How to turn PDF to DWG

You should convert a PDF drawing that your colleague sent you into a DWG file, but having never done it before you don’t know how to do it? If that is the case, I would say that you are in the right place, at the right time. In fact, in the following lines I will show you how to transform PDF to DWG, in a simple and fast way.

I already anticipate that to succeed in your intent you will not have to do is resort to the use of special tools, usable both in the form of software and online services. Before telling you how to complete the operation covered by this guide, however, it is good that you understand the difference between the two types of files involved.

PDFs are files containing both text and images, which can be opened by a large 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 drawings and projects and other programs based on the same platform. Conversion is possible, but not always perfect. But now enough chatter and let’s take action!

Index

• How to turn PDF to DWG for free
  • How to turn PDF to DWG: AutoCAD
  • How to transform a PDF to DWG: Archicad
  • How to turn PDF to DWG: Illustrator
  • Other solutions to turn PDF to DWG for free
• How to turn PDF to DWG online
  • AutoDWG Online Converter
  • Zamzar
  • Other solutions to turn PDF to DWG for free

How to turn PDF to DWG for free

Are you interested in understanding what software you have on your side to turn PDF to DWG for free? Then read on: below you will find those 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 without any obligation to purchase) for a limited period of time, which is why I have chosen to report them to you.

How to turn PDF to DWG: AutoCAD

The first of the tools to transform PDF to DWG that I want to suggest you use is AutoCAD. It is the most famous and used software in the world for technical drawing. It includes all possible and imaginable functions for 2D and 3D drawing and has a highly customizable user interface. It is compatible with both Windows and macOS and is paid (costs 2,245 euros/year), but you can download it as a trial running for 30 days.

To download the free trial version of AutoCAD, first create an Autodesk account by going to the program website and filling out the registration form displayed with the required data. Then, accept the terms of use of the service and click on the Create Account button. In the new page that is proposed to you, then click on the Close button and open the confirmation link you received via email.

Once you’ve done the above steps, visit this other webpage, click the Download Free Trial button and follow the instructions I gave you in my tutorial on how to download AutoCAD for free.

Now that, regardless of the operating system used, you see the main program window on the screen, start creating a new project by clicking on the New button located on the left, then select the Insert tab located at the top.

At this point, click on the Import PDF button on the top toolbar and select the PDF of your interest, then adjust the import parameters using the new window you see and click on the OK button.

Once the import has been completed, proceed with the export of the PDF in DWG format, by clicking on the floppy disk icon located at the top left, indicating the location where you want to save the output file, selecting the AutoCAD Drawing item 2018 (.dwg) from the Save as type menu or by selecting another of the available DWG format options and clicking the Save button.

How to transform a PDF to DWG: Archicad

Another tool you can decide to rely on to transform PDF to DWG is Archicad. It is a software available for both Windows and macOS that is mainly used in the design of buildings. It allows, in fact, to design a sort of virtual building by using a whole series of defined structural elements, 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.

To download the program in question on your computer, go to its website and press the Try Archicad now button located at the top right, then click on the Professional button under the heading I will use Archicad as present in the new page displayed, click on the Register button and create an account to use the program by filling out the form proposed with the requested information. Subsequently, fill out the form to download the trial of the program, press the Request Trial License button and click on the Archicad 25 Italian button located under the logo of the operating system in use on your computer.

When the download is complete, if you are using Windows, open the .exe file obtained, click on the Yes button in the window you see appear on the desktop, press the Next button, select the item I accept, click the Next button again three times and press the Install button. Then, click again on the button Next twice and on the Finish. Then agree to restart the computer to complete the installation procedure.

If you are using macOS, on the other hand, open the DMG package obtained and double-click on the Archicad installer icon, then press the Open button in the window you see appear, type the Mac administration password, press the OK button and proceed with the installation in the same way as I indicated earlier for what concerns Windows.

Once you log back into the system, you will find yourself in front of the main program window. Click, therefore, on the button to start the creation of a new project and, in the additional window that you see appear, check the Trial / Education serial number option , click on the Continue button and type the serial code that was sent to you at ’email address used to register the account, in order to activate the trial of the program.

Now that you see the program editor, click on the File menu at the top left, select the External Content item, then the Place External Design, choose the PDF file of your interest and click in the Archicad editor point in where you want to insert the PDF.

Therefore, 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 present 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 we prefer from the Translator menu and pressing the Save button.

How to turn PDF to DWG: Illustrator

You can also transform PDF into DWG with Illustrator, the very famous program from Adobe (the same software house as Photoshop ), used by professionals (but not only) for processing illustrations and vector graphics. It is available for Windows and for macOS and to use it you need to subscribe to a paid subscription (at the base cost of 24.39 euros/month), but possibly it can be tried for free for 7 days.

To download and install the trial version of Illustrator on your computer, visit the program’s website, click the Free Trial button and follow the directions I gave you in my guide on how to download Illustrator for free.

Once the program installation is complete, wait for Illustrator to start and, in the window displayed on the screen, click on the File menu located at the top left, choose the Open item in it and select the PDF file on your computer you want transform to DWG.

After opening the PDF, click once again on the File menu, then on the Export option attached to it and, in the new screen you see appear, 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 intend to save the transformed file and click the Export button.

Other solutions to turn PDF to DWG for free

In addition to the solutions that I have already reported to you, to transform a PDF into DWG you can rely on the use of the alternative solutions that I have 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 format, thus allowing you to process your architectural projects in a more accessible way. It is paid (it has prices starting at 49 $ / month), but you can try it for free for 14 days.
• Any PDF to DWG Converter( Windows ) – it is a program for Windows operating systems only whose sole purpose is to convert PDF files to DWG and DXF format, even in batches. It is paid (the single license costs $ 225), but is available as a 15-day trial.
• Aide PDF to DWG Convert( Windows ) – is another software designed specifically for converting PDF files into DWG and DXF format, even working on multiple elements at the same time. It is Windows only, very easy to use and paid for (the single license costs $ 293), but you can try it for free for a limited time.

How to turn PDF to DWG online

You don’t want or can’t download and install new programs on your computer and, therefore, would you like to know if it is possible to turn PDF to DWG online? The answer is yes! You can do everything using the appropriate Web services, the ones I have reported below.

They work from any browser and operating system and can be used not only from a computer, but also from smartphones and tablets.

AutoDWG Online Converter

The first online service I recommend you turn to if you want to convert a PDF file to DWG format is AutoDWG Online Converter. It is a web solution designed specifically to fulfill the purpose in question. It’s free, incredibly easy to use, and has no restrictions on the maximum file weight you can upload. As regards the privacy issue, it is not specified how user data is processed.

To use AutoDWG Online Converter, go to its home page, click on the Browse a file button and select the PDF to act on or drag it directly into the browser window.

Then wait for the upload and conversion procedure to be completed, 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 you can use to turn PDF to DWG from your browser is Zamzar. It is a popular online tool available for free that allows you to convert virtually any type of file, including PDF and DWG formats. It allows you to upload files with a maximum size of 50 MB, which are removed from the company’s servers within 24 hours. Basically it is free, but by subscribing to a paid plan (with costs starting from $ 9 / month) it is possible to increase the storage space, remove advertising etc.

To use it, visit the relevant home page, click on the Add Files button and select the PDF you wish to act on, or drag the file of your interest directly into the browser window. Next, choose the Convert to dwg format from the menu and click on the Convert now button next to it.

Then wait for the upload and conversion procedure to be completed, then click the Download button to proceed with the download of the output file.

Other solutions to turn PDF to DWG for free

Looking for other web-based solutions to transform PDF to DWG? I’ll settle you instantly. You can find them listed below. I sincerely hope that, in the end, you will be able to find something that will satisfy you.

• AnyCon– is another online file converter that also allows you to modify the PDF format, transforming it into DWG. It’s 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 to convert PDF files to DWG format. Note that no particular information is provided regarding any limitations relating to the maximum size of files that can be uploaded. As regards privacy, however, it is specified that the removal from the company’s servers takes place within 24 hours of uploading the files.
• Free online converter– it is an additional working online tool to convert files of various kinds from one format to another, even PDF to DWG. It’s free and documents are removed from company servers within 24 hours of uploading. Note that files larger than 500MB cannot be uploaded. To get around this and other limitations, however, it is possible to activate one of the paid plans (with costs starting from $ 7.99 for 24 hours).