PDF to CAD Converter

CAD drawings are often saved in PDF format, which is great for sharing, as it doesn't require the native application to view the document. The problem is that a PDF is useless if the user wants to edit or make changes to the drawing. The only solution is to convert it back into a CAD format using a PDF converter.  Design professionals can convert vector images and text locked in native PDF files into fully editable CAD formats where they can be used and edited as needed.

Able2Extract PDF Converter is a very comprehensive PDF software solution with many conversion options:

• The ability to convert PDF to DXF and DWG formats for easy editing in CAD
  programs
• Extract text and vector drawings trapped within PDFs with just a few clicks
• View even the most complex 2D data using an advanced built-in viewer
• Preview the content to be selected and converted
• Convert drawings directly into layers
• Works on multiple platforms: Windows, Mac OS, Linux

We tested this application and found it to work quite well.  Although we had difficulty going directly to DWG, it worked flawlessly going to DXF, which can then be saved as DWG in AutoCAD.  Text comes in as text, geometry come in as polylines, and some default layers are set up.  However, dimensions do not come in as dimensions but since you are probably converting a drawing that is scaled, you will want to scale everything up or down and re-dimension anyways.

Powerful PDFs with Bluebeam Revu

PDFs are a staple in our digital environment today.  We primarily use them to distribute and share our designs with others without having to send the native files (DWGs, RVTs, etc.).  Well, what if you could do more with these PDFs - much more!  That is where Bluebeam Revu comes in.  At a very attractive price, Bluebeam Revu opens up your PDF capabilities greatly.  Bluebeam has plugins for AutoCAD, Revit, Navisworks, SolidWorks, SketchUp, and Office for direct PDF creation and batch options, or use the Bluebeam PDF printer to convert other CAD and Windows files to 10 different file formats.  Bluebeam automatically reads your drawing's orientation, scale, line weights, merged lines, plot style table and page size, so there is no need to adjust your settings.   Redline 2D and 3D PDFs with industry-standard markups including text, clouds, highlights, CAD symbols, stamps, images and more. Save custom markups in the patented Tool Chest for easy reuse, and use Revu's editing capabilities to assemble PDFs of RFIs, submittals, bid sets and more.  Perform takeoffs, automatically  compare drawings revisions,track markups in a list, integrate with SharePoint or ProjectWise, go mobile on a tablet PC or iPad and collaborate with project partners around the world in real time using Bluebeams's cloud-based solution, Bluebeam Studio.

 

Check out these videos showing how Bluebeam is used by Architects, Engineers, and Construction.

Read case studies from AEC customers and learn how Bluebeam has changed the way they work.

Download a 30-day trial today and experience the Bluebeam difference.

 
Bluebeam Revu 12 is Here!

Project Collaboration for AEC: Vault Professional Subscription now includes Autodesk Buzzsaw

Autodesk Vault Professional is data management software which helps organize, manage, and track data creation, simulation, and documentation processes for design, engineering, and construction teams. Vault Pro gives you more control over design data with revision management capabilities and quickly find and reuse design data, for easier management of your design and engineering information.

Autodesk Buzzsaw is a leading cloud-based document, design, and model management solution for centralizing and more securely exchanging project information across companies, disciplines, and locations. Buzzsaw helps enable Building Information Modeling (BIM) workflows with tools for documentation, modeling, and data management. Access Buzzsaw securely from your desktop, the web, or your mobile device.

Now with Subscription to Autodesk Vault Professional, users of Vault Pro are entitled to an Autodesk Buzzsaw site with an equivalent number of Buzzsaw users.  The Buzzsaw Benefit Form requires a valid Buzzsaw site name.  To create and validate a Buzzsaw site name through the Buzzsaw trial site mechanism, go here.   

Revit Keyboard Shortcut Tip

Did you know that you can have multiple assignments for the same keyboard shortcut?

Assigned EE to "EDIT" just about anything, Edit Boundary, Edit Profile, Edit System, Edit Family, etc.  Then do the same for FF "FINISH" (this eliminates having to click the "Green Tick".  Lastly assign CC to "CANCEL" (this eliminates having to click the "Red X'.

Now  you can speed up your editing as such:

• click on floor, type EE, and you are now in Edit Boundary, type FF and you are finished.
• click on wall, type EE, and you are in Edit Profile, type FF to finish.
• click on roof, type EE, you're in Edit Boundary, type FF to finish and so on.

You can also Cycle through all the available commands that are associated with the first letter of a keyboard shortcut by using the left/right arrow keys.

 
Source: RevitForum.org (http://www.revitforum.org/tutorials-tips-tricks/581-more-shortcut-key-magic.html)