Should you convert a PDF drawing that a colleague of yours sent you into a DWG format file, but having never done it before you don’t know how to accomplish it? If this is the case, I would say that you are in the right place, at the right time. In the following lines, in fact, I’m going to show you how to transform PDF to DWG, quickly and easily.
I already anticipate you that in order to succeed in your intent you will have to resort to the use of special tools, available both in the form of software and online services. Before showing you how to carry out this operation, it’s good that you understand the difference between the two types of files involved.
PDF files are files containing both text and images, which can be opened by a wide variety of different applications without variations in their formatting: for this reason they are very popular. DWG files, on the other hand, are databases of 2D or 3D drawings created with the famous AutoCAD software, used professionally by engineers and architects to create designs and projects, and other programs based on the same platform. Conversion is possible, but not always perfect. But enough talk and let’s get to the action!
Zamzar
How to turn a PDF into DWG for free
Are you interested in understanding what software you have on your side to transform a PDF into DWG for free? Then read on: below you will find the ones that, in my humble opinion, represent the best solutions in the category for Windows, macOS and Linux.
Keep in mind that these are commercial software, which can be tried at no cost (and with no obligation to purchase) for a limited period of time, which is why I chose to report them to you.
How to turn a PDF into DWG: AutoCAD
The first among the tools to transform PDF to DWG that I want to suggest you to use is AutoCAD. This is the most famous and widely used technical drawing software in the world. It includes all possible and imaginable functions for 2D and 3D drawing and has an extremely customizable user interface. It is compatible with both Windows and macOS and is pay-as-you-go (it costs 2,245 euros/year), but you can download it as a 30-day working trial.
To download the free trial of AutoCAD, first create an Autodesk account by going to the Autodesk website and filling out the registration form. Then, accept the terms of use and click the Create Account button. On the new page, click Close and open the confirmation link you received by email.
Once you have completed the above steps, visit this other web page, click on the Download Free Trial button and follow the instructions I provided in my tutorial on how to download AutoCAD for free.
Now that you see the main program window on your screen regardless of the operating system you are using, start creating a new project by clicking the New button located on the left side of the screen and then select the Insert tab located at the top.
At this point, click the Import PDF button on the top toolbar and select the PDF you are interested in, then adjust the import parameters in the new window you see and click the OK button.
Once the import is complete, proceed with exporting the PDF to DWG format by clicking the floppy disk icon at the top left, indicating the location where you wish to save the output file, selecting AutoCAD 2018 Drawing (.dwg) from the File Type menu, or selecting another of the available DWG format options, and clicking the Save button.
How to turn a PDF into DWG: Archicad
Another tool that you can decide to rely on to transform PDF to DWG is Archicad. This is a software available for both Windows and macOS that is mainly used in the design of buildings. It allows you to design a sort of virtual building using a whole series of elements defined as structural, including walls, floors, roofs, windows, doors and furniture. It is paid (costs from 249 euros/month), but you can try it for free for 30 days.
In order to download the program on your computer, go to its website and click the Test Archicad now button located on the top right corner, then click the Professional button under the heading I will use Archicad as on the new page, click the Register button and create an account to use the program by filling out the form with the required information. Next, fill out the form to download the trial of the program, press the Requeste Trial License button and click the Archicad 25 Italian button located under the logo of the operating system you are using on your computer.
After the download is complete, if you are using Windows, open the .exe file obtained, click the Yes button in the window that appears on the desktop, click the Next button, select the Accept item, click the Next button three more times and click the Install button. After that, click the Next button twice and the Finish button again. Then allow your computer to restart to complete the installation process.
If you’re using macOS, instead, open the obtained DMG package and double-click on the Archicad installer icon, then press the Open button in the window that appears, type the Mac administration password, press the OK button and proceed with the installation in a similar way as I indicated earlier for what concerns Windows.
Once you have logged in to the system again, you will be presented with the main program window. Click on the button to start the creation of a new project and, in the next window that appears, check the Trial/Education serial number option, click on the Continue button and enter the serial code that was sent to the email address used to register the account, in order to activate the trial of the program.
Now that you are viewing the program’s editor, click on the File menu at the top left, select the External Content item, then the Place External Drawing item, choose the PDF file you are interested in and click where in the Archicad editor you want to place the PDF.
Then use the tools offered by the program to make any changes to the file and, finally, save it in DWG format by clicking on the File menu, then on the Save As item in it, indicating the output location of the file, selecting the DWG format from the drop-down menu for choosing formats in the window that appears, indicating the option you prefer from the Translator menu and pressing the Save button.
How to turn a PDF into DWG: Illustrator
You can turn PDF into DWG with Illustrator, the famous program from Adobe (the same software house as Photoshop), used by professionals (but not only) for the processing of illustrations and vector graphics. It is available for Windows and macOS and to use it you must subscribe to a paid subscription (at a basic cost of 24.39 euros / month), but it can be tried free for 7 days.
To download and install the trial version of Illustrator on your computer, visit the program’s website, click on the Free Trial button and follow the directions I provided in my guide on how to download Illustrator for free.
Once the program is installed, wait for Illustrator to start and, in the window that appears on the screen, click on the File menu at the top left, choose the Open option and select the PDF file on your computer that you want to transform into DWG.
After opening the PDF file, click once again on the File menu, then on the Export option attached to it and, on the new screen that appears, expand the drop-down menu next to the Format item and choose AutoCAD Drawing (dwg) from the available options. Finally, indicate the location where you want to save the transformed file and click the Export button.
Other solutions to transform PDF to DWG for free
In addition to the solutions I’ve already mentioned, to transform a PDF to DWG you can rely on the use of the alternative solutions I’ve listed below.
Scan2CAD (Windows/macOS) – is a software running on both Windows and macOS that allows you to easily and quickly convert various documents and image files into CAD and DWG formats, thus enabling you to process your architectural designs in a more accessible manner. It is paid (features prices starting from $49/month), but you can try it for free for 14 days.
Any PDF to DWG Converter (Windows) – this is a Windows-only program whose sole purpose is to convert PDF files to DWG and DXF formats, including in batch mode. It is paid (single license costs $225), but is available as a 15-day trial.
Aide PDF to DWG Convert (Windows) – is another software specifically designed to convert PDF files to DWG and DXF formats, even when working with multiple elements at once. It’s only for Windows, it’s very easy to use and it’s paid (single license costs $293), but you can try it for free for a limited time.
How to turn a PDF into DWG online
You don’t want to or can’t download and install new programs on your computer, so you would like to know if it is possible to transform a PDF to DWG online? The answer is yes! You can do it all by using special web services, the ones I’ve provided below.
They work from any browser and operating system and can be used not only from computers, but also from smartphones and tablets.
AutoDWG Online Converter
The first online service that I recommend if you want to convert a PDF file to DWG format is AutoDWG Online Converter. This is a web-based solution designed specifically for this purpose. It is free, incredibly easy to use and has no limitations on the maximum weight of files that can be uploaded. As far as privacy is concerned, it does not specify how user data is handled.
To use AutoDWG Online Converter, go to the AutoDWG Online Converter home page, click on the Browse a file button and select the PDF you want to work on or drag it directly into your browser window.
Wait until the uploading and conversion process is completed and then click on the Download DWG link to proceed with the download of the transformed file. It was easy, wasn’t it?
Zamzar
Another great tool that you can use to transform PDF to DWG from your browser is Zamzar. It is a popular free online tool that allows you to convert almost any type of file, including PDF and DWG formats. It allows you to upload files up to 50 MB in size, which are removed from the company’s servers within 24 hours. Basically it’s free, but by subscribing to a paid plan (with costs starting at $9/month) you can increase storage space, remove advertising, etc.
In order to use it, visit its home page, click on the Add Files button and select the PDF file you wish to work on, or drag the file of your interest directly into the browser window. Then, choose from the Convert to menu the dwg format and click on the adjacent Convert now button.
Then wait for the uploading and conversion process to be completed and click the Download button to proceed with the download of the output file.
Looking for more web-based solutions to transform PDF to DWG? I’ll satisfy you instantly. You can find them listed below. I sincerely hope that you will eventually find something that will satisfy you.
AnyCon – is another online file converter that allows you to work on PDF format as well, turning it into DWG. It is free and easy to use. It allows you to upload files with a maximum size of 100 MB, which are immediately removed from the company’s servers.
AnyPDF – this is a free online service that offers an ad hoc tool for converting PDF files to DWG format. It should be noted that there are no particular indications about any limitations on the maximum size of files that can be uploaded. As far as privacy is concerned, it is specified that the removal from the company’s servers takes place within 24 hours of file upload.
Converter online for free – this is yet another tool working online to convert files of various kinds from one format to another, even PDF to DWG. It is free of charge and the documents are removed from the company’s servers within 24 hours of uploading. Note that you cannot upload files larger than 500 MB. To get around this and other limitations, however, you can activate one of the paid plans (with costs starting at $7.99 for 24 hours).