How to Import PDFs into AutoCAD
Working with drawings in PDF format is common, particularly when sharing information with clients, contractors or other project teams. However, what happens when you need to make changes to a drawing but only have a PDF available?
Rather than recreating everything from scratch, AutoCAD includes tools that allow you to import PDF content and convert supported geometry into editable drawing objects.
Whether you're working with an existing drawing, referencing information from another project or updating plans supplied in PDF format, understanding how to use these tools can save time.
In this guide, we'll explain how to import PDFs into AutoCAD, work with PDF underlays and manage the resulting geometry.
Can You Import a PDF into AutoCAD?
Yes. AutoCAD allows you to import PDF files using the PDFIMPORT command.
This command extracts supported information from a PDF and converts it into AutoCAD objects, including:
- Vector geometry: Lines, arcs, polylines and other supported geometric elements.
- TrueType text: Text that can be converted into editable AutoCAD text objects.
- Solid fills: Filled areas that can be imported as solid objects or hatches.
- Raster images: Images contained within the PDF that can be extracted and attached to your drawing.
However, the results depend on how the original PDF was created. For example, a PDF exported directly from CAD software will generally contain more usable geometry than a scanned drawing.
It's also important to understand that importing a PDF doesn't necessarily recreate the original DWG file exactly. Some information, including object relationships, dimensions and drawing properties, may not be preserved.
How to Import a PDF into AutoCAD
The PDFIMPORT command allows you to bring information from a PDF directly into your current drawing.
Step 1: Open Your AutoCAD Drawing
Open the drawing where you want to import the PDF information.
If you're working on an existing project, consider saving a copy before importing additional geometry.
Step 2: Start the PDFIMPORT Command
Type PDFIMPORT into the command line and press Enter.
Alternatively, navigate to Insert > Import > PDF Import on the ribbon.
AutoCAD will open a dialogue box where you can locate the PDF file you want to import.
Step 3: Select Your PDF File
Browse to the PDF on your computer and click Open.
If the PDF contains multiple pages, AutoCAD will allow you to select the page you want to import.
You can preview the available pages before continuing.
Step 4: Choose Your Import Settings
The Import PDF dialogue box lets you choose which content to import, including vector geometry, solid fills, TrueType text and raster images.
You can also control how objects are organised into layers or imported as a block.
Step 5: Position the Imported Geometry
Once you've selected your preferred settings, click OK.
Specify the insertion point, scale and rotation as required, depending on the options you've chosen.
AutoCAD will then import the supported content from the selected PDF page into your drawing.
Step 6: Review Your Drawing
Once the import is complete, inspect the resulting geometry.
Check that the objects have been positioned correctly and review any imported text, layers and dimensions.
You may also need to adjust the drawing scale or clean up unnecessary geometry before continuing with your work.
Understanding the PDF Import Settings
Before importing a PDF, it's worth reviewing the available settings. These determine what information AutoCAD imports and how it is organised within your drawing.
Importing Vector Geometry
Vector geometry includes elements such as lines, arcs and polylines.
When importing a vector-based PDF, AutoCAD attempts to recreate the supported geometry as editable drawing objects. This can be particularly useful when working with architectural plans, engineering drawings or other technical documentation.
However, imported geometry may not retain all the properties or relationships of the original CAD objects.
Importing Text
AutoCAD can recognise and import supported TrueType text from a PDF.
This means text can often be edited directly rather than recreated manually. Text originally created using SHX fonts is handled differently, as it is generally stored as geometry within the PDF. We'll look at how to manage SHX text later in this guide.
Importing Raster Images
If your PDF contains raster images, AutoCAD can extract and attach them to your drawing. These images remain raster content rather than being converted into editable lines or polylines.
This is an important distinction when working with scanned plans or image-based PDFs.
Managing Imported Layers
AutoCAD also allows you to choose how imported objects are organised. Depending on the information available in the PDF, you can:
- Use layers defined within the PDF.
- Create layers based on object types, such as geometry, text and images.
- Place all imported objects on the current layer.
Using separate layers can make imported geometry easier to review, edit and organise.
How to Import Geometry from an Existing PDF Underlay
If you've already attached a PDF to your drawing, you don't need to import the entire file again.
AutoCAD allows you to convert selected information from an existing PDF underlay into editable objects. To do this:
- Select the PDF underlay within your drawing.
- Open the contextual PDF Underlay ribbon tab.
- Select Import as Objects.
- Specify the area of the PDF you want to import or choose to import all supported objects.
- Review the import settings and continue.
- Choose whether to keep, detach or unload the original PDF underlay.
This can be particularly useful when you only need a small section of a larger drawing.
For example, you might want to import a particular detail from an architectural plan without bringing in the entire PDF.
PDF Import vs PDF Underlay: What's the Difference?
AutoCAD offers two ways to work with PDF files, and choosing the right approach depends on what you need to do.
|
PDF Import |
PDF Underlay |
|
Converts supported PDF content into AutoCAD objects |
Attaches a PDF as a reference |
|
Allows imported geometry to be edited |
Original PDF content cannot be directly edited |
|
Useful for modifying existing drawings |
Useful for tracing, reviewing or referencing plans |
|
May require geometry clean-up |
Keeps the source PDF linked to the drawing |
If you only need to reference information from another drawing, attaching a PDF underlay may be the simpler option. However, if you need to modify existing geometry, PDFIMPORT provides a way to convert supported content into editable objects.
How to Convert SHX Text from a PDF in AutoCAD
One common issue when importing PDFs is that some text appears as lines or individual geometric objects rather than editable text.
This often happens when the original drawing used SHX fonts.
AutoCAD includes the PDFSHXTEXT command to help recognise and convert this geometry back into text.
Using the PDFSHXTEXT Command
- Import your PDF using the PDFIMPORT command.
- Type PDFSHXTEXT into the command line and press Enter.
- Select the imported geometry representing the SHX text.
- Review the available font recognition settings.
- Confirm the conversion.
AutoCAD will attempt to recognise the selected geometry and convert it into editable multiline text objects.
The results depend on the quality of the original PDF and how closely the geometry matches the selected fonts.
TMS Tip: For better results, select smaller groups of text and review the converted characters carefully. Some text may still require manual correction
Can You Convert a Scanned PDF into AutoCAD?
This is an important limitation to understand.
If your PDF was created by scanning a printed drawing, the content is typically stored as a raster image rather than vector geometry. Although AutoCAD can import or attach the image, the PDFIMPORT command does not automatically convert scanned lines into editable CAD objects.
In these situations, you may need to:
- Attach the scanned PDF as an underlay.
- Trace the required geometry using AutoCAD drawing tools.
- Use specialist raster-to-vector software where appropriate.
For the most reliable results, use a vector-based PDF exported from the original design software whenever possible.
Tips for Working with Imported PDFs in AutoCAD
Importing a PDF can save time, but a few additional checks can help you get better results.
Check Your Drawing Scale
PDF files don't always retain the original drawing units or scale information in a way that AutoCAD can reproduce accurately.
After importing, measure a known dimension to confirm that the geometry is correctly scaled. If necessary, use the SCALE command with the Reference option to adjust the imported geometry.
Review Imported Geometry
Depending on how the PDF was created, some lines or curves may be imported as multiple individual segments.
Inspect the drawing before making changes, particularly around detailed geometry.
Remove Duplicate Objects
Imported PDFs can sometimes contain overlapping or unnecessary geometry.
The OVERKILL command can help identify and remove duplicate objects, making the drawing easier to manage. However, always review the geometry before removing objects, particularly where overlapping elements may serve different purposes.
Check Text and Dimensions
Although AutoCAD can import supported text and geometry, dimensions and annotations may not retain their original functionality.
For example, a dimension may be imported as separate lines and text rather than an associative dimension object.
Check important measurements and recreate dimensions where necessary.
Organise Your Layers
Keeping imported geometry on separate layers can make it easier to distinguish new information from existing drawing content.
This is particularly helpful when working with complex plans or drawings supplied by external teams.
Common Issues When Importing PDFs into AutoCAD
Why can't I edit the lines in my imported PDF?
The PDF may contain raster imagery rather than vector geometry. If that's the case, the lines cannot be edited as standard AutoCAD objects without tracing or vectorisation.
Why does my imported PDF look different from the original?
Some information may be lost when a drawing is exported to PDF. Fonts, lineweights, fills and complex geometry may not import exactly as expected.
Why is my PDF importing at the wrong scale?
PDF files may not contain reliable drawing unit information. Check a known measurement and adjust the imported geometry using the SCALE command if required.
Can I import multiple PDF pages into AutoCAD?
Yes, but the standard PDFIMPORT workflow imports one selected PDF page at a time. You can repeat the process for additional pages.
Can I convert a PDF back into a DWG file?
You can import supported PDF geometry into AutoCAD and save the resulting drawing as a DWG.
However, this does not fully restore the original CAD file. Some information, including layers, dimensions, blocks and object properties, may need to be recreated.
Make Better Use of PDFs in AutoCAD
Being able to import PDFs into AutoCAD is particularly useful when the original DWG file isn't available.
Whether you're working with drawings from another team, updating existing plans or referencing information from a previous project, the PDFIMPORT command provides a practical way to reuse supported drawing content.
Understanding the difference between PDF imports and underlays, along with the limitations of PDF conversion, will help you choose the right approach and avoid unnecessary rework.
Get More from Your AutoCAD Software
Looking to build your AutoCAD skills? At TMS CADCentre, we offer instructor-led AutoCAD training delivered by Autodesk Certified Trainers, helping you develop the knowledge and confidence to work more efficiently.
With live online, classroom and bespoke training options available, our team can help you find the right course for your requirements.
Explore our AutoCAD training courses or contact our team to discuss your training options.
