Need to Convert Scanned drawings?

Most people don't realize that there are two types of PDF files - vector and raster.  Watch the recorded Webinar or download the slides for more background.

 

Vector PDF files are produced by other applications when saved, exported or printed to file. It quickly and accurately extracts CAD entities, objects and editable text for further editing in a program such as AutoCAD or MicroStation. This is a very precise conversion because the drawing is recreated from data contained in the file. It's sometimes referred to as vector-to-vector (v2v). These are the files that pdf2cad is designed to convert.

 

Raster PDF files are converted in a very different way. Because these files are produced when paper drawings are scanned or when applications are saved in archive formats such as TIFF, they only contain flat images comparabe to digital photocopies.To make editable CAD files from them, they must be redrawn, either manually or with tracing software. This is an approximate conversion method since the tracing software does not know much, if anything, about the drawing it is duplicating. It's known in the insustry as raster-to-vector (r2v). Do not use r2v solutions on vector PDF files. The results will be inferior compared to what can be achived with v2v conversions.

 

Sometimes, a PDF file will contain both vector objects and raster images. We call this a Hybrid PDF file. This type of file must be examined closey to determine what is of importance to you. Knowing that will help you determine where you need to do a v2v conversion or an r2v conversion.

 

However, if you have scanned drawings, which are raster PDF files, you'll need a "raster to vector" solution (read more). One of the best products we have tested is TracTrix.

 

Learn more:

Is my PDF file a vector or a bitmap?

Blank page when opening results from pdf2cad in AutoCAD

Some converted files open and some do not

 

You can also view tips to determine whether you have a vector or raster PDF file. The simplest way is to open the PDF file up in Acrobat Reader and click on the drawing. If it is highlighted in blue, it is raster and you need raster-to-vector software. If nothing happens, it is a vector PDF and will convert successfully with pdf2cad.