How to make a RS book?

[Red Pins]

I'm using Megamek Lab, so I have the unit files - is there a way to 'print to file'?  I know I can print the individual sheets and scan them into pdf at work, and presumably string them one after another,  but is there a way to use MML and go straight to file?

Or is there another program that does?

[Lorcan Nagle]

Most free PDF creators actually install as printers and you print to output as PDF.  So make your force in Megamek, then save as a MUL file, and then pick print from MUL in Megamek Lab and pick your PDF creator.

[Red Pins]

Most free PDF creators actually install as printers and you print to output as PDF.  So make your force in Megamek, then save as a MUL file, and then pick print from MUL in Megamek Lab and pick your PDF creator.

Save as a MUL file?  Basically, save a list of units, then print to file?


I've been able to select, 'Print to pdf' as a printer option.  And it comes out sharp and clear.  But transferring it to word, it looks like a 1980'S typewriter tried to print it.

I'm wondering, do I load a saved .PDF (the cover probably) and just keep adding pdfs?  I'll try that later.

[Lorcan Nagle]

You can create the MUL file by loading all the units you want in Megamek and saving the force as a MUL file and then print that out on its own.

But if you use a program like PDFCreator, you can queue up print jobs from multiple sources, put them in order and compile into a single PDF.  Might be the best option if you're using Word to create a front section.

[Red Pins]

Is pdfcreator free?  Because I operate on shoestring

[Lorcan Nagle]

Is pdfcreator free?  Because I operate on shoestring

It is, but has some annoying pop-ups on occsion

[Hammer]

I'm using Megamek Lab, so I have the unit files - is there a way to 'print to file'?  I know I can print the individual sheets and scan them into pdf at work, and presumably string them one after another,  but is there a way to use MML and go straight to file?

Or is there another program that does?

Save as a MUL file?  Basically, save a list of units, then print to file?


I've been able to select, 'Print to pdf' as a printer option.  And it comes out sharp and clear.  But transferring it to word, it looks like a 1980'S typewriter tried to print it.

I'm wondering, do I load a saved .PDF (the cover probably) and just keep adding pdfs?  I'll try that later.

When using MegaMekLab the "Print" option will get you poor quality. Use the Export to PDF it's the step used to create the official Record sheets. It will also create a PDF index.

[Red Pins]

I tried to use the File-Print-Queue units to print' option; I have it set to 'print to PDF" and the PDF looks lovely, but I can't move it to Word, I get a text box with 'the picture can't be displayed'.

File-Export-to HTML?  Same thing.

I'm not seeing a File-export-to PDF option here. (see attachment)

*edit2 - Single sheet, File-save as-?  No, won't let me save as PDF, and doesn't save as a RS.  Doesn't transfer to Word, either.

[Charistoph]

When using MegaMekLab the "Print" option will get you poor quality. Use the Export to PDF it's the step used to create the official Record sheets. It will also create a PDF index.

Pretty much this.

There is even a way to queue the units to add to this file.  Go to File > Export > To PDF > Queue units to Export...   This will set up a window which gives you options to select units from file or cache, just like opening an existing unit.

In fact, if you're using the "Stable" version, this is the only way I've found to get a full page print.  The regular Print options set a HUGE margin, severely shrinking what you were hoping to print.  If you have it print the reference tables, this makes the rest of the image even smaller, almost to the point of uselessness if your eyesight is any level of poor.

[Red Pins]

It is, but has some annoying pop-ups on occsion

Yeah, no.  Even the free one won't let me merge pdfs and then save them in order.  So PDFArchitent's a bust, unless somebody can suggest another one.

Pic attached.

[Charistoph]

I tried to use the File-Print-Queue units to print' option; I have it set to 'print to PDF" and the PDF looks lovely, but I can't move it to Word, I get a text box with 'the picture can't be displayed'.

File-Export-to HTML?  Same thing.

I'm not seeing a File-export-to PDF option here. (see attachment)

*edit2 - Single sheet, File-save as-?  No, won't let me save as PDF, and doesn't save as a RS.  Doesn't transfer to Word, either.

It looks like you have a really old copy of MegaMekLab.  The most current "Safe" version is 0.48.0, while the latest version (which is great, but has an annoying thing about requiring a very specific version of Java) is 0.49.11.  You can check the version by clicking on "Help" and going to "About".

Both of these options will have the File > Export > To PDF option.

[idea weenie]

I'd be tempted to put the whole thing in a Word document, and only print to PDF.  Use Page Breaks to force re-alignment and ensure certain items are kept at the top of a page, multi-columns as needed to split the data up, and whatever other tools you feel are appropriate.

No need for combining other PDFs, far better control over the pasted text, and it is an existing program most of us already have.

[Red Pins]

An old copy of MM?  Um.  It's from my last computer, so yeah.  I'll update it, thanks.

And yes, I prefer Word, too.  I'll try, but if I can't do it this weekend, I'm going to just say, no.  Don't have time now.

[Daemion]

I wonder if you could print as a jpeg instead?  If you could do that, you could insert the files as images and manipulate it to fit that way.

[Red Pins]

I just don't know, but I'll look into it.  It's on hold until the weekend.  Thanks.

[Daryk]

Manipulating jpegs is MUCH harder than just about anything else...  ::)

[Red Pins]

Yeah, I can't be bothered anymore.  I might do a unit list and print to pdf for a RS book, but the idea of a cover etc., is just not going to happen.  I can't spare the time since I had a breakthrough on my BTF project, but maybe someday I'll come back to the idea.

[Daemion]

Manipulating jpegs is MUCH harder than just about anything else...  ::)

In word?  It's not as hard as you think when you use the picture placement tool  Of course, I use it to simple tile some pics for print and cutting out to glue to minis and terrain.  Completely discovered it by accident.  I guess it takes a little patience.

[Red Pins]

Well, I tried but I'll look again.  Thanks.