Convert a PDF to a DWG in AutoCAD

Prior to AutoCAD 2017, it was not possible to convert a PDF file to a DWG file using AutoCAD or AutoCAD LT. PDF files could only be inserted as underlays (external references). The content could then be traced and scaled to known dimensions, if desired.

 

With the release of AutoCAD 2017, using the PDFIMPORT command, it is now possible to import PDF content directly into AutoCAD drawings. Lines will become editable geometry and text will become editable text. The accuracy of the resultant AutoCAD content is largely dependent upon the quality of the original PDF, so results may vary. Additionally, PDF underlays in drawings created with previous AutoCAD releases can be converted into editable drawing geometry using the PDFIMPORT command.  

Using PDFIMPORT with PDFs created from scanned images/documents will result in the creation of a raster image file, which is then attached to the drawing as an xref. The raster imagery will not be converted into editable geometry.