Printing and Saving a Map
Before you create a map make sure it is is at the correct scale and in the correct position and has all the layers needed in the correct order. Keep the number of layers to a minimum to keep the map easy to read.
It also helps to keep the size of the fonts on the map as small as possible. Select layers with labels and change them in the Label section of the Layer Style Panel. Keep fonts below 10 point.
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When your map is ready for printing click the Composer button on the top left on the tool bar
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You will see a small dialogue where can enter a name for the map (or leave it. Click OK
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This takes you to the Composer window
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To add the map click the fifth button down (see the image to the left of this web page) then drag across and down the blank page to size your map
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To add a heading use the T (text) button and place it where required. To enter the text type it in the box on the Text properties panel on the right hand side of the screen
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You can also change the font and its size in the Text properties panel by clicking font... in the Appearance box
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To add a Scale bar click the striped line (see bottom button shown to the left on this web page) and drag it where you want it on the map
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Change the Scale bar properties in the properties box on the right.
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To add a Legend click the Legend button below the Text button and draw it on the map
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To change its properties use the Properties box on the right.
To edit the legend:
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Remove the tick in the Auto update box
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Click on the layer(s) you want to remove and click the minus button at the bottom
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To change the order of menu items click on the layer you want to shift and use the up and down arrows
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To change the name of a menu item click on it then the Edit button (sixth from left)
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Type in your change
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To change the font click on the Font button
To Save a map
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Select the Composer menu and select Save Project
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To save as a PDF choose the PDF button on the top tool bar. Note that maps can be saved (as TIFS) to Apps on mobile phones, such as Avenza for use for navigation in the field. This will be explained later.
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To Print a map
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It is best to save it as a PDF then print the PDF
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Save your work