Is there a way to do this easily that works? I am looking for something that automatically digitizes a pdf generated from cad back to a dwg or dxf or something. I am doing some take offs on a job and it would be easier than tracing it in.
First tired to sign up for "first post", seems I already had an account and can not remember if I have ever posted, now back to your question.
Is the pdf scanned or vector?
What version of CAD do you have?
Depending on answers, I will tell you the best way to get it done, or simply offer to do it for you.
hope this helps, from Jersey tech. transplanted in Alabama.
Right now here I am running C3D 2011. The pdf was plotted right from CAD. (I can snap to the lines, etc.) I guess that means it's vector, but I am not 100% sure how plot dwg to pdf works....
Yes, it is vector if done with dwg to pdf plot.
Do you have Raster Design with your C3D? It can be used, but not all at once.
I prefer to use third party application called Toolpac from Dotsoft.
Can you upload file or maybe email pdf, not sure if email is in profile or if you can send private message, only have apparently 3 posts here.
Let me know. and if willing to get me file what is best way.
I don't think I can give out the pdfs
vector magic desktop. like three hundred bucks. reads a pdf and makes a dxf.
Dan Patterson, post: 355494, member: 1179 wrote: Is there a way to do this easily that works? I am looking for something that automatically digitizes a pdf generated from cad back to a dwg or dxf or something. I am doing some take offs on a job and it would be easier than tracing it in.
pdf2dxf is what I use, but scales and lineweights CAN be a problem. Beats nothing though.
Many PDF's? I would look into Toolpac, 245.00 cost but, if it something you do often it really is cost effective.
I do not work for them but have used their software since 2002 and every new CAD gets it.
Hope this helps.
have used this before
http://anydwg.com/pdf-to-dwg.html
and it worked Ok, although not beautiful.
The trial version was enough for me.
Carlson cad net does a nice job about $1000 and should bolt on to autocad. We tried another program at one point can't remember the name it worked ok.
I believe I read on a previous post that progeCAD imports pdf and converts to dwg file.
mvanhank222, post: 355558, member: 8673 wrote: Carlson cad net does a nice job about $1000 and should bolt on to autocad. We tried another program at one point can't remember the name it worked ok.
I agree...
My office uses Adobe Illustrator. Some of the line work ends up a bit out, but not sure if that was the drafter or conversion. Also blocks and polylines are all exploded.
I use pdf to dxf. For take offs, the conversion will do fine, although things like a broken line-style will export in individual segments rather than a single line. Text exports as lines making up the letters rather than an actual text font etc.
Layers won't be recreated and usually a transformation and scale factor is necessary to make the conversion acceptable to measure from.
There is a program called Inkscape which is open-source and does the job okay - it's a long time since I used it but for free, it's worth a try.
It is Free: ZamZar
http://www.zamzar.com/conversionTypes.php#e-book
.... on the web page, scroll down to find pdf to ...
Has satisfactorily worked for me on several occasions