Thumbnail Pdfs

[jackthehat]

I occasionally need to send a copy of an Architectural Drawing to a client.
I produce these at a like for like (CAD to PDF) size of A1 for Planners, Builders, etc.
I am reluctant, however, to send them to the client because, in the past, a couple of them have used the plans and not paid for them.

How can I produce a thumbnail PDF so that the client can see enough detail to be sure I have carried out the work.......but they can't print it out to their advantage?

[snags]

You can 'lock' a pdf to prevent it being printed:

https://helpx.adobe.com/uk/acrobat/how-to/security-permissions-protect-pdf-files.html

Or save your original CAD as a low res jpeg?

[ToraToraTora]

open it, press print screen, go into paint, paste, cut the bit you want, create a new doc (answer no to "you you want to save"), then paste then use resize to get the size you want. Save as JPG and you're done.

[jackthehat]

Thanks, both.

I decided on the small, low res. jpeg route.

[jonathan0]

Never rely on "locking" or "securing" PDFs as this is trivial to bypass in software. Similarly, don't try to watermark or cover sensitive sections as it's usually done in a way that can be reversed with a basic PDF editor.

I'd downscale to a low-res jpg. And as an added measure use the resize tool a bit to skew it so the outline is correct and it appears right but the dimensions will be a bit off. Also do a hard watermark of your logo in the same colour across it.

(jackthehat - since you're an expert on similar matters, I'd love it if you could take a look at my recent question).