Free Online PDF to DWG Conversion | Which option is best?

 

We have researched a number of free online tools for PDF to DWG Conversion, and have summarized our findings below. We will continue to update this post as new options are always being created. If you know of a solution that is not on our list, please let us know and we would be happy to evaluate the new solution and include it on the list along with our comments.

If you don’t feel like evaluating all the options, send us your job and we’ll recommend the best solution for your particular requirement. Click here to submit your file, and be sure mention the following promotion code for a free trial: DP-PDF-DWG. Yes, we will convert one job for you free of cost, and then tell you which of the many options is best for you so that you can continue converting your files in a way that is best for you.

Background

PDF to DWG Conversion is required because PDF format is not easy to modify or edit. But PDF drawings often do need modification, especially if you want to move different elements into separate layers. There are plenty of online PDF to DWG converters online, and many of them are free. However, for the best quality output, we still recommend manual conversion (i.e. tracing over scanned raster images in AutoCAD).

There are four types of PDF to DWG conversion solutions:

1. Downloadable PDF converters that take a scanned PDF image of a drawing and convert it to DWG (i.e. AutoCAD) format.
2. Online PDF to DWG converters that do not need to be downloaded.
3. Service providers who re-draw plans “manually” from scratch. They generally do not use auto-vectorization software but re-trace the drawings by hand, making adjustments to ensure that distortions in the scanned image are corrected.
4. When AutoCAD 2017 was released, it became possible to use the PDFIMPORT command to import PDF content directly into AutoCAD drawings. This built-in PDF converter has come a long way, but if the PDF is based on a scanned image the PDFIMPORT command will result in a raster image file that is attached to the drawing as an xref. In such cases, the raster PDF image will not be editable.

Unfortunately, most PDF to DWG Conversion solutions that involve auto-vectorization software require users to spend considerable time cleaning up the resulting DWG file, and they don’t allow you to put content in different layers. That’s when you need manual PDF to DWG conversion (see below).

Before you rush off to convert your PDF file to AutoCAD, let’s start off with a quick note on how not to do it. It’s important to recognize that while search engines will point to dozens of online PDF to DWG converters, which are often free, you get what you pay for.

The quality of any conversion produced using an online tool is likely to be too low for most situations. What’s worse, they can leave you open to loss of intellectual property and other security risks. If you’re still tempted, we’ve provided you with a list of free tools (see below).

We are biased towards manual CAD conversion because we find that the free tools available today are just not good enough for our clients.

Here are some of the tools that we can use on your behalf, or you can use them yourself:

• Able Software – software for advanced image processing applications such as 3D image visualization, processing, rendering, raster to vector conversion for GIS, mapping, CAD data capture
• Acme Traceart – One of the best raster to vector PDF converters, converts raster bitmaps into vector images, supports other image formats like BMP, JPG, TGA, TIF and PCX.
• Autotracer – an online tool to convert raster images (e.g. JPEGs, GIFs, PNGs) to scalable vector graphics
• CorelDRAW – tool for converting images from raster to vector
• Arbor Image Draftsman – software that runs inside AutoCAD
• GTX – several raster to vector products
• PixEdit – tool for scanning, editing, viewing, printing, converting to vector documents stored in raster format
• Able Software R2V – raster to vector conversion software for automated map digitizing, GIS data capture, CAD conversion applications
• RapidResizer – A good PDF to DWG converter, online: “Upload a file to trace”.
• Rasterex – raster to vector conversion software for technical document viewing
• RasterVect – raster to vector conversion program converts uneditable scanned paper drawings into accurate vector files for editing in any CAD program
• Raster to Vector Software – converts scanned drawings, maps, raster images into vector files
• RxSpotlight – cleaning up drawings, converting scanned drawings into CAD, AutoCAD 2011 DWG compatible
• RxAutoImage – turns scanned drawings to vector information, turns AutoCAD into GIS hybrid editor
• Scan2CAD – raster to vector solution, also converts vector files such as PDFs for CAD
• Trix Systems – fast automatic paper to CAD (raster to vector) conversion from scanned images or image files to DXF, IGES, other CAD vector formats, demo software downloadable
• Vector Magic – software tool for converting bitmaps or raster images to vectors
• VectorNow – raster to vector converter, converts BMP, TIFF, GIF, JPG images into editable DWG/DXF files
• Vectorizer – online tool to convert PDF to DWG online; good for PNGs, BMPs, and JPEGs too
• Vextractor – software for converting drawing, maps, other images from raster to vector format
• VIDAR Systems Corporation – large format scanner hardware, software
• Visual Integrity – offers vector to vector or raster to vector conversion tools
• VPHybridCAD – raster-to-vector conversion software with hybrid editing technology
• WinTopo – software for converting TIF, JPG, PNG, GIF, BMP files, scanned images into useful vector files suitable for CAD, GIS, CNC applications
• WiseImage – 2D standalone, raster to vector conversion software for Windows with raster editing, drawing revision features

While an auto-vectorization software tool (like the ones listed above) offers a tempting solution for converting paper drawings to editable CAD files, it often falls short when compared to the expertise of a human CAD professional. Here’s why:

Precision and Accuracy:

Auto-vectorization struggles with complexities: Intricate details, overlapping elements, and faded lines can confuse the software, leading to inaccurate linework and distorted representations. A CAD expert can meticulously recreate the drawing, analyzing line weights, dimensions, and annotations to ensure precise results.

Human judgment trumps algorithms: Architectural and engineering drawings often contain ambiguous elements or inconsistencies. A skilled CAD professional can use their knowledge of drafting standards and construction practices to interpret the drawing correctly and make informed decisions about missing details.

Control and Flexibility:

Limited editing options in auto-vectorization: Software-generated files often require extensive cleanup and editing within the CAD program itself. A CAD expert creates the file from scratch, allowing for complete control over layer structure, line types, and object properties, making future modifications seamless. Adapting to specific needs: Auto-vectorization offers a one-size-fits-all approach. A CAD professional can tailor the converted file to your specific needs. They can create different layers for walls, doors, and electrical components, or even generate 3D models based on the 2D drawing.

Understanding the Intent:

Software overlooks the bigger picture: Auto-vectorization simply converts lines and shapes. A CAD expert understands the underlying purpose of the drawing. They can identify potential errors, inconsistencies, or missing information and consult with you to clarify ambiguities, ensuring the final file accurately reflects the designer’s intent.

Preserving valuable information: Hand-drawn notations, dimensions, or revision marks often hold crucial information. A skilled CAD professional can carefully incorporate these details into the digital file, ensuring valuable data isn’t lost in the conversion process.

Time Efficiency (sometimes):

While auto-vectorization might seem faster upfront, it can be time-consuming to clean up errors and achieve the desired level of accuracy. A CAD professional can often complete the conversion process efficiently, especially for complex drawings. Additionally, their expertise can save time downstream, as the clean and well-structured file is easier to work with for further modifications or engineering analysis.

Cost-Effectiveness:

The initial cost of auto-vectorization software might seem attractive. However, for frequent conversions, the ongoing expense can add up. An experienced CAD professional offers a cost-effective solution, especially for complex projects, considering the time saved on editing and potential project delays due to software limitations.

So while auto-vectorization software has its place for simple tasks, for critical architectural and engineering drawings, the expertise of a human CAD professional is invaluable. Their ability to handle intricate details, exercise judgment, and create clean, editable files ensures a smooth workflow and accurate representation of the original design.

Here’s some background information on who we are and what we do:

Design Presentation is a US-based leading provider of manual PDF to DWG Conversion Services to Fortune 500 firms, government entities and thousands of small businesses around the world. We can turn files into DWG files with 100% accuracy.

When converting PDF to DWG, we follow AIA layering standards (or yours, if you prefer) and can also accommodate your layering standards. The final output is editable and will be in DWG format because we create the DWG drawing as a new file. We can create as many layers as you require.

We believe that we are the leading provider of manual CAD conversion services in the world. Thousands of clients in North America, Europe and Asia have appreciated our high-quality, error free PDF to DWG conversion services.

Contact us today for a free quote. We also offer a free trial to first time users that are satisfied with the results of autovectorization.

Our Experience in Providing PDF to DWG Conversion Services

Over the past two decades, Design Presentation Associates has successfully completed tens of thousands of conversion projects throughout North America, UK and Australia and are currently working with hundreds of customers every month. We can provide you with software-based services (using auto-vectorization software) or we can have a highly skilled drafting professional manually recreate the drawings from scratch. The cost of manual vectorization is still far superior to what can be produced by a machine, and the cost is quite reasonable.

For manual vectorization we start with a blank document and we manually recreate the drawings based on the scanned image. Our output is truly computerized in that it is “vectorized” because we actually redraw it. We guarantee 99.99% accuracy in the final output. The key advantages of our service are:

1. The final output is editable and will be in DWG, or DXF formats because we create the drawing as a new file.

2. We can create as many layers as you require. We generate separate layers for dimensions, text, body, hidden lines, and centerlines, etc. We could also use your standards or reference drawings for drafting the AutoCAD files

3. Text is separated and has its own layer and is recognizable as text.

4. Dimensions are intact and are shown by a separate layer

5. We use blocks for different entities (like doors, windows, electrical fixtures, plumbing fixtures, furniture, etc.).

We provide easy solutions for PDF file conversions that include converting legacy drawings and computer-aided drawings to updated CAD formats.

Getting Started

Do you want to create editable design libraries for your legacy or current PDF drawings? Design Presentation is a leading professional conversion service provider. We can convert your PDF files to DWG format with 100% accuracy.

New clients are eligible for a free trial — just mention the following promotion code: DP-PDF-DWG. With our efficient team of drafting professionals, we provide fully editable, detailed and multi-layer images. We have the latest global technologies in place, so you don’t have to invest in that. We work as an extension of your in-house team.

To find out more about our PDF to DWG Conversion service, contact us today!