PDF to DWG converter for vector and scanned drawings

There are two kinds of PDF drawings, and they need different handling. One exported from a CAD program still holds real lines, and those get copied across exactly. A scanned one is just a picture of lines. That one is either traced or read and redrawn as a clean plan.

Start for free

How it works

01
Send the PDF
Several pages are fine. If there are many, say which sheet you need.
02
Pick the way
"DWG exactly as in the PDF" copies a vector PDF line for line, with its layers, text and fills. "DWG along the scan's lines" traces a scan onto a layer of its own. Or ask for a drawing, and Horezmi redraws the plan with walls, openings and dimensions.
03
Open it in CAD
Download the DWG or DXF. If the plan was redrawn and something is off, fix it in words right there.

A real example

A school floor plan read from an existing drawing — A real run: a school's floor plan read from an existing drawing and redrawn with elevations and a 3D model.

The school redrawn: floor plan, elevations and a 3D model — A real run: a school's floor plan read from an existing drawing and redrawn with elevations and a 3D model.

What you get

DWG and DXF
From a vector PDF: the same lines, layers, text and fills, at the same scale
From a scan: the traced lines on a layer of their own, or a redrawn plan with walls, openings and dimensions

What Horezmi does not do

A vector PDF is copied as it is. Lines drawn in pieces stay in pieces.
Tracing follows the ink, coffee stains and handwritten notes included. A redrawn plan is cleaner, but AI reads it, so check the dimensions.
A password-protected PDF cannot be opened.

Questions

How do I know if my PDF is vector or scanned?

Zoom in a lot. Lines stay sharp and text can be selected: vector. Lines break into pixels: scan. You will be told which one it is anyway.

Is the scale kept?

For a vector PDF, yes: the lines keep the PDF's size and the sheet's scale. A scan is scaled by a known size on it.

Can't AutoCAD do this itself?

For a vector PDF, often yes: AutoCAD's PDFIMPORT brings the lines in. It cannot do much with a scan, which is just a picture. That is where redrawing the plan saves the hours of tracing.

What does it cost?

The first $5 are free when you sign in; you pay only for what is drawn, with no subscription.

Try it on your own drawing

The first $5 are free when you sign in. No card, no subscription.