cad

12
Aug
2021
Your Best Way To Convert Topographic Maps To AutoCAD

Your Best Way To Convert Topographic Maps To AutoCAD

Convert plot plans and topography plans to DWG

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.

Convert your topographic map to CAD

Upload your files
Get a quick quote
A topographic map that was hand drawn, converted to vector CAD files. Topography maps are the industry standard for civil engineers and surveyors.
Topography and plot plan before and after converting to AutoCAD

I don’t use topographic maps, do you offer this service for landscape plans as well?

Absolutely. We work with many landscape architects to help them with topography, planting plans, drainage plans, and irrigation plans. We have worked with many landscape design companies and engineers like Grounded Landscape Architecture, Alidade Engineering, and Wilkinson Design Group.

A planting plan may also be placed on top of a topographic map. Here is an example of a planting plan for a landscape on a home.
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.

Posted by Michael Mellor in AutoCAD tips
14
Jul
2021
Convert PDF to CAD Online

Convert PDF to CAD Online

We Convert Adobe PDF to DWG and DXF Files

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.
Send Your PDF

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.

About Adobe Acrobat Supported File Formats

File FormatExtension
Acrobat Data FileACRODATA
Acrobat Forms Data FormatFDF
Adobe Illustrator FileAI
Acrobat Index FilePDX
Acrobat Job Definition FileJDF
Acrobat Language Plug-inLNG
Acrobat MIME Encoded JobDefinition FileMJD
Acrobat Plug-inACROPLUGIN
Acrobat Plug-inAPI
Acrobat Security Settings FileACROBATSECURITYSETTINGS
Acrobat Sequence FileSEQU
Acrobat XFDF FileXFDF
Adobe Color Separations TableAST
Adobe Dictionary Data FileENV
Adobe Joboptions FileJOBOPTIONS
Adobe Linguistic Library Data FileLEX
Adobe MARS FileMARS
Adobe Portable Document FormatFilePDP
Adobe Profile FileAPF
Apple QuickTime MovieMOV
Design Web Format FileDWF
Drawing Exchange Format FileDXF
Encapsulated PostScript Format FileEPSF
Flash MP4 Video FileF4V
Flash Video FileFLV
Hypetext Markup LanguageHTM, HTML
iTunes Video FileM4V
Plain Text FileTXT
PostScript FilePS
PostScript Image Data FilePSID
Product Representation CompactFilePRC
Shockwave Flash MovieSWF
Universal 3D FileU3D
XML Data PackageXDP
XML Paper Specification FileXPS
Here are many uses for Adobe PDF files

About AutoCAD Supported File Format

Data Source TypeSupported File Extensions
3D Model.3DS, .DAE, .DXF, .FBX, .OBJ
Autodesk Civil 3D DWG Files.DWG
AutoCAD DWG (3D Objects) Files.DWG, .DXF
AutoCAD DWG Files as 2D Overlay.DWG , .DXF,.F2D
Autodesk IMX Files.IMX
Autodesk Revit (RVT) Files.RVT , .RFA
CityGML Files.CITYGML, .GML, .XML*Note: CityGML data must be converted to IMX data before it can be imported into InfraWorks. Access https://www.safe.com/citygml-importer/ to setup the CityGML importer for InfraWorks.
DGN 3D Model.DGN
Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) Files.IFC
LandXML Files.XML, .LANDXML
Point Cloud Files.RCS, .RCP
Raster Files.ADF, .ASC, .BT, .DDF, .DEM, .DT0, .DT1, .DT2, .GRD, .HGT, .DOQ, .ECW, .IMG, .JP2, .JPG, .JPEG, .PNG, .SID, .TIF, .TIFF, .WMS, .XML, .VRT, .ZIP, .GZ
Spatial Data Format (SDF) Files.SDF
Shape Definition (SHP) Files.SHP
SketchUp Files.SKP
SQLite Files.SDX, .SQLITE, .DB
Autodesk AutoCAD supports many file types
Posted by Michael Mellor in AutoCAD tips
12
Jul
2021
PDF to DWG Converter

PDF to DWG Converter

Converting PDF to DWG AutoCAD is easy!

Architects, engineers, and designers are often looking for a PDF to DWG converter. There are services out there that convert any PDF file to a DWG instantly, so you can download the file after a few seconds. Some examples of those are Cadsofttools, and Autodwg. While this may be convenient, it’s not very useful. First of all, these services do not draw the individual lines. They will interpret the lines as dots, and this makes it useless for making changes. Secondly, those services will not use blocks, making it more difficult to remove a wall, door, window, tree, etc. Thirdly, those PDF to DWG instant converters do not use layers. Layers are important to keep things like walls, fixtures, text, electrical separate. Just because a service is free, or instant, doesn’t mean it’s useful.

Get a free PDF to DWG quote
PDF to DWG Converter by redrawing the plan in AutoCAD by expert drafters.
Our PDF to DWG converter is an expert drafter, redrawing your plans in AutoCAD

What do you need from a PDF to DWG converter?

You need the service to be useful and get a good value.

Here are some features you need when converting to CAD.

  • Layers. It will be difficult to make changes without objects in the file being on separate layers.
  • Typed out text. Often OCR (Optical Character Recognition) doesn’t get everything correct. We re-type the text for an error free result.
  • Use of AutoCAD blocks. You want your windows, doors, and fixtures to be blocks so they can easily be moved or replaced.
  • Scale checked. We always check your plans scale so it fits the given architectural or engineering scale.
  • Located in USA. We are located in Del Mar, California, and are free to call us with any questions or orders.

Enter Convert2AutoCAD

Our expert drafters will redraw your plans in AutoCAD, using layers, and blocks. We make sure your plans are to the given scale. You will receive a professional DWG file, that can be edited very easily for changes or for archiving for your home or business. Are you a homeowner and am looking to remodel? This service is perfect for converting your old plans to CAD, and sending to your architect for changes. Your architect will be so thankful, and it will save you money in hours needed to redraw the home.

We are here to give you a DWG file you can actually use

What good is a file that you cannot use? You will receive a professional AutoCAD file that you can be changed right away, eliminating potentially dozens of hours of redrawing in CAD. You can have your files converted to CAD for as little as $85 (24×18″) per sheet. Send your files to us for a quick quote.

Posted by Michael Mellor in AutoCAD tips
30
Jul
2020
How to Convert PDF to CAD?

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. There are services out there that claim to offer this service, but what they actually do is just use animated software to turn your raster pixels into dots in a DWG file. They do not actually create lines or layers in AutoCAD. One example of a service that does this is Zamzar. Go ahead and try it! You will receive a CAD file that is unusable because you cannot make changes, and everything is on a single layer. Thanks, but I actually need to edit this.

Why don’t these services offer layers?

The easy answer is, because they can’t use layers. Services like Zamzar and EasyPDF just use automated software, and that software can’t always detect lines and different objects (walls, windows, landscapes, hardscapes, dimensions, text, etc.) from one another. It’s not the fault of the company, they just offer a free service that works in a matter of minutes. Yes, you can open the file in your favorite CAD program, but there is little way to edit, unless you just want to use the file to trace over.

Okay, so how to I convert my PDF to a CAD file with layers?

So you want to edit the file? You need a service that redraws the PDF in CAD with professional drafters. Those drafters need to redraw your lines, and hatchwork so that you can quickly make changes. It may take a little longer than the services listed previously, but in as little as 24-hours, you could have a DWG file you can actually edit! You can start by submitting your PDF file to to this link for a quick quote. You will receive a quick price quote, and estimated time of completion.

PDF to CAD

Send over your PDF plan to have it converted to fully layered vector CAD file.
Send Your PDF
Posted by Michael Mellor in AutoCAD tips
09
Dec
2019
Convert your scans to CAD

Convert your scans to CAD

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.

Scan to CAD example from one of our customers.
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.
Send Your PDF

Use your layer standards

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.

Custom CAD layer names and colors.
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.

CAD conversion redline markup changes.

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.
Send Your PDF
Posted by Michael Mellor
25
Feb
2019
Alternative Programs to AutoCAD

I am often asked about alternatives to AutoCAD. The long running computer aided design program (CAD) AutoCAD has been the standard for 2D design for over 30 years. It was created by AutoDesk in 1982, and took the design world by storm. One issue people have with it, is it’s hefty price. With a yearly price tag of over $1,500 a year, it’s easy to see why people would be looking for a cheaper alternative.

Many people ask me if there is any alternatives to AutoCAD? The answer is yes, there is. If you have any suggestions, I would love to hear from you. Here’s a list of those programs below:

  • DraftSight – A free CAD program, with some features needing a paid license.
  • FreeCAD – A free open source 3D CAD design program.
  • SketchUp – Currently owned by Google, this program can help you work in 2D and 3D. It is free for non-commercial use.
  • BricsCAD – A professional design program, with paid licensing.
  • LibreCAD – Free, open sourced 2D CAD program.
  • SolidWorks – 3D CAD program with purchase tier options.
  • BRL-CAD – Free, open source modeling CAD.
  • SolveSpace – Free, open source 2D and 3D CAD for modeling parts.
  • NanoCAD – 2D and 3D design program that is fairly inexpensive.

We happen to use AutoCAD, and can help you with your design project. If you would like to have your PDF plans converted to AutoCAD DWG, submit them here for a free quote.

Posted by Michael Mellor
24
Jul
2018
PDF2CAD vs. Convert2AutoCAD [video]

Can PDF2CAD do what we do?

The short answer is, not even close!

Many of our customers think that our PDF to DWG service is done with software. I decided to find a software that claims to do this, and tried it with the program PDF2CAD. This program is free for 30 days, and then you must pay $100. What this software does offer is a conversion of your PDF to a single layered DWG file, that looks exactly like your PDF. There are no lines, it’s only dots that are not easy to manipulate like vector lines. How is this program useful? It could be of use if you have a PDF that you just want to draw over, but it is not useful for manipulation.

“Use pdf2cad to transform vector PDF files into editable CAD drawings such as DXF and DWG saving hours of redraw time.”

This quite is taken from their website. This is only true if  you start with a multi-layered PDF. But if you have one of those, you can just import it into CAD and have the layers anyway. We can take a raw scanned PDF or TIF and convert it to DWG with layers, colors, layer names, and readable fonts. Everything is vector.

What makes Convert2AutoCAD better?

We redraw your plan by hand in AutoCAD by expert drafters. This is lets you manipulate each line and hatch, and your plans will look very clean. This is also useful for old plans that are difficult to read. They will look like brand new plans. Check out the video below to see both PDF2CAD and Convert2CAD converting the same scanned plan. Get a quote on conversions to CAD. Also our pricing is always on our website, so there will be no unexpected bills.

The video above compares PDF2CAD to Convert2AutoCAD.

Posted by Michael Mellor