Adobe Acrobat
How to convert PDF to CAD drawing: A comprehensive guide.
Looking to convert PDF to CAD? Discover step-by-step methods to turn PDFs into editable DWG or DXF files for AutoCAD and other CAD software, which are ideal for architects, engineers, and designers to gain full control to modify, scale, and collaborate on projects with precision.
Published by Adobe Acrobat India on 7 November 2025
When working on technical projects in fields like architecture, engineering, or manufacturing, you may often come across drawings saved in PDF format. They’re great for sharing and preserving formatting, but they’re not ideal for editing or scaling. That’s where PDF to CAD conversion becomes useful.
This guide will explain how to convert PDF to CAD drawings into widely compatible formats such as DWG or DXF, so you can edit them easily in AutoCAD or other CAD software.
What is a CAD file?
A CAD file is a digital file created through Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software, such as AutoCAD, SketchUp, Inventor, and SOLIDWORKS. Primarily used by engineers, designers, and architects, these files contain 2D drawings or 3D models of objects, including dimensions, materials, attributes, assembly structure, annotations, and other technical specifications. Common formats of CAD file types are DWG, DXF, DGN, and STEP/IGES.
Why convert PDF to CAD files?
A PDF file is static, which means you cannot directly edit or modify the elements inside it. CAD drawings are the exact opposite. You convert a PDF to a CAD file to get an editable and vector-based format that can be opened in CAD software. Plus, PDF to CAD conversion typically preserves lines, polylines, hatches, arcs, ellipses and images within the file.
By regaining editability and full functionality of a CAD file, users can perform accurate scaling, dimensioning, and manipulation of all elements. This is crucial for collaboration, modification, and delivery of outputs with exact requirements.
Methods for converting PDF to CAD.
How to convert PDF to CAD in AutoCAD.
If you’re already using the software, you can convert PDF to CAD in AutoCAD directly. Here’s how:
- Open AutoCAD and create a new drawing.
- Type PDFIMPORT in the command line.
- Select the PDF file you want to import.
- Choose the specific pages or objects.
- Adjust settings (vector vs raster, scale, layers).
- Save as a DWG or DXF file.
How to convert PDF to CAD using online file converters.
Several software tools specialise in PDF to CAD conversion with higher accuracy. These can handle complex drawings, support batch conversion, and maintain layers. The caveat is that the majority of these apps require purchase or a paid subscription.
Here is how you can convert a PDF to a CAD (DWG or DXF) file using Adobe Illustrator:
- Open the PDF in Illustrator.
- Select File > Export > Save As menu option to export to your desired CAD format (DWG/DXF).
Using Adobe Acrobat to convert CAD (DWG) file to PDF.
- In Acrobat, select Tools, then Create PDF.
- From the options menu, select Single File, then Select a File.
- Upload your .dwg file.
- Click or tap on Create. This converts your selected file to a PDF.
- Save your PDF to your desired location.
Note: To convert with Adobe Acrobat, either AutoCAD 2018 or 2019 needs to be installed on your device.
Acrobat is not limited to AutoCAD files. Its convert PDF feature can easily convert any file, image, and even web page into quality PDFs. Its online PDF editor offers additional free tools that can be used to further modify and customise your PDFs:
- Fill & Sign: complete fields and add your signature
- Rotate PDF pages: rotate pages left or right
- Reorder pages: rearrange pages in your PDF
- Merge PDFs: combine multiple files into a single PDF
Try our online tools to edit your PDF after conversion.
Quickly fill forms and add your signature online.
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https://main--dc--adobecom.hlx.live/dc-shared/assets/images/product-icons/frictionless-svg/rotate-pages.svg | Rotate PDF pages Rotate PDF pages
Rotate pages to the perfect orientation in seconds.
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https://main--dc--adobecom.hlx.live/dc-shared/assets/images/product-icons/frictionless-svg/reorder-pages.svg | Reorder pages Reorder PDF pages
Rearrange pages into the right sequence.
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Combine multiple PDFs into one seamless file.
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