New to AutoCAD 2017, Importing PDF files. 2 of 4

By Martin Phelps

Continuing from my last blog, this next section relates to the “PDF Data to Import” section of the “Import PDF” dialogue box.

As shown in Figure 1.

Figure 1.

With the “Vector Geometry” and “TrueType Text” check boxes both ticked, all imported PDF geometry and text created with “TrueType" fonts are converted to AutoCAD vectors.

As shown in Figure 2.

Figure 2.

The imported data can now be modified using standard AutoCAD editing commands.

With the “Vector Geometry” not checked, the “Solid Fills” option is automatically greyed out. The result being no geometry, only textural data is imported, providing the “True Type Text” box remains checked.

As shown in Figure 3.

Figure 3. 

Note: - Some text may not be imported using this option, this may be due to the type of font used. Some true type fonts may not recognised, in this case the text is converted to AutoCAD geometry: - lines, arcs and solid fills.

As shown in Figure 4.

Figure 4.

Figure 5 shows the result if the “Vector Geometry” is checked, but “Solid Fills” are unchecked, this may be useful to reduce the file size since no “Solid Fills” will be imported.

Figure 5.

The next option, is to restrict the import of “True type” text, however some text may still be imported, especially if the text has been created with “Shape” or “SHX” fonts, such as “Romans”, “Romanc”, and “Romant”, these are converted to lines and arcs.

 As in Figure 6.

Figure 6.

Figure 7 compares all four options side by side.

Figure 7.

The final option imports any “Raster Images” that may be part of the PDF, by default this is not checked so no images will be imported.

Figure 8 comprises of two images on the left the result if the “Raster Image” box not checked no image is imported, on the right the “Raster Image” box is checked showing the imported image.

Figure 8.

Data file courtesy of Travis Perkins.