Homebrew PCBs

Hmmm ... as far as I know I have not had any shrinkage like this; I need to do some tests to see! But to answer your question, yes, KiCad does have the ability to adjust the scale. When you plot your board, there are two boxes to the right for X-Scale and Y-Scale. (Note that in KiCad, you MUST use the "Plot" command rather than the "Print" command to get usable output; the "Print" command just gives an approximation.)

--- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, "w6mikk" <group78@...> wrote:
>
> My old trusty HP LaserJet 5P printer  slightly shrinks the printed pcb image on paper when I printed a pcb image from a PDF file. On screen pbc measures 5.2 cm (2 inch)  on paper is 5.0. On screen measures 8.1 cm (3inch) and  7.7 cm on paper.
> 
> Does KICAD  software contain a method to compensate Laser printers so the printed image is almost identical to the image size on screen?
> I have not installed KICAD but have studied a tutorial.
> 
> 
> The printed image size differing from screen size concerns me since I will be using Toner Transfer.  For 2 by 3 inch pcbs is this shrinkage going to cause SIGNIFICANT errors when drilling holes for IC sockets? For slightly larger pcbs, is error going to be more severe?
> 
> Do other LASER PRINTER users have this same problem?
> How are you compensating? Does software like Paintshop Pro X10
> provide small size adjustments when printing  jpg files?
> 
> This my first post. Thanks for any help.
> Dave_s
>