Convert PDF to DXF?

[Richard Evans 2Participant @richardevans2]

Can anyone suggest a simple method of PDF to DXF conversion? I tried an online converter called Offdrive.com, but the resulting DXF has lost it's scale- it's about 5% of the size it should be.

Or is there a way of rescaling the dxf? When I zoom in on it (Vectric Cut2D or QCAD) all the detail is there and it looks absolutely fine.

Thanks for any suggestions or comments!

Richard

[Richard Evans 2Participant @richardevans2]

[Richard Evans 2Participant @richardevans2]

The author of the files suggests Inkscape on Facebook. So I will give it a try. Perhaps I have answered my own question, hope so!

Richard

[Speedy Builder5Participant @speedybuilder5]

You can open AI and PDF files by using the File > Open command as you would any CorelDRAW file, or you can import them. When you open AI and PDF files, they are opened as CorelDRAW files. When you import AI and PDF files, they are imported as grouped objects and can be placed anywhere within your current drawing.

???

[Martin ConnellyParticipant @martinconnelly55370]

Can you select all, group it and then scale it? This usually keeps everything correctly positioned relative to everything else.

Can you save it as a block then add it as a block and scale the new block when it is added? I can't remember which CAD package I used that asked for the scale when a block was added to a drawing.

Martin C

[AdrianRParticipant @adrianr18614]

I just googled it and found inkscape too **LINK**

[Richard Evans 2Participant @richardevans2]

Thanks for the replies. Work ongoing but head spinning, so taking a break!

[geoff adamsParticipant @geoffadams14047]

Richard plus one for inkscape i use it all the time to convert drawing to dxf then i can use the dxf file in my cam for the cnc machine

Geoff

[SillyOldDufferModerator @sillyoldduffer]

Posted by Richard Evans 2 on 14/06/2020 12:51:12:

Can anyone suggest a simple method of PDF to DXF conversion? I tried an online converter called Offdrive.com, but the resulting DXF has lost it's scale- it's about 5% of the size it should be.

Or is there a way of rescaling the dxf? When I zoom in on it (Vectric Cut2D or QCAD) all the detail is there and it looks absolutely fine.

Thanks for any suggestions or comments!

 

Richard

 

QCAD can rescale drawings using the SZ scale tool; it's one of the Modification Tools. Drawings can also be centred and sized to print on a page, or through a Viewport. SZ is best if there's any intention of editing the drawing because dimensions are important in technical drawing.

DXF created from PDF is highly likely to be incomplete because PDF isn't a technical drawing format. CAD packages can often put missing information back manually, but it can be tiresome, particularly if Groups, Layers, links, or incompatible Fonts are involved.

Same problem occurs between old and new versions of the same document; new software can probably understand old DXF, but old software is likely to gag on a modern DXF file.

I don't know of a magic way of converting PDF to DXF perfectly. I usually run the conversion with QCAD and then repair whatever didn't make the transfer, which can be easy or difficult. Inkscape is handy but it converts to SVG, not DXF (or at least mine doesn't export DXF). SVG can be converted to DXF but it loses information again.

Dave

 

 

 

 

 

Edited By SillyOldDuffer on 14/06/2020 15:30:00

[David JuppParticipant @davidjupp51506]

When all is said and done, it may be as fast, and more reliable, to re-draw / re-model whatever the design is natively in your CAD system of choice.

[blowlampParticipant @blowlamp]

Download the 30 day trial of MoI here

Open your PDF into MoI and then Save or Export it as a DXF.

Failing that, send me your PDF and I'll do it for you.

Martin.

[MC Black 2Participant @mcblack2]

Have you tried Zamzar.com?

A Chum pointed me at that a while ago and it has usually done the job.

MC

[Neil WyattModerator @neilwyatt]

Posted by Richard Evans 2 on 14/06/2020 12:51:12:

Can anyone suggest a simple method of PDF to DXF conversion? I tried an online converter called Offdrive.com, but the resulting DXF has lost it's scale- it's about 5% of the size it should be.

Or is there a way of rescaling the dxf? When I zoom in on it (Vectric Cut2D or QCAD) all the detail is there and it looks absolutely fine.

Thanks for any suggestions or comments!

Richard

Probably has interpreted inches as millimetres.

[Richard Evans 2Participant @richardevans2]

Thanks again for all the comments and suggestions- very helpful. Particular thanks to Martin for the offer of practical help. I have downloaded Inkscape to look at, and I've discovered that Vectric have a detailed video on working with imported vectors. I'm going to try to learn how to do this properly, as distinct from buggering about until it comes right!

[Former MemberParticipant @formermember32069]

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