PDF to DWG

[iacevedo]

I used to be able to import an editable PDF into AutoCAD. Not sure why when I try to import the PDF it either comes up with an error and does not import the file. Or it would import the PDF as an image and that ok but I don't want to waste time tracing it out when I see others importing PDF'S and directly editing on AutoCAD.

Thank you 

[rkmcswain]

What version of AutoCAD are you using?

What command are you using that "comes up with an error"?

What error is it?

Nothing has changed in AutoCAD. Have you tried other PDF files?

[Valentin_CAD]

@iacevedo ,

While you provide additional information, install the latest updates and review these links:

• Where to download products and updates

• "No objects were imported" when importing a PDF file into AutoCAD

• Attached or imported PDF content is not displayed in AutoCAD

[TheCADnoob]

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@iacevedo wrote:

... an editable PDF ...

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When you say editable, do you mean editable as in not protected, or do you mean a PDF that contains vector data? A PDF can be editable and not contain vector data in it. 

[paullimapa]

could you share the pdf you're attempting to import here so we can give it a try?

[pendean]

@Anonymous PDF files need to contain vector elements to be converted by AutoCAD to anything other than an image.

PDFs from scans and images (and PDFs from PDFs usually) do not have any vector information in them, so AutoCAD cannot convert those except to bring in as images (just like their source).

From your post it would appear you've never experienced that before today. Now you have. And yes, tracing is the free workaround.

if you want to tell us what the exact error message you are referring to actually states, we might be able to help you further.

[iacevedo]

AutoCAD 2023

Attached is the error I've received.

[iacevedo]

Attached is the PDF in question

[iacevedo]

I remember being able to import PDF's and AutoCAD object snapping lines. Not sure if I'm doing something wrong.

[Valentin_CAD]

@iacevedo ,

Reading these links may help:

• "No objects were imported" when importing a PDF file into AutoCAD

• How to convert a PDF to a DWG in AutoCAD

• PDF Options Dialog Box

[pendean]

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@iacevedo wrote:

AutoCAD 2023

Attached is the error I've received.

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That's not an error message, AutoCAD is simply telling you this PDF cannot be converted

This one PDF is a picture, unlike all the others you used to convert way back when

You will need to buy a 3rd party converter to use with this one PDF file instead.

[paullimapa]

You’ve done nothing wrong. This pdf is a picture or raster image like a jpg and not a vector like AutoCAD dwg. If you still want to place this image into AutoCAD, you can use PdfAttach command. Though you cannot snap to what’s drawn inside an image, at least you can show it inside a dwg. .  

[iacevedo]

Well, I ended up tracing the tank. If anyone knows of what program to get that would be best to convert pdf to dwg let me know. I tried a couple programs, and the conversions were not what I was hoping for.

[TheCADnoob]

I haven't found any conversion software that is worthy. It is always best to get the natives or vector PDFs, otherwise tracing is a good way to go.