{"id":236914,"date":"2026-10-27T11:23:54","date_gmt":"2026-10-27T11:23:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tms-scotland.com\/autodesk\/?p=236914"},"modified":"2026-11-02T10:05:23","modified_gmt":"2026-11-02T10:05:23","slug":"autocad-importing-pdfs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/tms-scotland.com\/autodesk\/autocad-importing-pdfs\/","title":{"rendered":"AutoCAD &#8211; Importing PDFs"},"content":{"rendered":"\n[et_pb_section fb_built=&#8221;1&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;23px|||||&#8221;][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;12px||21px|||&#8221;][et_pb_column _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_heading title=&#8221;How to Import PDFs into AutoCAD&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; title_level=&#8221;h2&#8243; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; custom_margin=&#8221;||3px|||&#8221;][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">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?<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Rather than recreating everything from scratch, <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/tms-scotland.com\/autodesk\/autocad\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">AutoCAD<\/a><\/strong><\/span> includes tools that allow you to import PDF content and convert supported geometry into editable drawing objects.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Whether you&#8217;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.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">In this guide, we&#8217;ll explain how to import PDFs into AutoCAD, work with PDF underlays and manage the resulting geometry.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; column_structure=&#8221;3_5,2_5&#8243; custom_padding=&#8221;7px||18px|||&#8221;][et_pb_column _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; type=&#8221;3_5&#8243; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_heading title=&#8221;Can You Import a PDF into AutoCAD?&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; title_level=&#8221;h2&#8243; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; custom_margin=&#8221;||6px|||&#8221;][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Yes. AutoCAD allows you to import PDF files using the PDFIMPORT command.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">This command extracts supported information from a PDF and converts it into AutoCAD objects, including:<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559683&quot;:0,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Vector geometry: Lines, arcs, polylines and other supported geometric elements.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559683&quot;:0,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">TrueType text: Text that can be converted into editable AutoCAD text objects.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559683&quot;:0,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"3\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Solid fills: Filled areas that can be imported as solid objects or hatches.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559683&quot;:0,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"4\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Raster images: Images contained within the PDF that can be extracted and attached to your drawing.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">However, the results depend on how the original PDF was created.&nbsp;For example, a PDF exported directly from CAD software will generally contain more usable geometry than a scanned drawing.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">It&#8217;s also important to understand that importing a PDF doesn&#8217;t necessarily recreate the original DWG file exactly. Some information, including object relationships, dimensions and drawing properties, may not be preserved.<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; type=&#8221;2_5&#8243; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/tms-scotland.com\/autodesk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2026\/10\/pdf-blog-4.jpg&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; title_text=&#8221;pdf blog 4&#8243; custom_padding=&#8221;54px||||false|false&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;6px||15px|||&#8221;][et_pb_column _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_heading title=&#8221;How to Import a PDF into AutoCAD&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; title_level=&#8221;h2&#8243; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; custom_margin=&#8221;||6px|||&#8221;][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\" xml:lang=\"EN-GB\" lang=\"EN-GB\" class=\"TextRun SCXW209749753 BCX0\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW209749753 BCX0\">The PDFIMPORT command allows you to bring information from a PDF directly into your current drawing.<\/span><\/span><span class=\"EOP Selected SCXW209749753 BCX0\" data-ccp-props=\"{}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; column_structure=&#8221;1_6,1_6,1_6,1_6,1_6,1_6&#8243; custom_padding=&#8221;6px||20px|||&#8221;][et_pb_column _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; type=&#8221;1_6&#8243; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_blurb title=&#8221;Step 1: Open Your AutoCAD Drawing&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; use_icon=&#8221;on&#8221;]<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Open the drawing where you want to import the PDF information.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">If you&#8217;re working on an existing project, consider saving a copy before importing additional geometry.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; type=&#8221;1_6&#8243; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_blurb title=&#8221;Step 2: Start the PDFIMPORT Command&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; use_icon=&#8221;on&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Type PDFIMPORT into the command line and press Enter.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Alternatively, navigate to Insert &gt; Import &gt; PDF Import on the ribbon.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">AutoCAD will open a dialogue box where you can locate the PDF file you want to import.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; type=&#8221;1_6&#8243; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_blurb title=&#8221; Step 3: Select Your PDF File&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; use_icon=&#8221;on&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Browse to the PDF on your computer and click Open.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">If the PDF contains multiple pages, AutoCAD will allow you to select the page you want to import.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">You can preview the available pages before continuing.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; type=&#8221;1_6&#8243; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_blurb title=&#8221;Step 4: Choose Your Import Settings&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; use_icon=&#8221;on&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<p data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\"><span>The Import PDF dialogue box lets you choose which content to import, including vector geometry, solid fills, TrueType text and raster images.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>You can also control how objects are organised into layers or imported as a block.<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; type=&#8221;1_6&#8243; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_blurb title=&#8221;Step 5: Position the Imported Geometry&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; use_icon=&#8221;on&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Once you&#8217;ve selected your preferred settings, click OK.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Specify the insertion point, scale and rotation as required, depending on the options you&#8217;ve chosen.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">AutoCAD will then import the supported content from the selected PDF page into your drawing.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; type=&#8221;1_6&#8243; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_blurb title=&#8221;Step 6: Review Your Drawing&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; use_icon=&#8221;on&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Once the import is complete, inspect the resulting geometry.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Check that the objects have been positioned correctly and review any imported text, layers and dimensions.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">You may also need to adjust the drawing scale or clean up unnecessary geometry before continuing with your work.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;3px||19px|||&#8221;][et_pb_column _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_heading title=&#8221;Understanding the PDF Import Settings&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; title_level=&#8221;h2&#8243; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; custom_margin=&#8221;||3px|||&#8221;][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\" xml:lang=\"EN-GB\" lang=\"EN-GB\" class=\"TextRun SCXW38937278 BCX0\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW38937278 BCX0\">Before importing a PDF, <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW38937278 BCX0\">it&#8217;s<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW38937278 BCX0\"> worth reviewing the available settings. These <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW38937278 BCX0\">determine<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW38937278 BCX0\"> what information AutoCAD imports and how it is organised within your drawing.<\/span><\/span><span class=\"EOP Selected SCXW38937278 BCX0\" data-ccp-props=\"{}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_heading title=&#8221;Importing Vector Geometry&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; title_level=&#8221;h3&#8243; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; custom_margin=&#8221;||5px|||&#8221;][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Vector geometry includes elements such as lines, arcs and polylines.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">When importing a vector-based PDF, AutoCAD attempts to recreate the supported geometry as editable drawing objects.&nbsp;This can be particularly useful when working with architectural plans, engineering drawings or other technical documentation.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">However, imported geometry may not retain all the properties or relationships of the original CAD objects.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_heading title=&#8221;Importing Text&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; title_level=&#8221;h3&#8243; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; custom_margin=&#8221;||2px|||&#8221;][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">AutoCAD can recognise and import supported TrueType text from a PDF.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">This means text can often be edited directly rather than recreated manually.&nbsp;Text originally created using SHX fonts is handled differently, as it is generally stored as geometry within the PDF.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">&nbsp;<\/span><em>We&#8217;ll look at how to manage SHX text later in this guide.&nbsp;<\/em><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_heading title=&#8221;Importing Raster Images&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; title_level=&#8221;h3&#8243; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; custom_margin=&#8221;||1px|||&#8221;][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">If your PDF contains raster images, AutoCAD can extract and attach them to your drawing.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">&nbsp;<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">These images remain raster content rather than being converted into editable lines or polylines.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">This is an important distinction when working with scanned plans or image-based PDFs.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_heading title=&#8221;Managing Imported Layers&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; title_level=&#8221;h3&#8243; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; custom_margin=&#8221;||1px|||&#8221;][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">AutoCAD also allows you to choose how imported objects are organised.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\"> <\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Depending on the information available in the PDF, you can:<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"3\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559683&quot;:0,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Use layers defined within the PDF.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"3\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559683&quot;:0,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Create layers based on object types, such as geometry, text and images.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"3\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559683&quot;:0,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"3\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Place all imported objects on the current layer.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Using separate layers can make imported geometry easier to review, edit and organise.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; column_structure=&#8221;3_5,2_5&#8243; custom_padding=&#8221;8px||18px|||&#8221;][et_pb_column _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; type=&#8221;3_5&#8243; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_heading title=&#8221;How to Import Geometry from an Existing PDF Underlay&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; title_level=&#8221;h2&#8243; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; custom_margin=&#8221;||9px|||&#8221;][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">If you&#8217;ve already attached a PDF to your drawing, you don&#8217;t need to import the entire file again.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">AutoCAD allows you to convert selected information from an existing PDF underlay into editable objects.&nbsp;To do this:<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Select the PDF underlay within your drawing.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Open the contextual PDF Underlay ribbon tab.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Select Import as Objects.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Specify the area of the PDF you want to import or choose to import all supported objects.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Review the import settings and continue.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Choose whether to keep, detach or unload the original PDF underlay.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">This can be particularly useful when you only need a small section of a larger drawing.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">For example, you might want to import a particular detail from an architectural plan without bringing in the entire PDF.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; type=&#8221;2_5&#8243; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/tms-scotland.com\/autodesk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2021\/01\/AutoCAD-PDF-Underlay-Floor-Plan.png&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; title_text=&#8221;AutoCAD PDF Underlay Floor Plan&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;181px||||false|false&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;4px|||||&#8221;][et_pb_column _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_heading title=&#8221;PDF Import vs PDF Underlay: What&#8217;s the Difference?&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; title_level=&#8221;h2&#8243; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; custom_margin=&#8221;||1px|||&#8221;][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">AutoCAD offers two ways to work with PDF files, and choosing the right approach depends on what you need to do.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<table data-tablestyle=\"MsoTableGrid\" data-tablelook=\"1696\" aria-rowcount=\"5\" aria-colcount=\"2\">\n<tbody>\n<tr aria-rowindex=\"1\">\n<td data-celllook=\"0\">\n<p><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><strong>PDF Import&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td data-celllook=\"0\">\n<p><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><strong>PDF Underlay&nbsp;<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr aria-rowindex=\"2\">\n<td data-celllook=\"0\">\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Converts supported PDF content into AutoCAD objects<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td data-celllook=\"0\">\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Attaches a PDF as a reference<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr aria-rowindex=\"3\">\n<td data-celllook=\"0\">\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Allows imported geometry to be edited<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td data-celllook=\"0\">\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Original PDF content cannot be directly edited<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr aria-rowindex=\"4\">\n<td data-celllook=\"0\">\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Useful for modifying existing drawings<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td data-celllook=\"0\">\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Useful for tracing, reviewing or referencing plans<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr aria-rowindex=\"5\">\n<td data-celllook=\"0\">\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">May require geometry clean-up<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td data-celllook=\"0\">\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Keeps the source PDF linked to the drawing<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">If you only need to reference information from another drawing, attaching a PDF underlay may be the simpler option.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">&nbsp;<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">However, if you need to modify existing geometry, PDFIMPORT provides a way to convert supported content into editable objects.<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; column_structure=&#8221;3_5,2_5&#8243; custom_padding=&#8221;9px|||||&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;][et_pb_column _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; type=&#8221;3_5&#8243; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_heading title=&#8221;How to Convert SHX Text from a PDF in AutoCAD&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; title_level=&#8221;h2&#8243; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; custom_margin=&#8221;||1px|||&#8221;][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">One common issue when importing PDFs is that some text appears as lines or individual geometric objects rather than editable text.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">This often happens when the original drawing used SHX fonts.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">AutoCAD includes the PDFSHXTEXT command to help recognise and convert this geometry back into text.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Using the PDFSHXTEXT Command<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/h3>\n<ol>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Import your PDF using the PDFIMPORT command.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Type PDFSHXTEXT into the command line and press Enter.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Select the imported geometry representing the SHX text.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Review the available font recognition settings.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Confirm the conversion.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">AutoCAD will attempt to recognise the selected geometry and convert it into editable multiline text objects.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The results depend on the quality of the original PDF and how closely the geometry matches the selected fonts.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">TMS Tip: For better results, select smaller groups of text and review the converted characters carefully. Some text may still require manual correction<\/span><\/i><\/b><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; type=&#8221;2_5&#8243; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/tms-scotland.com\/autodesk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2026\/10\/pdf-blog-5.jpg&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; title_text=&#8221;pdf blog 5&#8243; custom_padding=&#8221;270px||||false|false&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;11px||20px|||&#8221;][et_pb_column _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_heading title=&#8221;Can You Convert a Scanned PDF into AutoCAD?&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; title_level=&#8221;h2&#8243; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; custom_margin=&#8221;||4px|||&#8221;][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">This is an important limitation to understand.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">If your PDF was created by scanning a printed drawing, the content is typically stored as a raster image rather than vector geometry.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">&nbsp;<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Although AutoCAD can import or attach the image, the PDFIMPORT command does not automatically convert scanned lines into editable CAD objects.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">In these situations, you may need to:<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"6\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559683&quot;:0,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Attach the scanned PDF as an underlay.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"6\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559683&quot;:0,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Trace the required geometry using AutoCAD drawing tools.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"6\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559683&quot;:0,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"3\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Use specialist raster-to-vector software where appropriate.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">For the most reliable results, use a vector-based PDF exported from the original design software whenever possible.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;8px||10px|||&#8221;][et_pb_column _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_heading title=&#8221;Tips for Working with Imported PDFs in AutoCAD&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; title_level=&#8221;h2&#8243; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; custom_margin=&#8221;||6px|||&#8221;][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<p>Importing a PDF can save time, but a few additional checks can help you get better results.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; column_structure=&#8221;1_5,1_5,1_5,1_5,1_5&#8243; custom_padding=&#8221;6px|||||&#8221;][et_pb_column _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; type=&#8221;1_5&#8243; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_blurb title=&#8221;Check Your Drawing Scale&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; use_icon=&#8221;on&#8221;]<p>PDF files don&#8217;t always retain the original drawing units or scale information in a way that AutoCAD can reproduce accurately.<\/p>\n<p>After importing, measure a known dimension to confirm that the geometry is correctly scaled.&nbsp;If necessary, use the SCALE command with the Reference option to adjust the imported geometry.<\/p>[\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; type=&#8221;1_5&#8243; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_blurb title=&#8221;Review Imported Geometry&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; use_icon=&#8221;on&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<p>Depending on how the PDF was created, some lines or curves may be imported as multiple individual segments.<\/p>\n<p>Inspect the drawing before making changes, particularly around detailed geometry.<\/p>[\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; type=&#8221;1_5&#8243; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_blurb title=&#8221;Remove Duplicate Objects&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; use_icon=&#8221;on&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<p>Imported PDFs can sometimes contain overlapping or unnecessary geometry.<\/p>\n<p>The OVERKILL command can help identify and remove duplicate objects, making the drawing easier to manage.&nbsp;However, always review the geometry before removing objects, particularly where overlapping elements may serve different purposes.<\/p>[\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; type=&#8221;1_5&#8243; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_blurb title=&#8221;Check Text and Dimensions &#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; use_icon=&#8221;on&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Although AutoCAD can import supported text and geometry, dimensions and annotations may not retain their original functionality.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">For example, a dimension may be imported as separate lines and text rather than an associative dimension object.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Check important measurements and recreate dimensions where necessary.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; type=&#8221;1_5&#8243; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_blurb title=&#8221;Organise Your Layers&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; use_icon=&#8221;on&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Keeping imported geometry on separate layers can make it easier to distinguish new information from existing drawing content.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">This is particularly helpful when working with complex plans or drawings supplied by external teams.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_column _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_heading title=&#8221;Common Issues When Importing PDFs into AutoCAD&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; title_level=&#8221;h2&#8243; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_accordion _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;][et_pb_accordion_item title=&#8221;Why can&#8217;t I edit the lines in my imported PDF? &#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; open=&#8221;on&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<p><em><span data-contrast=\"auto\" xml:lang=\"EN-GB\" lang=\"EN-GB\" class=\"TextRun SCXW114342581 BCX0\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW114342581 BCX0\">The PDF may <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW114342581 BCX0\">contain<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW114342581 BCX0\"> raster imagery rather than vector geometry. If <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW114342581 BCX0\">that&#8217;s<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW114342581 BCX0\"> the case, the lines cannot be edited as standard AutoCAD objects without tracing or vectorisation.<\/span><\/span><span class=\"EOP Selected SCXW114342581 BCX0\" data-ccp-props=\"{}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/em><\/p>[\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=&#8221;Why does my imported PDF look different from the original? &#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; open=&#8221;off&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<p><em><span data-contrast=\"auto\" xml:lang=\"EN-GB\" lang=\"EN-GB\" class=\"TextRun SCXW256193252 BCX0\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW256193252 BCX0\">Some information may be lost when a drawing is exported to PDF. Fonts, <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SpellingErrorV2Themed SCXW256193252 BCX0\">lineweights<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW256193252 BCX0\">, fills and complex geometry may not import exactly as expected.<\/span><\/span><span class=\"EOP Selected SCXW256193252 BCX0\" data-ccp-props=\"{}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/em><\/p>[\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=&#8221;Why is my PDF importing at the wrong scale? &#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<p><em><span data-contrast=\"auto\" xml:lang=\"EN-GB\" lang=\"EN-GB\" class=\"TextRun SCXW212220414 BCX0\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW212220414 BCX0\">PDF files may not <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW212220414 BCX0\">contain<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW212220414 BCX0\"> reliable drawing unit information. Check a known measurement and adjust the imported geometry using the SCALE command if <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW212220414 BCX0\">required<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW212220414 BCX0\">.<\/span><\/span><span class=\"EOP Selected SCXW212220414 BCX0\" data-ccp-props=\"{}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/em><\/p>[\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=&#8221;Can I import multiple PDF pages into AutoCAD? &#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<p><em><span data-contrast=\"auto\" xml:lang=\"EN-GB\" lang=\"EN-GB\" class=\"TextRun SCXW118557028 BCX0\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW118557028 BCX0\">Yes, but the standard PDFIMPORT workflow imports one selected PDF page at a time. You can repeat the process for <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW118557028 BCX0\">additional<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW118557028 BCX0\"> pages.<\/span><\/span><span class=\"EOP Selected SCXW118557028 BCX0\" data-ccp-props=\"{}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/em><\/p>[\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=&#8221;Can I convert a PDF back into a DWG file? &#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<p><em>You can import supported PDF geometry into AutoCAD and save the resulting drawing as a DWG.&nbsp;<\/em><\/p>\n<p><em>However, this does not fully restore the original CAD file. Some information, including layers, dimensions, blocks and object properties, may need to be recreated.&nbsp;<\/em><\/p>[\/et_pb_accordion_item][\/et_pb_accordion][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;8px||18px|||&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;|auto|-13px|auto||&#8221;][et_pb_column _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_heading title=&#8221;Make Better Use of PDFs in AutoCAD&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; title_level=&#8221;h2&#8243; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; custom_margin=&#8221;||0px|||&#8221;][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; custom_margin=&#8221;||4px|||&#8221;]<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Being able to import PDFs into AutoCAD is particularly useful when the original DWG file isn&#8217;t available.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Whether you&#8217;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.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">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.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_heading title=&#8221;Get More from Your AutoCAD Software&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; title_level=&#8221;h2&#8243; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; custom_margin=&#8221;||7px|||&#8221;][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Looking to build your AutoCAD skills?<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">&nbsp;<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">At <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/tms-scotland.com\/autodesk\/contact\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">TMS CADCentre<\/a><\/strong><\/span>, we offer instructor-led <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/tms-scotland.com\/autodesk\/training\/?3430_product_cat%5B0%5D=54&amp;3430_filtered=true\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">AutoCAD training<\/a><\/strong><\/span> delivered by Autodesk Certified Trainers, helping you develop the knowledge and confidence to work more efficiently.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">With live online, classroom and bespoke training options available, our team can help you find the right course for your requirements.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Explore our AutoCAD training courses or contact our team to discuss your training options.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; column_structure=&#8221;1_2,1_2&#8243; custom_padding=&#8221;11px|||||&#8221;][et_pb_column _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; type=&#8221;1_2&#8243; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_button button_text=&#8221;explore our autocad courses&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; button_url=&#8221;https:\/\/tms-scotland.com\/autodesk\/training\/?3430_product_cat%5B0%5D=54&amp;3430_filtered=true&#8221; url_new_window=&#8221;on&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; button_alignment=&#8221;center&#8221;][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; type=&#8221;1_2&#8243; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_button button_text=&#8221;contact our team&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.9&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; button_url=&#8221;https:\/\/tms-scotland.com\/autodesk\/contact\/&#8221; url_new_window=&#8221;on&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; button_alignment=&#8221;center&#8221;][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>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?&nbsp; Rather than recreating everything from scratch, AutoCAD includes tools that allow you to import PDF content and convert [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":244032,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"<!-- wp:divi\/placeholder \/-->","_et_gb_content_width":"","inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[71,84,85,77,80,86],"class_list":["post-236914","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-autodesk","tag-autocad","tag-autocad-tips","tag-autocad-tricks","tag-autodesk","tag-bim-in-scotland-2","tag-importing-pdfs-to-autocad"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v28.8 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>How to Import PDFs into AutoCAD | TMS CADCentre<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Learn how to import PDFs into AutoCAD, convert PDF geometry into editable objects and work with PDF underlays using our step-by-step guide.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/tms-scotland.com\/autodesk\/autocad-importing-pdfs\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_GB\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"How to Import PDFs into AutoCAD | TMS CADCentre\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Learn how to import PDFs into AutoCAD, convert PDF geometry into editable objects and work with PDF underlays using our step-by-step guide.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/tms-scotland.com\/autodesk\/autocad-importing-pdfs\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"TMS Autodesk Solutions\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2026-10-27T11:23:54+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-11-02T10:05:23+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/tms-scotland.com\/autodesk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2026\/07\/autocad-align-1024x576.png\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1024\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"576\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/png\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Gareth Thom\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Gareth Thom\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Estimated reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"3 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/tms-scotland.com\\\/autodesk\\\/autocad-importing-pdfs\\\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/tms-scotland.com\\\/autodesk\\\/autocad-importing-pdfs\\\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Gareth Thom\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/tms-scotland.com\\\/autodesk\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/9997c1825e8ffaa8a4e95838c132a5a9\"},\"headline\":\"AutoCAD &#8211; 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