Insert PDF into AutoCAD LT drawing

[judy_petrucci]

Does anyone know if I can input a pdf document into an autocad drawing? Some people have charts, etc. they would like on my plan, but not sure if it's possible! Thank you, Judy

@judy_petrucci, 
john.vellek has edited your subject line for clarity: PDF Document into drawing

[john.vellek · Accepted solution]

Hi @judy_petrucci,

Yes, PDFs can be attached to your drawings quite easily. Simply go to the Insert menu. You will see a PDF import button that will drop it right in your drawing for you.

Please hit the Accept as Solution button if my post fully solves your issue or answers your question.

[rkmcswain · Accepted solution]

This is available in version 2010 and later I believe.

[judy_petrucci]

Thank you! Once I do that, is there a way to "edit" any written information on a PDF? 

[rkmcswain · Accepted solution]

Judy,

AutoCAD 2017 can "import" the PDF geometry. If you don't have that, try an online service such as http://dwg.autodwg.com/ .

As long as the PDF contains vector data, you'll end up with something close to the PDF. Note that accuracy (among other things) is lost when you create a PDF print from a CAD drawing - so the result can only be as good as the source data.

If the PDF is a scan then the PDF is basically a wrapper for a TIF image. Then you start to get into raster to vector - google that for more info.

[john.vellek · Accepted solution]

Hi Judy,

Sadly or perhaps for the better, text can not be edited in the PDF that is inserted as an underlay in your drawing.  This can be good so recipients cannot easily change the document but does create an editing issue in AutoCAD LT.  If there is text you want to erase and/or change, you have the option of covering the text with a wipeout and then a piece of text.

Please hit the Accept as Solution button if my post fully solves your issue or answers your question.

[judy_petrucci]

Hi, you helped me learn how to insert a PDF into cad! Worked like a charm! Now I'm wondering if a PDF can be turned into a cad plan. I have a very old building, blueprints only, and wondering if there's a trick to do that. I'm on 2024 LT. THANK YOU!!!!

[pendean · Accepted solution]

---

@judy_petrucci wrote:

Hi, you helped me learn how to insert a PDF into cad! Worked like a charm! Now I'm wondering if a PDF can be turned into a cad plan. I have a very old building, blueprints only, and wondering if there's a trick to do that. I'm on 2024 LT. THANK YOU!!!!

---

Blueprints are just pictures when scanned, AutoCAD/LT cannot convert pictures. Sorry.

You'll need to purchase a 3rd party program that does that (along with the learning curve and purchase of a scanner), or contract with a service that will do that for you (lots on the web and probably local to you if you reside in a major metropolitan area), you'll need to ship them the blueprints by the way.

HTH