Import PDF to DWG

[donnadupree]

Hi all!

I am working with AutoCad Lt 2024 (and new at it) and am trying to import a PDF image into a DWG - I see it can be done but all that is happening for me is an image imports that is exactly the same as the PDF image.  For example, if I import a graph or drawing (such as from a patent), it merely imports identically to the PDF.  Any insight would be greatly appreciated!

Thank you!

Best,

Donna

[pendean]

AutoCAD/LT can only convert what are called "vector" PDF files using PDFIMPORT command.

If you only get images with that command, you have a "raster" PDF, the result of a scan or a pdf from a pdf from a pdf: for converting that type, you will most likely need to purchase a 3rd party software (called RASTER TO VECTOR) if just tracing over the image in LT will take too long for you/your budget https://www.google.com/search?q=raster+to+vector+software 

[paullimapa]

One quick test to see if you're doing everything correctly is to:

1. Open a drawing with objects drawn

2. Plot to pdf using DWG to PDF.pc3

3. Open a new drawing

4. Run PDFImport command selecting the pdf you just created

If you see vector objects imported then there's nothing wrong with what you've been doing.

The issue has to do with the PDF you're trying to import which may only contain raster information with no vectors to import.

[h_s_walker]

If as Dean says it's a Raster PDF I would convert it to a JPEG. I only have LT2016 here, but having too many PDFS in a drawing slows the work down drastically and sometimes it won't even publish all the tabs in the drawing.

[donnadupree]

Thank you for your prompt response - I've been on many forums and receive no help at all!
I think you are right. I made a simple Word drawing - square, triangle, star - and saved it as a PDF and it came over perfectly as a dwf in AutoCad. Can you help me understand what needs to be done for transferring raster information? I tried with these images (Inkscape) and received a bit of a jumble (the graph being the worse, which obviously needs to be accurate), but maybe that is the best I can hope for? Or do I have to trace particularly complicated images (e.g., drilling rigs)? Thank you so much!

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Best,
Donna

[donnadupree]

Thanks! Can I import a JPEG? I appreciate your support; I am clearly new to this!

[pendean]

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@donnadupree wrote:
Thanks! Can I import a JPEG? I appreciate your support; I am clearly new to this!

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AutoCAD does not convert Raster Images like JPEG/JPG: explore IMAGEATTACH command in the program's HELP for what can be done instead.

[donnadupree]

WHOA!!!!!!!!!!!! This is amazing! THANK YOU!!

[cadffm]

okay,

so you also don't know about PDFATTACH ?

Or XREF -> PDF 

[donnadupree]

I do not...

[pendean]

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@donnadupree wrote:
I do not...

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Might I suggest this page from HELP inside AutoCAD/LT

https://help.autodesk.com/view/ACDLT/2024/ENU/?guid=GUID-5F10E306-BC6C-49C4-B9C4-5F05EEC72146

HTH

[donnadupree]

Many thanks!