pdf

06
Apr
2021
CAD Conversion Services Compared

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 NameFeatures and sample
Convert2AutoCAD.comPros: 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 NameFeatures and sample
Zamzar PDF to DWG ConversionPros: 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.
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 NameFeatures and sample
CloudConvert PDF to DXFPros: 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 NameFeatures and sample
AutoDWGPros: 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.

Posted by Michael Mellor in AutoCAD tips
12
Mar
2021
Importing PDF into AutoCAD with layers [video]

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.

CONVERT PDF TO CAD

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.

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
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
09
Jul
2018
How this service can make you money

Don’t you wish you could take on more jobs, while doing less work?

Well you can! Literally, you can have jobs done while you sleep, making you more money!

Much of the architects job consists of redrawing plans, for remodels. For years, the procedure was to get old plans from the city or county, have them scanned at our local reprographics shop, import them into AutoCAD, and redraw over the lines. This was a tedious, costly, and time consuming process, that is now totally avoidable. Architects charge between $75 and $150 per hour. This makes it very expensive to redraw plans, that could take many hours. Imagine sending off PDF plans, and having them available the following day. This service can make you money!

We supply you with layered files

We know importing a PDF into AutoCAD is easy. This service goes much more beyond that. We will give you a fully layered DWG file, using industry standards in pen weight, layer name, and layer colors. Each drawing is done with precise accuracy. You can start working right away.

Even ugly old plans?

This service can also be used for ugly, presentable paper plans that are hard to read, and unpleasant to touch. This includes old blueprints, sepia, mylar, and vellum plans. We have the capability to scan sheets up to 36 inches wide. You will be given a file that is clear to read, and very presentable. Take old hand drawn plans, and have them turned into modern AutoCAD files. If you would like for us to scan your plans, contact us and we will make it happen.

How long have you offered this service?

We have been offering this conversion to AutoCAD service for over 15 years. We have hundreds of happy customers including architects, engineers, plumbers, landscape, interior designers, machinists, electricians, counties, cities, water districts and drafters.

How do we do it?

We take your scan, and redraw it in AutoCAD by our expert drafters. This is a manual process, and is not automated with software. There is an actual human, redrawing your plans! This ensures accuracy and quality.

What does it cost?

We are pretty straight forward with our pricing. We charge by the sheet size. You can find our pricing here.

I have files that I want converted. How do I get them to you?

You can send the files with through or online order form. We will get right back to you with a quote, and estimated time of completion. If you have any questions, you can always reach us by calling (858)755-5134

 

Posted by Michael Mellor
22
May
2018

From hard to read, to blueprint scans, to clear, legible AutoCAD files

Here is an actual conversion we did for a customer. As you can see, the original scan is a hard to read floor plan, with lots of noise, and dark spots. This is common when scanning old blueprints. Our customer is doing a remodel on the house, and instead of redrawing the whole house from scratch, they saved a lot of time by having us convert their PDF to an AutoCAD DWG file. Now they can make changes to the walls, doors, windows, and fixtures. This service is also good for elevations, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, structural, and landscape plans. You can then work on it with AutoDesk AutoCAD, or any other CAD program that accepts DWG files.

Here’s the scanned blueprint floor plan

Original PDF scan that we used to convert to PDF

Original PDF scanned floor plan that we used to convert to PDF (click to enlarge)

As you can see, the scan is difficult to read, many lines are light, and there are a lot of blurry text. We took the scan, and redrew it in CAD.

Here is the AutoCAD DWG file

DWG AutoCAD file we were able to return to the customer so he could begin the remodel.

DWG AutoCAD file we were able to return to the customer so he could begin the remodel. (click to enlarge)

Layered

As you can see, this is a drastic difference. Our customer was given a professional, vector image, that is broken down into layers as  you can see in the image below:

Colored PDF with layers

Colored PDF with layers (click to enlarge)

The customer was extremely happy with the final product. The conversion took 24-hours, and the cost was less than $200. The customer is an architect, and said that “this would have taken me much longer, and cost me a lot more money.” We are happy to help out the construction industry take on more work. If you are interested in using this service for your construction or printing/reprographics company contact us.

For printing and document services, check out Del Mar Blue.

Posted by Michael Mellor
18
Apr
2018
We can convert MicroStation to AutoCAD

We can now convert MicroStation to AutoCAD

We now have the capability to convert to, and from MicroStation files from Bentley Studios. This includes these options:

  • DGN to AuotoCAD DWG
  • DNG to TIF
  • Adobe PDF to DNG
  • DNG to Adobe PDF
  • AutoCAD DWG to DNG
  • DNG to PLT

PDF to CAD

Send over your PDF plan to have it converted to fully layered vector CAD file.
Send Your PDF

MicroStation is a drafting standard that is used by millions worldwide, but is not compatible with AutoCAD. If you are working with someone who need these converted to AutoCAD, we can help you with that. Contact us with any questions you may have, and give us the opportunity to help you. Our staff have been working with architects, engineers, and designers for over 30 years. If you just have one small drawing, or hundreds, we have the capacity to handle all jobs, large and small. Convert2AutoCAD is a family business, that is independently owned, and offers impeccable customer service, with emphasis on quality.

Submit your files for a free quote today.

Posted by Michael Mellor