You are probably reading this because you have a PDF file that you want to convert to editable geometry in a DXF or DWG file.

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

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PermaLink       Posted 3/28/2006 08:47:00 PM      Comments (2)

Is your command line missing in AutoCAD 2006? Earlier versions stored the location in the registry. In 2006, it's a little different. Here are a few tricks to restore a 'missing' command line.

• In 2006, the command line is a dockable window similar to Properties and Sheet Set Manager, and it can be "turned off". Try typing in the command COMMANDLINE, or pressing the key combination Ctrl+9
  
• It may just be floating below your windows taskbar. Try repostioning the taskbar.
  
• Command line position, size and whether it's docked or floating is saved per workspace. Try switching to a different workspace.
  
• Modify your current workspace. Open the CUI editor, highlight your current workspace on the left side, and click Customize Workspace on the right side. Right below there, navigate the Dockable Windows category and click on Command Line. Just below there you will see the properties, change them as shown here:
  
  
  
  • Show = Yes
    
  • Orientation = Top
    
  • Allow Docking = Yes
    
  • Height = 200
    
  • Width = 600
    
  
  Now press Apply and OK. The command line should be docked at the top now.
  
• If all else fails, follow these steps.
  
  
  
  • Shut down AutoCAD and open Windows Explorer.
    
  • Navigate to your local support directory. This will typically be: C:\Documents and Settings\<username>\Application Data\Autodesk\<autodesk product>\R16.2\enu\Support\
    
  • From there, go into the Profiles directory.
    
  • Look for a file named "FixedProfile.aws".
    
  • Either rename it or move it to another location
    
  • Restart AutoCAD
    
  
  

If you are REALLY adventurous, the properties of the Command Line are stored in the "FixedProfile.aws" file, which is XML format. I'm not suggesting to start hacking away at this file, because one of the above methods will almost surely restore your command line.

Good luck and let me know how this works for you.

Labels: Tips

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PermaLink       Posted 3/22/2006 06:35:00 AM      Comments (1)

For you AutoCAD LT users - Shaan Hurley has posted a list of features for the 2007 edition.

None of the fancy 3D stuff from full AutoCAD made it obviously, but the built-in plot to PDF will probably be a big hit.

Dynamic Block authoring is something I know many LT users have been wanting.

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PermaLink       Posted 3/16/2006 07:24:00 PM      Comments (0)

This has proven to be a popular page, so I thought I would repost it at the top, with one corrected URL, and a few more applications I have run across.

The FREE Viewers are:
BIT-View: HPGL/2, RTL, TIFF, JPG
Oce Publisher: DWG, DXF, HPGL, HPGL/2, RTL, TIFF, CALS, DWF, PS, PDF, LDF.


The not-so-quite free ones:
SPLOT
View Companion Pro
RePlot
CERN HPGL Viewer
Fplot
EteCad
PentaLogix ViewMate
PloComp
CadSoftTools ABViewer
CadViewer (applet/API)
RxView

If you think you might want to convert a PLT file to a DWG or DXF file, check this out.

If you use any of these applications, let me know how it goes.

Labels: Viewers

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PermaLink       Posted 3/16/2006 07:04:00 PM      Comments (4)

If you are using AutoCAD 2005 or earlier, here's a chance to see what's new in AutoCAD 2006. AUGI ATP Course ATP110

With all the buzz about the soon to be released AutoCAD 2007, why is this class being offered now? First off, it was requested. But secondly, if you are one of the many users that are not on 2006, then whether you upgrade to 2006, 2007, or even a future release, the features in 2006 will still be there. Imagine upgrading from R13 to 2002 and missing out on MDI or the plotting upgrades introduced in 2000.

This is my first time as an ATP instructor, so bear with me. The class handout is more of a reference guide than a 'step-by-step' tutorial on certain features. Feedback is appreciated.

Register for this course and join in. If you are not an AUGI member, there is no cost to join.

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PermaLink       Posted 3/14/2006 09:42:00 AM      Comments (0)