Issue:
How to convert or import a PDF file to a DWG file using AutoCAD.Solution:
Prior to AutoCAD 2017, it was not possible to convert a PDF file to a DWG file using AutoCAD or AutoCAD LT. PDF files could only be inserted as underlays (external references). The content could then be traced and scaled to known dimensions, if desired.
With the release of AutoCAD 2017, using the PDFIMPORT command, it is now possible to import PDF content directly into AutoCAD drawings. Lines will become editable geometry and text will become editable text. The accuracy of the resultant AutoCAD content is largely dependent upon the quality of the original PDF, so results may vary. Additionally, PDF underlays in drawings created with previous AutoCAD releases can be converted into editable drawing geometry using the PDFIMPORT command.
Using PDFIMPORT with PDFs created from scanned images/documents will result in the creation of a raster image file, which is then attached to the drawing as an xref. The raster imagery will not be converted into editable geometry.
Using PDFIMPORT with PDFs created from scanned images/documents will result in the creation of a raster image file, which is then attached to the drawing as an xref. The raster imagery will not be converted into editable geometry.
See Also:
To learn more about importing PDF into AutoCAD, see the recorded tutorials:How to handle PDF Import in AutoCAD 2017 | AutoCAD (YouTube Video)
AutoCAD 2018: PDF Enhancements | AutoCAD (YouTube Video)
To learn more about working with PDF documents, see the AutoCAD Help documentation:
PDFIMPORT (Command)
About Importing PDF Files
PDFATTACH (Command)
About Attaching Files as Underlays
AutoCAD PDF Import: Guidance for Working with PDF and AutoCAD DWG Data (Blog)
How to convert a DWG to a PDF file? Choose the DWG file that you want to convert. Select PDF as the the format you want to convert your DWG file to. Click 'Convert' to convert your DWG file. Zamzar Pro Tip: A very good free tool to preview DWG files is QCAD an Open Source tool for viewing CAD files. PDF to DWG - Convert file now View other document file formats Technical Details Each PDF file encapsulates a complete description of a 2D document (and, with the advent of Acrobat 3D, embedded 3D documents) that includes the text, fonts, images and 2D vector graphics that compose the document. Prior to AutoCAD 2017, it was not possible to convert a PDF file to a DWG file using AutoCAD or AutoCAD LT. PDF files could only be inserted as underlays (external references). The content could then be traced and scaled to known dimensions, if desired. Another strong tool that pops up in the online world for AutoCAD to PDF file conversion is Zamzar. You may call it a very handy tool that just requires you to open the webpage, upload the DWG file, choose the required format and click ‘Convert Now’. And your work is done within a very short span of time.