Batch Convert DWF files to PDF

[Nejc.Leban]

Hello.

I'm looking for a way to convert a folder full of DWF files to PDF. I've been trying multiple APIs, but none of them work the way I want them to; either there's a watermark or the quality or contents of the converted PDF drawings are worse than the original DWF.

Best regards,

Nejc

[pendean]

"free" from 3rd parties always has a price.

Any reason this built-in tool is not working for you

You'll need to purchase a 3rd party tool if you need a quick fix

https://www.guthcad.com/convert-dwg-to-pdf.htm 

https://www.reaconverter.com/convert/dwf_to_pdf.html

https://www.bitrecover.com/dwg/converter/

HTH

[Nejc.Leban]

I have more than 100.000 files, with different sizes (A0 - A4). Using batch print wizard would take too much of my time. I've looked at reaConverter, which would convert individual dwf files to pdf, but I have certain drawings that are made up of multiple pages in separate files, let's say drawing 00001 has 3 pages - 00001_P1.dwf, 00001_P2.dwf, 00001_P3.dwf. Let's also say that each page is a different format, 00001_P1_A2.dwf, 00001_P2_A3.dwf,... I would like the pdf to be a single file with multiple pages.

That's why I would like to automate the process by making my own tool, but I would access the Design Review API which would allow me to make custom settings for converting the files.

[pendean]

Thanks for sharing that information.

ADR development stopped back in the year 2017 at Autodesk: API info requires some digging to find at another website, start here https://adndevblog.typepad.com/autocad/adr-api/ nd if needed reach out to authors over there.

HTH

[Nejc.Leban]

Thanks, I'll give that a try.

[sarah_masonEJTK9]

I have used guthcad's tool however it's throwing the scale of the drawings off. Have you heard of this issue? 

[minhaalex43]

Hi there! For converting DWF files to PDF while maintaining quality, I'd recommend using one of these approaches:

1. Using Autodesk Design Review (free):

• Open your DWF file in Design Review
• Go to File > Export > PDF
• In the export settings, select high quality and ensure "Add watermark" is unchecked
• Save the PDF

1. Using AutoCAD (if you have a subscription):

• Open the DWF file in AutoCAD using the "DWF Underlay" feature
• Use the PLOT command
• Select "PDF" as the printer/plotter
• Configure plot settings to match your quality requirements
• Plot to PDF

1. Using Autodesk Revit (if you have it):

• Import the DWF file
• Use Print > PDF printer
• Adjust print settings for optimal quality
• Print to PDF

For batch processing multiple files, you can:

• Use Design Review's command line interface (DR.exe) with a script
• Create an AutoCAD script to automate the process
• Use Autodesk Forge API to programmatically convert files (requires development)

The built-in Autodesk tools typically provide the best quality since they're designed specifically for DWF files. They also preserve layers, measurements, and other metadata that third-party converters might miss.

Hope this helps! Let me know if you need any clarification on the steps.