topic Re: How do you convert image/raster PDF as Autocad elements? in AutoCAD Forum

How do you convert image/raster PDF as Autocad elements?

Anonymous — Mon, 04 Nov 2019 03:19:28 GMT

Hello, in Autocad or a 3rd party application, can I convert an image or raster PDF of an architectural plan into Autocad (or Revit) elements? When I say Autocad elements I mean simple (but joined) geometry; so I get polylines made of arcs or splines (where relevant, for eg a staircase), the outline of a wall is one polyline not many polylines not joined together, etc.

Are you aware of 3rd party applications that could do this if Autocad or Revit cannot automatically do this? One I know of is Scan2CAD however it doesn't do too well in converting curved lines to arcs (it makes them polylines with many points).

Re: How do you convert image/raster PDF as Autocad elements?

vinodkl — Mon, 04 Nov 2019 04:06:10 GMT

I guess AutoCAD Raster Design will fulfill your requirement. Have a look at it AutoCAD Raster Design

Re: How do you convert image/raster PDF as Autocad elements?

pendean — Mon, 04 Nov 2019 13:10:39 GMT

You will need to purchase a raster-to-vector type software from a 3rd party (there are a dozen or so, you seem to have only tried one): Autodesk does not offer a solution, and Autodesk's RasterDesign only lets you trace over your image/raster PDF.

And remember, your conversion is only as good as your source file.

Re: How do you convert image/raster PDF as Autocad elements?

Anonymous — Mon, 04 Nov 2019 19:44:59 GMT

I use a 3rd party software (runs separately from AutoCAD) that converts raster images to AutoCAD entities- polylines, hatches, text, etc. Aide pdf-to-dxf https://www.aidecad.com/ used to only convert to dxf, now looks like direct to dwg is an option. There is a free trial, so you can see if it suits your needs. As Dean mentioned, the image quality will impact the results dramatically, a clean, crisp image will convert pretty well, any skewing (as in a poorly aligned scan), blurring or pixellating in the image will result in pretty much unusable geometry.

Good luck.