layers

Apr

2021

CAD Conversion Services Compared

Are all CAD conversion services the same?

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

Blueprint plan to be converted to AutoCAD. — Scanned to PDF before converting to AutoCAD. I am using the same 300ppi full resolution PDF for each conversion.

Convert2AutoCAD.com

Convert2AutoCAD is the best PDF to CAD conversion service. This service includes vector lines, shapes, text and hatching. — Our Convert2AutoCAD CAD conversion services provide a real finished product. All layers can be edited, and they are accurate.

Service Name	Features and sample
Convert2AutoCAD.com	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

Zamzar File Conversion – DWG

Zamzar CAD conversion service. Here is the same file converted to DWG by Zamzar PDF to DWG Conversion. As you can see, it's not very usable. — Here is the same file converted to DWG by Zamzar PDF to DWG Conversion. As you can see, it’s not very usable.

Service Name	Features and sample
Zamzar PDF to DWG Conversion	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 DFX

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.

Service Name	Features and sample
CloudConvert PDF to DXF	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 Free PDF to DWG Converter

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.

Service Name	Features and sample
AutoDWG	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.

Mar

2021

Importing PDF into AutoCAD with layers [video]

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. Importing PDF into AutoCAD with layers can be very useful. That way you can turn on or off the layers in Adobe Acrobat, or any PDF reader. But what if you want to take a PDF, and import it into AutoCAD, and retain the separate layers? This can easily be done in AutoCAD using the Import PDF feature. This allows you to retain the layers, text, objects and images. Check out the video below for a step-by-step guide to importing your PDF into CAD, while retaining the layers. Great information from The CAD Geek on YouTube.

Importing PDF to AutoCAD DWG with layers

Have a PDF without layers?

That’s where we can help you!

If your PDF plan doesn’t have layers because it was not exported with layers, or you have an old blueprint, microfilm scan, we can convert that PDF to AutoCAD DWG and create new layers. It will speed up your remodel project, and you will always have a vector image to work from. We do this by re-drafting the plans in CAD, giving you a clean file with vector lines that you can work on. For a quote to convert your CAD send us your files.

Get going with CAD

CAD and Revit are both capable of importing PDF files. AutoCAD however, is easier, as it’s using a 3D environment. Be sure to check out the newest features in Autodesk AutoCAD. If you don’t already own AutoCAD, you can download a free trial.

Be sure to check out some of our other blog posts, including reduction and enlargement percentage chart, AutoCAD scale factor charts, and converting plans between metric and imperial measurements. We are located in Del Mar, California, and have been supporting the architectural, interior design, engineering and construction industries since 1978.

Jul

2020

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.

Apr

2017

Conversion with layers

At Conver2AutoCAD, we will convert your files and keep everything in separate layers. Keep your title, walls, landscapes, dimensions, text, structural, and landscape all on separate layers with colors using best practices.