About the handbook

The PDF to CAD Handbook explains how to get PDF drawings back into CAD programs, one program and one job at a time.

Who is it for?

Architects and drafters who receive plans as PDF, contractors and estimators who need to measure them, makers who want a DXF for a laser cutter or CNC router, and anyone whose CAD program refuses to open a PDF.

How are the guides written?

Every guide is tested against the software it describes and against sample drawings: vector PDFs exported from CAD programs, PDFs with rotated pages and scanned paper plans. Menu names and commands come from the current versions of each program. When a program changes, the guide is updated and the date at the top changes with it.

How does it relate to convertpdftocad.com?

Many guides send you to the free converter on convertpdftocad.com, which comes from the same team. It turns a PDF into DXF inside your browser, so it fits every program covered here. Where a program can import PDF by itself, the guides say so and show that way first.

How do you reach the editors?

Use the contact form for corrections, a program you would like covered, or a PDF that would not convert (only if you are allowed to share it). Press and partners can find descriptions and images in the media kit.