PDF files are commonly used throughout the design world. It is the format of choice for document exchange, especially since it is compatible with all devices. However, it is not easy to edit the elements of the PDF file. Enter PDF-to-DXF file converters. These converters allow you to export a PDF document into CAD software; using the most compatible CAD file type – the DXF file format.

1. This guide is brought to
you by Scan2CAD,
the market leading file
conversion and editing
software
Ultimate Guide:
PDF-to-DXF
conversion

2. Table of Contents
▪ When and why would someone want to convert PDF files
to DXF?
▪ How to convert a PDF file to DXF
▪ What is a PDF file?
▪ What is a DXF file?
▪ What technology is involved in the PDF-to-DXF conversion?
▪ Using Scan2CAD to convert PDF to DXF files

3. When do you convert PDF files to DXF?
When we want to edit the contents of the PDF file in CAD software.
There’s drawing data that you
need, that is stored in PDF
format
If you convert it to DXF, you
can load it onto any CAD
software…
…and edit the individual
elements/ drawing objects

4. Why would you convert PDF files to DXF?
Well, clients and colleagues often share files in PDF format, especially those without a technical
background or CAD expertise. If you need to edit the file in a CAD program, you have two options
for conversion:
Convert manually, without a PDF-to-DXF
converter
Convert your PDF file using a PDF-to-DXF
file conversion program
Using a PDF-to-DXF converter helps you save time
…compared to a one click process!Lots of fiddling about with pens and grab points…
 You’d load the file into the conversion
program, click a few buttons and voila!
Out comes a DXF file that’s ready for
CAD editing.
 You’d manually redraw the vector file.
This could take hours, or even days –
time that can be better spent on more
vital work functions!

5. Once the PDF is converted into DXF, you can load the
drawing into a CAD program
The world is now your oyster and there are all sorts of CAD tools in your arsenal.
 You can cut, copy and paste certain elements of an existing drawing.
 You can edit specific elements of the drawing, such as reshaping Bezier curves, stretching
vectors, converting lines to arcs and so on.
It is easy to iterate and reiterate drawings on CAD software.
All sorts of
CAD editing
tools in
your
arsenal!

6. DXF drawings can be shared with literally anyone
There are amazing benefits to reap by converting files to DXF. This is because the DXF file format is
the industry standard for CAD file sharing. In other words, DXF files can be read and edited by any
CAD and CNC application on the market; regardless of industry or expertise. You can share your
drawing with literally anyone.
All sorts of people and organizations work with DXF files. We’ve had corporations, independent
consultants, government agencies and CAD professionals use our Scan2CAD software.
Using a PDF-to-DXF converter lets you collaborate
with other folks easily
Here are a some of the
programs that you can use to
view and edit DXF files. There
are easily hundreds of other
CAD programs that support
DXF files

7. From scanned PDF image to CAD…
An architectural designer can receive a PDF floorplan from his client. Once it’s
converted to DXF, he can share it with the electrical engineer for wiring plans,
structural contractor for structural renovations, landscape designer and so on.
Scanned and saved as
PDF
Converted to DXF
format
Loaded into CAD
program

8. Case study: Wood routing company converts PDF
designs to beautiful wooden signs
Who?
The Signs Workshop is a small business in UK, which specializes in making high-quality and
environmentally-friendly routed wooden signs. It makes grand entrance signs for country
parks; sign boards and information boards for shop owners, mileposts and way markers for
forest reserves, as well as bespoke wooden products.
The Signs Workshop’s clients mostly share drawings in PDF format. Other times, they share
rough pictures or logos on business cards, then ask “Can you make a sign of this?”
On the other hand, The Signs Workshop employs Licom router software to produce its
wooden signs. They required a quick and easy system to convert sketches and PDF files into
vector files. Enter file conversion software packages like Scan2CAD.
Who’s the user?
Why do they need
a PDF-to-DXF
converter?
Here’s a sample of
their work
The picture on
the left is a DXF
drawing file,
which is used to
make the park
entrance sign
(right picture)

9. Table of Contents
▪ When and why would someone want to convert PDF files to DXF?
▪ How to convert a PDF file to DXF
▪ What is a PDF file?
▪ What is a DXF file?
▪ What technology is involved in the PDF-to-DXF conversion?
▪ Using Scan2CAD to convert PDF to DXF files

10. What programs can I use to convert PDF files to DXF?
There are a number of free PDF-to-DXF
converters available: both online applications
that you use within your Internet browser, and
downloadable software packages.
You can also convert PDF files to DXF using
full CAD software packages or PDF editors.
These software solutions vary by the type of drawing information that can be
retrieved. For example, some software cannot convert raster images while others may
not retain the true dimensions of the drawing in the PDF.

11. How to convert: A step-by-step guide (1/2)
The actual conversion process itself is really quite simple. The steps to converting a
PDF file to DXF format varies by software, but here’s how it usually goes:
2. Select the conversion settings. Most conversion
software come with pre-programmed settings. For
example, in Scan2CAD, there is an “Architectural”
option that is designed to trace straight lines and right
angles, whereas the “Contour Map” setting traces
curves well.
1. Load the PDF file that
you’d like to convert.

12. How to convert: A step-by-step guide (2/2)
3. Click “Convert”. Wait a few seconds and voila!
You have a DXF file that is compatible with any
CAD software on the market. After conversion,
you can choose whether to display only vector
information or to overlay the original raster
image as well.
4. Save the DXF file. Now,
you can edit the DXF file
with any CAD software.

13. Top Tip: Remember to compare!
Depending on the software used, some elements of the drawing may not be transferred
completely. For example, some color fills and custom objects may be lost in the
conversion. The accuracy of raster-to-vector conversion should also be checked.

14. FAQ on PDF-to-DXF conversion (1/3)
Yes, you can! We’ve been in the file conversion software
business for a long time; more than 15 years to be exact! We’ve
seen clients convert all sorts of files – floor plans, network
diagrams, organization charts, logos and more.
Can I convert any PDF file to DXF format?
There is such a large variety of PDF files,
with different uses of PDF files. This is
because a PDF file can be created on a
variety of sources, including word
processors, document scanners, print
drivers, CAD software and many other
programs.
Image source: www.adobe.acrobat.com

15. FAQ on PDF-to-DXF conversion (2/3)
Yes, of course. You can even select specific pages
in the PDF document that you’d like to convert, or
specify the layout in your output DXF file
Can I convert PDF files that consist of multiple pages?
Image source: www.autodwg.com

16. FAQ on PDF-to-DXF conversion (3/3)
Yes, most paid software packages offer a
batch-processing feature. All you have to do is
select which folder to convert and choose the
conversion settings for all the files. For
example, Scan2CAD allows you to choose
whether you’d like to include a raster image in
the DXF file or vectorize the raster image.
Can I convert multiple PDF files at a time?
If you have more questions about this topic, please drop
us an email! info@scan2cad.com

17. Table of Contents
▪ When and why would someone want to convert PDF files to DXF?
▪ How to convert a PDF file to DXF
▪ What is a PDF file?
▪ What is a DXF file?
▪ What technology is involved in the PDF-to-DXF conversion?
▪ Using Scan2CAD to convert PDF to DXF files

18. PDF is used to exchange documents across different
operating systems, software and hardware
PDF = Portable Document Format
PDF is a file format used to present and exchange
documents regardless of operating system or
hardware used. It doesn’t matter what application you
used to create the file, or what device you’re viewing
the file on – iMac, Windows laptop, Linux PC, tablet or
mobile phone – the PDF document will look exactly
the same.
Image source: www.adobe.acrobat.com

19. PDF documents are made for sharing
 A PDF file preserves every element of the
document – a document saved in PDF
format would look exactly the same on any
software, hardware or operating system.
 Anyone can view PDF files easily and for
free. All computers and mobile devices
come with a PDF reader pre-installed on
them; many applications also support PDF
files.

20. PDF is suitable for reviewing
▪ Comments can be marked on them without affecting the original file.
▪ You can control how your drawing is shared too – PDF files can be
password-protected, to prevent copying and editing, and electronically
signed.
Image source: www.adobe.acrobat.com

21. Table of Contents
▪ When and why would someone want to convert PDF files to DXF?
▪ How to convert a PDF file to DXF
▪ What is a PDF file?
▪ What is a DXF file?
▪ What technology is involved in the PDF-to-DXF conversion?
▪ Using Scan2CAD to convert PDF to DXF files

22. DXF is made for exchanging drawings in the CAD world
DXF = Drawing Exchange Format
DXF is a vector graphic file format that stores 2D drawings. DXF files
are as widely used as DWG, especially since it is supported by almost
all CAD programs in the world today.
Here are some
samples of DXF
files

23. DXF file format enables data exchange between
different CAD programs
DXF files can be shared between
different companies and
industries, with different CAD
systems.
Since the DXF file format is
open-sourced, all CAD software
developers have access to the
specification and can easily
support the file format.You’d share your drawing to clients
for feedback and to 3D printers and
CNC machines
Image source: www.grabcad.com

24. For example, an artist can send his DXF drawing to a
cutting machine vendor
An artist designs signboards or sculptures
using the software that he knows best, such
as Adobe Illustrator or Photoshop. This
design is then converted to a DXF file, using
applications like Scan2CAD.
Then, he’ll send it off to a cutting machine
vendor, who will manufacture the actual
product from his sketch.
These types of machines are CNC
machines, which work with vector drawing
files like DXF. These machines use the
vector files to generate automatic cutting
instructions, bringing the artist’s design to
life.

25. Table of Contents
▪ When and why would someone want to convert PDF files to DXF?
▪ How to convert a PDF file to DXF
▪ What is a PDF file?
▪ What is a DXF file?
▪ What technology is involved in the PDF-to-DXF conversion?
▪ Using Scan2CAD to convert PDF to DXF files

26. We must first understand what types of data are found
in a PDF file
Each PDF file captures a complete
description of a document, including text,
fonts, images and vector graphics.
However, the PDF file format can only
encode very simple graphic objects
(entities). It can only store 2D text, lines,
beziers and polygons.
It does not store CAD arc or circle entities.
Neither does it store any information that is
specific to the software, hardware or
operating system.
Vector shapes
Text and fonts
Raster images

27. PDF files can capture both raster and vector information
For example, if you scanned your
hand-drawn sketch and saved it as a
PDF, you’d get a raster PDF.
Vector PDF files are normally created
by saving a PDF from a CAD program.
PDF documents preserve all source file
information. As a result, it’s easy to
convert the PDF file back to its original
format.
Raster image
Vector image
7x magnification
Image source: www.wikipedia.com

28. Understanding raster vs vector images
Description
How it works
Scalability and
file size
“Edit-ability”
Raster image
▪ It’s a series of
mathematical
instructions used to
render the drawing (E.g. a
line is made up of two
points, four inches apart)
▪ Vectors are infinitely scalable,
since the computer just re-
renders the graphic in
different sizes
▪ Objects are saved on
different layers, allowing you
to edit individual elements
without affecting others
Vector image
▪ It’s made up of
tiny squares
called pixels
▪ DWG is a binary file, so
information is stored a little
more efficiently. Hi-res
images are huge in size
▪ Color information of each
pixel is edited
Example file formats
▪ AI, SVG, DXF, DWG ▪ JPEG, PNG, GIF

29. How is vector data extracted from a PDF file?
PDF files containing vector information are
easier to handle. All the software has to do is
extract the vector entitites, layers, objects and
text. Then, they’ll display and output vector file
as DXF.
The resulting DXF file will contain the exact
same objects and layers that define the
drawing, as that in the original CAD file.

30. How is raster data extracted from a PDF file?
Raster images in a PDF file are converted
using raster-to-vector conversion
technology. The concept used here is
called image tracing, or vectorization.
The software basically traces the raster
image and reproduces the drawing using
CAD drawing elements. You can trace
outlines, or retain solids and hatches
information too.

31. More on how image tracing works
There are many different techniques
employed by software, in order to
create the best-quality vector image.
To name a few:
▪ “gap jumping” to fill in gaps in the
scanned raster image to create
unbroken vectors
▪ corner sharpening to capture right-
angles
▪ line thickening
▪ removal of unwanted spots/specks
These settings are pre-programmed
by the software developers, so that
users like you and me don’t have to
fuss about with different vectorization
settings.
Check out our article on how
vectorization software converts
images to DXF.

32. How is text extracted from a PDF file?
If a scanned documents contains text, the text
is saved as a raster image. Hence, the file
conversion software has to regenerate the text
in the document using smart OCR (Optical
Character Recognition) technology. It’s the
same concept as tracing shapes and lines,
except that the OCR algorithm detects letters
and numbers.

33. More about extracting text from PDF files
Different software treat text differently.
Great ones save whole phrases of text in a
single layer – this makes the text easily
editable.
However, subpar conversion software may
split the string of text into discrete
characters and jumble the positioning of
the text.

34. Table of Contents
▪ When and why would someone want to convert PDF files to DXF?
▪ How to convert a PDF file to DXF
▪ What is a PDF file?
▪ What is a DXF file?
▪ What technology is involved in the PDF-to-DXF conversion?
▪ Using Scan2CAD to convert PDF to DXF files

35. Scan2CAD offers a whole set of tools that will optimize
your conversion output (1/3)
1. Drawing of CAD arcs and circles
PDF files do not save CAD arcs or circles. As a result, any
circular shapes are converted into many short lines or
Bezier curves. This output is incredibly difficult to edit. If
your drawing is composed of a lot of arcs and circles, be
sure to choose software like Scan2CAD that can replace
the short lines or Bezier curves with true arcs and circles
that are easy to edit.
2. Save vectors in layers according to their color or type
Vector entities can be saved on one single DXF layer or
on multiple layers (each layer defined by either color or
type)

36. Scan2CAD offers a whole set of tools that will optimize
your conversion output (2/3)
3. Maintain user-defined
line types and widths
A PDF file may contain
various line types, such as
dashes and dots of varying
lengths and order. There
are also PDF files that are
made up of lines of multiple
widths, especially electrical
and electronic diagrams. If
you want to distinguish
between the different line
types in your output DXF
file, look for software that
automatically retains user-
defined line types.

37. Scan2CAD offers a whole set of tools that will optimize
your conversion output (3/3)
4. Efficient file management
A single PDF page can be made up of multiple raster
images. Some software saves each raster image in a
separate file, whereas Scan2CAD saves all images in
a single DXF file.
5. Batch processing
You can convert multiple PDF files with a single click.

38. Features offered by Scan2CAD
 Load and save raster PDF files, vector
PDF files and PDF files containing both
raster and vector entities
 Load multi-page PDF files
 Batch convert PDF files to DXF
Full PDF support in Scan2CAD
 Smart OCR to recognize and edit text
 Command line
 Vector recognition
 Vector editing
 Clean and edit raster images
Other features:

39. Scan2CAD is the market leading file conversion and
editing software
Download your free trial
Scan2CAD includes conversion tools, image editing and cleaning tools, smart OCR, full
PDF support, as well as vector recognition and editing. Click on the blue button to learn
more about Scan2CAD.

40. Text
This guide is brought to you by
Scan2CAD, the market leading file
conversion and editing software.
Get more guides and articles
regarding DXF files and conversion
tips on our blog:
www.scan2cad.com/dxf/convert