PDF Import
See our Best PDF Practices webinar for some helpful tips on working with PDFs in CAD.
The PDF Import tool, introduced with AutoCAD and F/X CAD 2017, allows you to bring PDFs directly into your drawing.
With the PDF Import tool, you can import geometry, TrueType text, and raster images from a PDF file. You can also choose to underlay them into your drawing as AutoCAD objects. Here's how it works:
How to Use PDF Import
To import a PDF into your drawing, type PDFImport in the Command line and press Enter.
F/X CAD users can also click the PDF Import button on the Import ribbon.
The cursor will turn into a pickbox, and you'll be prompted to Select PDF Underlay or [File].
Importing a PDF Underlay
To select a PDF that is already attached to your drawing as an Xref, use the pickbox to select it.
You can now draw a window to include the portions of the PDF you want to import.
Once you draw your window, you'll see a menu with options to Keep, Detach, or Unload the PDF Xref. Select one of these options. The portion of the PDF you selected will be imported into your drawing. The Xref will be retained, detached, or unloaded, depending on which option you selected.
Importing a PDF from a File
To import a PDF from a file, type F in the Command line and press Enter after opening the PDF Import tool. Browse to the PDF file you want to import.
The Import PDF dialog box will open, allowing you to configure a number of settings for importing the PDF.
Select the settings you want, and click OK.
The PDF will be imported into your drawing.
Import Options
The Import PDF dialog box offers several types of options for importing a file:
1. Location:
- You can choose to Specify insertion point on-screen, or leave the box unchecked to import the PDF at 0,0.
- If you want, set a Scale and Rotation for the imported PDF.
2. Several options for the PDF data to import.
3. Layers: You can choose to Use PDF layers, Create object layers, or use the Current layer for the import.
4. Several additional Import options, such as importing the PDF as a single block, joining line and arc segments, and applying lineweight properties.
You can also use the Land F/X–exclusive command SuperJoin to join all lines and arcs together into closed polylines after using PDF Import.
Important Note on Hatches
Hatches take a bit more time for the PDF Import tool, so we recommend importing without hatches to speed up the process. Also, stipple and solid hatches are not always read perfectly. Avoid trying to import them if you can.
Related Webinars
- Best PDF Practices: AutoCAD allows you to import and export PDF files, but you may not know about your myriad options for doing so. Join us for some helpful tips on best practices and common troubleshooting techniques when working with PDFs. (1 hr 4 min)
- Using PDFs to Start Your Designs: We show you how to bring a PDF into your drawing, scale it properly, and turn it into your base files. We'll explore using PDFs as imports and underlays, demonstrate our recommended sheet setup processes, and even show you how to split a large-scale PDF into multiple sheets. (1 hr 3 min)
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