DWG Conversions Will Change Your Architect Business
Architects are as busy as ever. If you have your own architect firm, freelance, or are part of a team, AutoCAD conversions can help your company in many ways. Adding AutoCAD conversions to your workflow can increase productivity, and profits. Here’s 7 ways AutoCAD conversions can help you as an architect.
Architects looking at plans in AutoCAD
1. It will make your workflow quicker
Ever have a remodel where you are redrawing old plans from 20+ years ago? Have that sheet scanned, and sent to us for a fully-layered AutoCAD conversion. You will receive a vector DWG file, and you can quickly make your changes.
2. Clean up hand drawn plans
Many of our customers hand-draw plans, and they find it easier and has more character than CAD drawn plans. The problem is, often they work with others who only use CAD. We can convert your hand-drawn plans to CAD, so you can collaborate with other industries, including interior design, electrical, plumbing, mechanical and structural engineers.
Scanned site plan blueprint converted to AutoCAD.
3. You can take in more work
Now that you are not drawing everything yourself in CAD, you can take in more work, while we do a much of the AutoCAD work. This is especially useful for remodels, so you can make your changes, additions to the home, accessory dwelling unit (ADU), office, hardscape, landscape, decks, pool, electrical, or plan change. Check out this article on how this saves you time and money.
We can make changes to your plans. Simply grab a red pen, or make comments in the PDF specifying the changes you need, and we will make the changes. For example, you can circle walls, doors or windows you would like removed. Curious to how Convert2AutoCAD compares to other services that claim to perform the same service? Check out this article.
Architectural redline changes
5. Friendly customer service
We are located in Del Mar, California. This makes it easier for you to work with us, from the United States. We are easy to communicate with, and you will not have to worry about langue-barriers, or time zones. We are available to you Monday – Friday, 8:00AM to 5:00PM Pacific Time. Feel free to contact us or give us a call at 858-755-5134.
6. Fast turnaround
We are capable of getting your PDF converted to CAD in as little as 24-hours! As an architect, we know sometimes you have tight deadlines. This is why we offer expedited processing, so you can meet your deadlines with your clients, contractors, or municipalities.
7. Your architect competitors are using it
We have been offering this service for more than 20 years, and have amassed over a thousand customers and have converted over 100,000 pages. It’s a very good chance you could be bidding against another architect that will be using our services for the project. This lets them bid lower, and have a faster completion time. We want you to remain competitive as well.
Conclusion
Architects have much to gain, and nothing to lose by having Convert2AutoCAD in their workflow. It can save you money and time, and help you take in more work. Send us your plans for a quick quote to convert to AutoCAD.
Microstation is a 2 and 3 dimensional CAD design software developed by Bentley Systems. It was first developed in the 1980s, and was a competing software to AutoCAD by Autodesk. It is a vector based software used in architecture, civil engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical, plumbing and and HVAC designers. You will find Microstation often used by the United States Government, and government contractors, for military buildings, shipyards, barracks, offices, air strips, ships, docks, and other facilities.
What is involved in converting Microstation to AutoCAD?
Licenses
In Microstation, you can simply save a DGN file as a DWG file, but this may not be possible for you, if you do not have a valid Microstation license. If you work in AutoCAD, there is probably little chance that this is the case. We have both licenses, and save the files for you in AutoCAD so you can work on the design.
The export isn’t straightforward
If you simply export a file in Microstation to DWG, often times text and objects may have moved. This creates a challenge where often, the exported text will be over an object, and must be moved. We offer this to be fixed on our end, or you can do it yourself, and the price will be lower. This will give you a running start on your design project, using your familiar Autodesk AutoCAD program.
How can I get the conversion done?
We provide this service. Simply fill out our contact form, and attach your files, and we can send you a quote to convert your DGN files to AutoCAD DWG. Conversions can sometimes take just a few days. For large jobs, we can have them sent to you in batches so you can start your work quickly. If you have any questions, feel free to contact Brian at 858-755-5134.
Needing to know the topography of a property is very important for building structures and roads, and that’s where topographic maps are a must. You need to know where you will build around the given geography, and how water will drain in the property. Most of our topography has been surveyed, and mapped by the USGS, and topographic maps are available for free. Just find your property and download the map as a PDF.
I have downloaded my free topo map from the USGS, now what?
You will need it converted to a CAD file in order to work on it. The easy thing would just be to send us the PDF and specify your property, and we will have it converted for you in just a few days. You will receive a DWG file, and now you can design your home, structure, ADU, roads, and outbuildings on top of the topography. If you are a civil engineer, this will give you a jumpstart on drafting the grading and foundations for your project.
An example of a planting landscape plan we converted to CAD
Who is Convert2AutoCAD?
Located in sunny Del Mar, California, we are part of the Del Mar Blue Print team. Convert2AutoCAD is our side brand for architectural and engineering service. We have been offering CAD services to engineers, architects, interior designers and drafters for over 15 years. Convert2AutoCAD will help you with your next project. We would love to hear from you.
We convert PDF to CAD online. Convert2AutoCAD has been doing this for over 15 years. We have been providing this service for thousands of individuals and businesses. Our PDF to CAD online service is accurate, economical and fast. In as little as 24 hours, we will have a fully layered CAD file for you to start your project right away. Pricing starts at as little as $65 for a 24×18 inch plan. Contact us for a free quote.
PDF to CAD
Send over your PDF plan to have it converted to fully layered vector CAD file.
Is there a way for me to convert a CAD file to a different version?
Yes, you can do that by downloading the ODA converter free! I use the desktop version, and it works great. This helps me convert files between different versions, because some of my customers are using older versions of Autodesk AutoCAD.
About Convert2AutoCAD
We are located in Del Mar, California, so you will not be dealing with someone overseas, that may be difficult to understand, or may not be available at your time zone. Convert2AutoCAD has been offering convert PDF to CAD online services for over 15 years. We are a family company and are owned by Del Mar Blue Print. Feel free to call us at 1-858-755-5134 regarding CAD converting services, or printing.
Autodesk has released Revit 2022, and it comes with many new features. Revit is the industry standard 3D design software for architects, engineers and designers. While AutoCAD is still leading the industry in 2D design, Revit takes it a bit further with 3D design. With Revit 2022, you will find improvements to tagging, schedules, annotations and grid displays. Architects can now make use of tapered and slanted walls. Engineers can now make use of the steel connections and enhanced rebar improvements. Other improvements include improved default color shame, enhanced RPC, improved compatibility with FormIt, and PDF export (yay!). Check out all the changes at the Autodesk website. We do offer both AutoCAD and Revit services. If you would like to get a quick quote, contact us.
When searching the internet for PDF to CAD conversion services, you will find there are many free options. You can upload your files, and within seconds, you can download the CAD file as a DWG or DFX file, which is simple and fast, but will this service help your workflow? These services can be found on websites like CloudConvert, Zamzar, and AutoDWG. I encourage you to go to those websites, and give it a try. Take a look at the CAD files you receive.
The difference is accuracy, layers and usability
I am guessing you need a file you can actually edit. This means vector lines, shapes, hatching and text. Here’s what you get from these services.
Here’s the original image we are starting with
Scanned to PDF before converting to AutoCAD. I am using the same 300ppi full resolution PDF for each conversion.
Pros: Fully layered, vector, drawn by expert drafters, typed text, accurate, includes both model, and paper space, based in San Diego, California, and offer support over the phone or email. Cons: Service is not free, and it takes at least 24-hours
Pros: Free, and instant. Cons: Image is only outlined, no vector lines, or shapes, does not use layers, paper space is not used, and text cannot be changed.
CloudConvert PDF to DWG missed most of the details of the plans. It also only allows for DFX output, and not DWG. I would say this is the worst of the CAD conversion services.
Pros: Free, and instant. Cons: Image is only outlined, no vector lines, or shapes, does not use layers, paper space is not used, does not output to *.dwg files, and text cannot be changed.
AutoDWG is a distant 2nd place behind Convert2AutoCAD. It does offer a better file than Zamzar and CloudConvert, you would have a difficult time using the files for any professional design.
Pros: Free, and instant, uses separate layers, has paper space. Cons: The layers don’t seem to make sense, many details lost, has trouble reading text, not suitable for remodels, or edits.
Conclusion
If you are looking for a professional design, that’s ready for immediate changes, the only choice is Convert2AutoCAD. You will receive accurate DWG files, using vector lines, layers, shapes and text. If you are looking for a free, immediate CAD file, where accuracy and editability are not a priority, we recommend AutoDWG. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us.
Have a PDF with layers? Convert those into vector CAD layers
When exporting PDF files from an AutoCAD DWG file, it’s considered a best practice to include layers.
Architecture and engineering. Convert your plans to another scale, without math!
Enlarging plans often means you need a reduction and enlargement percentage chart. I often get asked to enlarge or reduce a plan to a specific scale. For example, an architect may ask me to enlarge a plan that is at 1 foot = 3/32 inch, to 1 foot = 1/4 inch. I deal with a lot of plans. Most of them are architectural, but also mechanical, structural, electrical and plumbing. That’s not all, I also get a lot of engineering, landscaping as well as topographic maps. I have created a reduction and enlargement percentage chart. We can convert these all from PDF to AutoCAD. I also get the dreaded question to convert metric to imperial scale, but I have already covered that.
I work in the reprographics industry, and often have to do this for prints. Sometimes the customer just wants their PDF enlarged, and you can do this by printing to a PDF, and specifying the percentage, and paper size. I hope this architectural scale enlargement chart helps you. Click the chart to download the full size, printable PDF version. Now resize your plans to exact scales using the chart below. Simply match your current scale with the scales on the left, and match it with the scale that you want, and there is your percentage to enlarge or reduce.
Looking to get your PDF converted to AutoCAD? We will convert your plans to fully layered DWG files. This service is perfect for remodels on as-built plans. For more contact us for a quote for this service. Looking for an AutoCAD scaling factor chart? Bookmark this page, because this chart is very handy for architects, engineers and reprographics / print companies.
AutoCAD 2021 features cloud storage, quick measure, drawing history, and more.
AutoCAD 2021 is here and has some robust new features. First released in 1982 by AutoDesk, it has remained the industry standard for architecture, engineering, and design. There are new features in 2021 that you should be aware of. We think you will be excited about many of of these updates. Here we will go over those.
New mobile and web apps. Now you can work from anywhere, on almost any device with new AutoCAD 2021 mobile and web apps.
Photo from Autodesk.com
Cloud storage connectivity. Seamlessly work from anywhere, because now your DWG files will be store remotely on the cloud. This is similar to Adobe’s Creative Cloud.
Photo from Autodesk.com
Version history. Now you can compare changes, throughout the life of a drawing.
Photo from Autodesk.com
Improved graphical performance. This update speeds up rendering and viewing of 2D and 3D graphics on your Windows and Macintosh computers. AutoCAD 2021 now takes full advantage of multi-core processors.
Photo from Autodesk.com
Blocks Palette. Now you can access your blocks from AutoCAD, or over the web. This feature also
Photo from Autodesk.com
There are many more features, but we are most excited about these. Some other new features include save to web and mobile, purge redesign, and Xref compare. For a full list of new features in AutoCAD 2021, check out this link. AutoCAD 2021 cost $1,690.00 for 1 year.
Autodesk also offers their 3D design software called Revit. Revit is a 3D BIM (Building Information Modeling) software that is slowly eclipsing AutoCAD as the leading design software.
How to Convert PDF to CAD?
Hint: it’s easier thank you think!
Do you have some PDF plans that you would like converted to fully layered, vector CAD files? This is much easier than you might think.
Should we ignore modern and non-Western architectural styles in all future federal buildings?
Standardization of Art
Federal buildings are not standardized. They come in many shapes, and styles. You will find Romanesque Revival, Greek Revival, Gothic Revival and many other classic western styles. These are known for stone block, steep columns, vaulted ceilings, and arched doorways and windows. They often have towers and are decorative. Art deco style was popular in the early 1900’s and we can see that in many federal buildings, including the Federal Courthouse in South Bend, Indiana. Later we had modern styles like brutalist and deconstructivist architecture.
President Donald Trump has proposed an exectuive order that could ban modern styles like brutalist and deconstructivist architecture for federal buildings. It could also ban non-western style architecture styles from Asia, Africa and the Middle East. This would severely limit how our buildings would look.
Build more, or restore?
The money used to build these new buildings might be better off spent preserving and restoring current federal buildings. There are many in disrepair, and preserving history could be money better spent. I do enjoy the classic western styles, but also enjoy the modern styles. To limit our creativity, is to limit our thoughts. The United States of America is bout hard work, creativity, and pushing boundaries.
Federal Courthouse in South Bend
Edith Green Wendell Wyatt Federal Building
Rochester New York Federal Building
Pueblo Colorado Federal Building
San Francisco Federal Building
About Convert to AutoCAD
Save yourself hours, days, and weeks redrafting old plans. We take your PDF, JPG, GIF, or TIF file, and convert it to fully layered AutoCAD DWG files. We also work with Revit and Sketchup. Our professional drafters can have your conversion done for you in as little as 24-hours. For a free, immediate quote, submit your files on our order form.
Single sheet or thousands of pages, we can handle all size orders
Convert your scans to CAD. We get orders ranging from a small sketch, to hundreds of sheets for large municipalities. Our rates are the lowest and we offer discounts of up to 25% off your entire order if you order 8 sheets in a single order. This can save you anywhere from $200 per job, to thousands in savings! Do you have a project that is hundred of pages? We can schedule out a plan to have at least 100 pages done per month. We have a dedicated team to have the work done for you quickly, and accurately.
Here is an example of a CAD file from a hand drawn plan scan.
How do we do it?
We work with large government municipalities, or small architects. We will give you a quote, and estimated time of completion. How are we able to do it? We have a team of skilled drafters that redraw your design in AutoCAD, giving you the a fully-layered 2D image to work with. Convert2AutoCAD can also provide 3D designs in Revit, Google Sketchup and any other BIM program you need.
PDF to CAD
Send over your PDF plan to have it converted to fully layered vector CAD file.
We use best practices for layer names, but you may not want to on your scans to cad project. Isn’t it nice to name your layers so they make sense to you? We can use your layer names and colors so they can easily match the rest of your work. Some people like very descriptive layer names, and some just like a few letters. Send us a screenshot of your normal layer names, and we can use that on all of your CAD conversion projects with us.
Here you can see some custom layer names and colors
Need changes? Grab a red pen!
We understand you may want to add a door, or take down a wall. Just simply grab a red pen, or any paint program and write your changes on the plan. We will make those changes to the CAD file for you. We have done whole home remodels this way.
Work with us!
It would be a pleasure to work with you on your next project. Not on a project? Feel free to contact us so we can let you know how we can improve your work flow, and save you valuable time and money.
PDF to CAD
Send over your PDF plan to have it converted to fully layered vector CAD file.
Here is a handy AutoCAD release version history, starting from 1.0 in 1982. AutoCAD is the standard in 2D drafting and design. It’s still used by millions of architects, engineers and designers. Developed by AutoDesk, AutoCAD is the industry standard for 2D design. The native file is normally *.dwg. If you are interested in converting PDF, JPG, TIF, or GIF to AutoCAD, send it to us.
AutoCAD 1.0 December 1982 (Release 1) AutoCAD 1.2 April 1983 (Release 2) AutoCAD 1.3 August 1983 (Release 3) AutoCAD 1.4 October 1983 (Release 4) AutoCAD 2.0 October 1984 (Release 5) AutoCAD 2.1 May 1985 (Release 6) AutoCAD 2.5 June 1986 (Release 7) AutoCAD 2.6 April 1987 (Release 8) AutoCAD R9 September 1987 codename White Album (Release 9) AutoCAD R10 October 1988 codename Abbey Road (Release 10) AutoCAD R11 October 1990 codename Let it Be (Release 11) AutoCAD R12 June 1992 (Release 12) AutoCAD R13 November 1994 (Release 13) AutoCAD R14 February 1997 codename Sedona and Pinetop for 14.01 (Release 14) AutoCAD 2000 March 1999 codename Tahoe (Release 15) AutoCAD 2000i July 2000 codename Banff (Release 16) AutoCAD 2002 June 2001 codename Kirkland (Release 17) AutoCAD 2004 March 2003 codename Reddeer (Release 18) AutoCAD 2005 March 2004 codename Neo (Release 19) AutoCAD 2006 March 2005 codename Rio (Release 20) AutoCAD 2007 March 2006 codename Postrio (Release 21) AutoCAD 2008 March 2007 codename Spago (Release 22) AutoCAD 2009 March 2008 codename Raptor (Release 23) AutoCAD 2010 March 2009 codename Gator (Release 24) AutoCAD 2011 March 2010 codename Hammer (Release 25) AutoCAD 2012 March 2011 codename Ironman (Release 26) AutoCAD 2013 March 2012 codename Jaws (Release 27) AutoCAD 2014 March 2013 codename Keystone (Release 28) AutoCAD 2015 March 2014 codename Longbow (Release 29) AutoCAD 2016 March 2015 codename Maestro (Release 30) AutoCAD 2017 March 2016 codename Nautilus (Release 31) AutoCAD 2018 March 2017 codename Omega (Release 32) AutoCAD 2019 April 2018 codename Pi (Release 33) AutoCAD for Mac Releases:
PDF to CAD
Send over your PDF plan to have it converted to fully layered vector CAD file.
AutoCAD for Mac June 1992 AutoCAD for Mac R13 AutoCAD 2011 for Mac October 2010 (SledgeHammer) AutoCAD 2012 for Mac August 2011 (Iron Maiden) AutoCAD LT 2012 for Mac August 2011 (Ferris) AutoCAD LT 2013 for Mac August 2012 AutoCAD 2013 for Mac March 2012 (Jaws) AutoCAD LT 2014 for Mac AutoCAD 2014 for Mac (Sandstone) AutoCAD 2015 for Mac (Lightsaber) AutoCAD 2016 for Mac (Mandalore) AutoCAD 2017 for Mac (Naboo) AutoCAD 2018 for Mac Nov 2017 AutoCAD WS
AutoCAD WS / AutoCAD WS Mobile September 2010 AutoCAD WS for Mac August 2011
AutoCAD Architecture “ACA”
AutoCAD Architectural Desktop 1 October 1998 codename Portsmouth (Release 1)
AutoCAD Architectural Desktop 2 July 1999 codename Mannheim (Release 2)
AutoCAD Architectural Desktop 2i July 2000 codename iMannheim (Release 3)
AutoCAD Architectural Desktop 3 March 2001 codename Cleveland (Release 4)
AutoCAD Architectural Desktop 3.3 March 2001 codename Palm Beach (Release 5)
Autodesk Architectural Desktop 2004 March 2003 codename Exeter (Release 6)
Autodesk Architectural Desktop 2005 March 2004 3/17/2004 codename Juneau (Release 7)
Autodesk Architectural Desktop 2006 March 2005 codename codename Rialto (Release 8)
Autodesk Architectural Desktop 2007 March 2006 codename codename Kyoto (Release 9)
AutoCAD Architecture 2008 March 2007 codename codename Kiasma (Release 10)
AutoCAD Architecture 2009 March 2008 codename codename Tate (Release 11)
AutoCAD Architecture 2010 March 2009 codename Botta (Release 12)
AutoCAD Architecture 2011 codename March 2010 codename Potala (Release 13)
AutoCAD Architecture 2012 March 2011 (Release 14)
PDF to CAD
Send over your PDF plan to have it converted to fully layered vector CAD file.
We have a handy PDF file showing engineering and map scales, and their decimal and fractional equivalents. This is an easy to use chart so you can convert to different scales. We have found this useful for converting fractional scale to feet per inch, inches per 1000 feet, inches per mile, meters per inch, acres per square inch, square inches per acre, and square mile per square inch.
Download a printable PDF version of this chart at the link below.
![Importing PDF into AutoCAD with layers [video]](https://convert2autocad.com/wp-content/uploads/importing-pdf-into-autocad-layer-video.png)
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