How to convert PDF to DWG, including Scanned PDF and images

To convert PDF to DWG you need to first know the type of PDF file that you have.

There are essentially two types of PDF files, a raster file and a vector.

If you’ve exported the PDF from AutoCAD using its PDF plotters, then it’s essentially a vector file that can be easily added back to AutoCAD and converted to DWG.

However, if your file is a scanned drawing then that’s a raster file which you cannot directly import in AutoCAD as a line drawing.

You need to convert it into a readable format first using other software like Inkscape to make it work in AutoCAD.

In this article, I will show you step by step method of converting a raster as well as Vector PDF files into AutoCAD in native CAD format.

I will also show you the complete workflow of cleaning the imported file, scaling it with proper units and converting line objects into the text from the imported file.

So, let’s start with the obvious option that’s built-in AutoCAD PDF import tool.

Importing vector PDF into AutoCAD

Importing PDFs created by AutoCAD or other software capable of producing vector output like Illustrator is quite easy and you can import these types of files with layer, line, text and more data types.

If you prefer a video instead of this article then here it is else read on.

Before you import the PDF make sure you open a blank drawing in AutoCAD and then type UN and press enter.

Now set the unit you want for the imported drawing here in the “Insertion scale” drop-down and set the Precision and Length format.

For this example, I am using Architectural formal with ½” precision and inches as the unit.

After setting the unit go to the Insert tab and select the PDF import option as shown in the following image:

In the window that opens select the PDF file and click Open.

In the import window, you can select the data types that you want to import in the AutoCAD window from your PDF file.

I would highly recommend you check the “Use PDF layers” option in the layers panel as shown in the following image.

This will import the PDF layers into the AutoCAD file as well and objects will be on the respective layers.

You can also check the “vector geometry” option to import all lines, arcs, circles, ellipses, and Bezier curves as polylines or respective geometry if these geometries are within the tolerance range of the specific geometry.

If they are outside the tolerance range, they are usually added as polylines.

To import solid-filled areas like a 2D solid hatch, wide polylines and Wipeout objects check the “solid fills” option.

If your PDF file is using true type text AutoCAD will recognize it as such and it will import it if you select the “TrueType text” option.