First off, if someone gave you a PDF instead of a DWG, it was probably for a reason. Ask the DWG author for the DWG file. This is the easiest method, and you don't have to worry about data loss during the conversion.
If you cannot obtain the source DWG file, try these steps.
| Tool | Notes |
|---|---|
| Adobe Illustrator | Open the PDF using this software, then save as a DWG or DXF file. |
| Ghostscript & GSView | Open the PDF using this software, then export to a DXF file. |
| Adobe Acrobat | Open the PDF using this software, then use the copy graphics tool to copy the graphics to the clipboard. Then paste into AutoCAD. |
| PDFImport | This program will import a vector PDF file directly into AutoCAD. No DXF conversion needed. Raster PDF's are imported as raster images. Requires AutoCAD 2000 or later. |
| PDFConvert | This standalone windows program will convert a vector PDF file to a DXF or SCR file for use in AutoCAD or other CAD application. Does not support raster PDF's |
| PDF2CAD | This standalone windows program will convert a vector PDF file to a DXF file. |
Note that if the PDF author added security methods to the PDF, some or all of these methods may not work.
Updated 01 FEB 2007
Labels: pdf
PermaLink Posted 3/28/2006 08:47:00 PM
2 COMMENTS!
Comment from:
Date: June 1, 2006 at 5:14:00 AM CDT
You can also use CorelDRAW or CorelDESIGNER to open the PDF file and save or export as DWG.
Comment from:
nrdgrl
Date: May 18, 2007 at 8:17:00 AM CDT
pdf2cad was just upgraded this week to v6.8. It now supports DXF layers based on color and has improved object recognition. HPGL has been added as an output format as well. Evals are available on the pdf2cad.com web-site and at download.com.