appr. 1/60, or a little bigger)

I can copy the images from the pdf, no problem.

But how do I get them into Photoshop for re-working (I need to blow up the resolution to avoid losing print-quality)?

Should I get Acrobat? Or is there a simple solution I haven't thought of?

Maybe I can copy the pics to Paint or something, then save and open with Photoshop?

I am eager to find a way to do this, as there's a LOT of HO-scale paper buildings available out there - many of them free, and as I'm on a shrinking gaming budget, I have to find cheap solutions...

[Westfalia Chris]

Sorry to a´sk this again, but I'm struggling to get to gfrips with re-sizing pdf-paper models.

I have downloaded my free files from FiddlersGreen (HO-scale, appr. 1/80), and now I want to blow them up and rearrange them for 28 mm (appr. 1/60, or a little bigger)

I can copy the images from the pdf, no problem.

But how do I get them into Photoshop for re-working (I need to blow up the resolution to avoid losing print-quality)?

Should I get Acrobat? Or is there a simple solution I haven't thought of?

Maybe I can copy the pics to Paint or something, then save and open with Photoshop?

I am eager to find a way to do this, as there's a LOT of HO-scale paper buildings available out there - many of them free, and as I'm on a shrinking gaming budget, I have to find cheap solutions...

You can directly open PDF files using Photoshop (if you are using Adobe Photoshop, not just "photoshop" as a catch-all term for any graphics software). Simply right-click the file, choose "open with" and select "Adobe Photoshop". Alternatively, open the file from the Photoshop "FILE/OPEN" menu. Next, a window comes up which asks you to specify the resolution and which page (if it is a multi-page PDF) you wish to open.

Works rather well. I re-sized the plans for my Russian armoured cars with this method.

[Argonor]

I think I tried that with an error-message as the result. I think I'm using a Limited Ed. Adobe Photoshop that may not have alle the features (came with a camera).

I must check what I've got....

[Ramshackle_Curtis]

I recently downloaded GIMP

I just tried opening a pdf in GIMP. It worked nicely. Download GIMP. Its free and takes up about 15 meg next to PShop's 700meg....

[Argonor]

Sounds good, thank you!

If I can get the graphics separated in GIMP, I can always open them in Photoshop if I find it easier to do the changes there 

[Dewbakuk]

I recently downloaded a GIMP

That's not something you should admit to in polite company  

[keeper]

I usually just print stuff out at the size intended, and then rescale using the photocopier at work 

To convert a 1/80 print to 1/60 scale you need to make it a third larger (or multiply by 4 and then divide by 3).  You should be able to do this in either an image edititing package, or on the printer, but like Curtis says, GIMP is really worth a look!

Of course HO is nearer 1/76, and 28mm scale isn't exactly 1/60, but it depends how good you are at maths ...   Its worth experimenting a little until you get a ratio you're happy with when converting models like this.

[Argonor]

I usually just print stuff out at the size intended, and then rescale using the photocopier at work 

I would if I could get it out on thin cardboard that way. I always print out paper models on 190 gsm paper for sturdiness.

Of course HO is nearer 1/76, and 28mm scale isn't exactly 1/60, but it depends how good you are at maths ...

I know, it was just to have some measurements to start with. In the end I'll probably have to use the size of a doorway or something to get the scale right.

[argsilverson]

since in modelling the important factor is not the scale but the visual appearance.

i suggest put a model and determine how your features [like doors] should be resized. sometimes pure mathematics don't work here.

[MuleSkinner]

i use a free image viewer called irfanview to rescale my paper buildings.
i just copy and paste the part of the PDF i require into irfanview, select resize/resample in the drop down, change the size to the percentage i want either plus or minus, and hit the print button.
it's really easy and gives excellent results.

[Argonor]

Sounds interesting, too! 

I'll have to try some of these options.

Thing is, I may have to 'cut up' some of the graphics to fit them back on A4, so I probably have to use an image editor of some kind.

But I'll fiddle around a bit to see what is best/easiest 

[twrchtrwyth]

i use a free image viewer called irfanview to rescale my paper buildings.
i just copy and paste the part of the PDF i require into irfanview, select resize/resample in the drop down, change the size to the percentage i want either plus or minus, and hit the print button.
it's really easy and gives excellent results.

Do you have a link for that?

[Argonor]

http://www.irfanview.com/