I have been able to insert a PDF into an AutoCAD 2013 dwg but only as an attachment. This seems to be similar to xref but I can't seem to bind the pdf to the dwg. Therefore when I send the dwg to a client and they open it, they only see the drawing format and no PDF attachment. Sending the PDF as a separate file is not an acceptable solution.
Is there a way to insert a PDF and bind it to the dwg so an external reference file is not required?
I'm not interested in converting the PDF to a dxf or any other format. Just interested in knowing whether there is a way to insert and bind a PDF to an ACAD dwg.
Thanks in advance.
bouyscout
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Yep, I was afraid of that. Thought I'd ask to see if anything has changed.
Sending external files will not be accepted. Client wants to archive all drawings as dwg for use with their document management system. My only choice is to comply. Vendors will not provide equipment outline drawings as dwg or dxf files; will only provide pdf's. If I can insert the pdf into an ACAD dwg and put the client format on it, they'll take it.
Was looking for a "painless processs" and was hoping I was missing something that could make this a lot easier.
Thanks for the reply.
Regards,
bouyscout
Indeed. One of our clients had this happen with some returned drawings, bound images turned a hundred KB DWG file into a multi-MB monster.
I'd recommend referenced or not at all.
Edit: have a manager check the contract with the vendor. You may be entitled to DWG files, if so a reminder from the client may be necessary to get the vendor to comply.
Hi,
>> Client wants to archive all drawings as dwg for use with their document management system
One thought to that: If I make the rules and define that partners have to ship dwg-files, I want to have vectors, dimensions, layers ... at least a structured vector drawings. I would never accept a DWG with no geometry but just an embedded image instead.
Before you do that image embedd workflow first ask if that is ok (allowed) for your partner.
- alfred -
Hi Matt,
>> someone (your client) needs to find a better document management software. If they are accepting DWG files regularly,
>> they are crippling a long-standing efficient workflow that most of the community uses.
It might be possible that the client needs DWG files to have original drawings (for later modification, for internal more detailed technical information, ...), the PDF or any other format for viewing and printing is in most cases (I know) created during importing data into a DMS.
But in case of "manging drawings within the DMS" I see it absolutly correct to get the data in the original format (or at least an exchange format that makes it possible to continue working or to modify the CAD-data ... and not convert PDF back to the CAD-system.
Just my 2c 😉
- alfred -
I also cannot send the pdf files with the drawings.
This is what worked for me...it took a little playing to figure it out:
Open pdf in adobe
Select pdf image and copy to clipboard
In AutoCAD Edit-Paste Special-Enhanced Metafile
Thanks!
It is not so much the DMS being used as it is the customers do not want the additional files to import. General Motors has a very specific final documentation process which does not allow for the reference files to be submitted with the cad files. This is all about protecting proprietary design information, otherwise we could simple send the cad drawings. Most customer do not require that we supply all machine drawings, but the GM and Chrysler spec's do require it.
Thanks for the input,rphaddad. I tried it and was able to get it inserted but the resolution is poor and all the edges are "saw toothed". I've pretty much given up on accomplishing this and have resorted to using a third party package to create a vector file from the PDF image and inserting it as a dxf. Resolution is perfect but the drawing may require extensive doctoring.
Thanks for taking the time to provide your thoughts. It's appreciated.
Regards,
Bouyscout
i just want to ask ...after importing pdf file in autocad ...how you make to work on it ..In actually it always showing that it is readable files only .
pls allow me to know ,how to crack it in autocad and make that workable space .
hope for good suggestion and pls revert soon.
You're not going to be able to do anything with a PDF in AutoCAD. ACAD doesn't really have a good way of being able to import PDF files into a drawing to begin with and editing the PDF graphics inside a drawing is not a very reasonable expectation. These two file formats (raster and vector) don't really like each other. I have not found a satisfactory way of putting a PDF file into a drawing file without it requiring an XREF or other external file.
There is 3rd party software that will convert some PDF files into dxf files with a moderate level of accuracy. It's better than having to regenerate PDF drawings but I found a lot of post conversion work had to be done on the dxf file. Some fonts and symbols can be rather confusing to the conversion software.
Best of luck,
Bouyscout