How do I convert a PDF to DWG?

Open the PDF in a CAD program that can import PDF geometry, check the scale, clean up, and save as DWG. In progeCAD, PDF import turns the vector content of the PDF (lines, arcs, polylines and fills) into editable DWG geometry, keeping layers where the PDF has them; you then measure a known dimension to confirm the scale, fix anything that needs it, and save the drawing as DWG. AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT do the same with the PDFIMPORT command. This works on PDFs that were exported from CAD; a scanned drawing is only a picture inside the PDF and needs a raster-to-vector tool or redrawing. progeCAD Professional includes PDF import at $540 one time — try it free for 30 days.

Can a scanned PDF be converted to DWG?

Not directly into clean lines. A scanned PDF holds a picture of the drawing, not vector geometry, so a CAD program's PDF import brings it in as an image (AutoCAD's PDFIMPORT does the same). You can attach that image in progeCAD and trace over it, or use a dedicated raster-to-vector converter first and finish the drawing in progeCAD.

Will the converted DWG be to scale?

Not always. PDFs are often printed to fit a sheet, so check a dimension you know (for example with the DIST command) and, if it is off, use SCALE with the reference option to correct the whole drawing in one step. Check text and dimensions too: dimensions usually arrive as plain lines and text, not associative dimensions.

Why does my text come in as lines?

Text in a PDF made with SHX (CAD shape) fonts is stored as line segments, so it imports as geometry rather than editable text — Autodesk documents the same behavior for AutoCAD's PDF import. TrueType text usually comes through as editable text.

Do I need AutoCAD to convert PDF to DWG?

No. progeCAD Professional ($540 one time, Windows) imports PDFs as editable DWG geometry, and so does iCADMac on the Mac. Both save native DWG files that AutoCAD users can open. See progeCAD vs AutoCAD for the full comparison.

How to Convert PDF to DWG (Step by Step)

Start here

First, what kind of PDF do you have?

The answer decides whether you get clean, editable lines or a picture to trace.

Vector PDF — converts well

Exported or plotted from CAD. Zoom in and the lines stay sharp. PDF import turns these lines, arcs, polylines and fills into editable DWG geometry, usually with layers if the PDF has them.

Scanned PDF — needs tracing

A photo or scan of a paper drawing. Zoom in and it turns to pixels. CAD PDF import brings it in as an image, not lines: trace over it in CAD, or run it through a raster-to-vector converter first.

Step by step

Converting a PDF to DWG in progeCAD.

progeCAD Professional (Windows) and iCADMac (Mac) both import PDFs as editable DWG geometry.

Check what kind of PDF you have

Zoom in on the PDF: if lines stay sharp it is a vector PDF exported from CAD; if they blur into pixels it is a scan.

Import the PDF

Start a new drawing in progeCAD and use PDF import to bring in the page you need as editable DWG geometry.

Check the scale

Measure a dimension you know with DIST; if it is wrong, use SCALE with the Reference option to fix the whole drawing.

Clean up

Review layers, join broken segments with PEDIT or JOIN, and replace text that arrived as lines.

Save as DWG

Save the drawing in the DWG version your team or client uses.

Using AutoCAD or AutoCAD LT? The equivalent command is PDFIMPORT. It behaves the same way: vector content becomes geometry, images inside the PDF stay images, and SHX text arrives as lines. progeCAD gives you the same workflow with a $540 one-time license instead of a subscription — see progeCAD vs AutoCAD.

Common questions

PDF to DWG — FAQ.

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How to convert PDF to DWG

First, what kind of PDF do you have?

Vector PDF — converts well

Scanned PDF — needs tracing

Converting a PDF to DWG in progeCAD.

PDF to DWG — FAQ.

Try it on your own PDFs.

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