AutoCAD Tip: PDF-to-DWG Import and Cleanup Best Practices

If a partner sends a PDF instead of a DWG, you can still recover usable geometry quickly and cleanly. Here’s a reliable workflow that preserves accuracy and keeps your files light.

Before you import

• Verify whether the PDF is vector-based. Zoom in: if lines stay crisp (not pixelated), it’s vector and will import well.
• Ask for the highest-quality PDF available (no print-to-image scans). Fewer artifacts = cleaner DWG.
• Identify a known dimension or scale bar to validate size after import.
• Work in a throwaway/blank DWG for the import, then WBLOCK or INSERT the cleaned result into your project file.

Two ways to start

• PDFIMPORT (direct): Type PDFIMPORT and select the PDF file. Ideal for bringing in a full page quickly.
• PDFATTACH + PDFIMPORT (underlay first): Attach the PDF as an underlay, clip to the area you need (PDFCLIP), then run PDFIMPORT and choose Window to limit what gets converted. This keeps the DWG smaller and cleaner.

Recommended PDFIMPORT options

• Layers: Enable “Use PDF layers” if the source had layers. Otherwise, import by color and consolidate later. Expect “PDF_” prefixed layers.
• Join line and arc segments: Reduces fragmentation of polylines for easier edits.
• Convert solid fills to hatches: Prefer hatches over dense geometry; they plot predictably and stay lighter.
• Import images: Keep on only if you truly need embedded raster content (logos, photos).
• Text as text: Let AutoCAD import true text when possible; it speeds annotation edits.

Recovering text from SHX-stroked polylines

• Run PDFSHXTEXT to recognize SHX text that came in as polylines. Map to the correct SHX font and review the preview carefully.
• Use TXT2MTXT to consolidate fragments into tidy Mtext where appropriate.
• Spot-check key notes and dimensions. Minor OCR misreads can slip in—especially with dense plots.

Post-import cleanup

• OVERKILL: Remove duplicates and tiny segments to cut file size and improve performance.
• PEDIT (Join): Join small segments into coherent polylines. Consider “Fit” or “Spline” cautiously to avoid drifting from the source.
• QSELECT/SELECTSIMILAR: Identify and batch-fix imported linetypes, colors, or layer assignments.
• Check scale and units: Use a known dimension to confirm accuracy; adjust with SCALE if needed.
• Hatches and lineweights: Replace overly dense hatches or heavy lineweights with your standards; use MATCHPROP to standardize.

Performance and quality tips

• Import only what you need (Window import) and from the cleanest source available.
• Keep imported geometry isolated until vetted, then WBLOCK it into your project to avoid bloating.
• Raster-only PDFs won’t “become” vectors; you’ll need to trace or use Autodesk Raster Design. If you need guidance or licenses, check NOVEDGE.

For expert advice, flexible licensing, and upgrades for AutoCAD and add-ons, visit NOVEDGE. Their team can help you choose the right toolset and streamline your PDF-to-DWG workflows.

You can find all the AutoCAD products on the NOVEDGE web site at this page.