pdf2cad converts vector PDF engineering drawings into the DXF and HPGL (new!) formats for import as scalable and editable objects in AutoCAD®, UniGraphics®, Microstation® and other CAD, CAM and CNC systems as well as Microsoft Visio®.

PDF is being used extensively in Architecture, Engineering, Construction and Manufacturing for storing and exchanging designs, schematics, floor-plans and other technical drawings. CAD engineers, CNC operators, partners and supply chain members need to be able to view, test, edit or recycle the geometry locked inside these documents.

Now, pdf2cad provides the bridge. It accurately reproduces lines, shapes and text strings in the industry-standard DXF and HPGL formats.

If your PDF files were generated from an application, you can convert them to CAD objects quickly and easily with pdf2cad. If you have scanned drawings, you'll need another solution such as TracTrix. Use these tips to figure out whether you have a vector or scanned PDF file.

Stop redrawing floor plans or mechanical designs from scratch. Just run them through pdf2cad!

Usage Notes:

1) Raster content in PDFs: pdf2cad is designed to convert the vector content of PDF files. Raster content in PDF files, produced from scans or raster image formats like TIFF, does not contain vector graphics. When a PDF containing raster content is processed through pdf2cad the result will be the same raster image in TIF format, called as an x-ref by the DXF file -  not editable vector graphics.

2) Conversion entities: The vector types in a PDF file do not match exactly the vector types in DXF. Consequently some entities will be created using DXF line types that differ from those you would use if you were to create the file in a CAD application. You should therefore expect that some manual clean-up of the DXF may be required.