How do I convert DWG files to PDF?

Due to the flexibility and versatility of CAD, everything from bridges to perfume bottles are designed using CAD programs. However, these programs come with costly licenses, often in the thousands for each end user, and due to the large amount of content in each file, have extremely large file sizes. It’s unaffordable for organizations to purchase AutoCAD licenses for users who only need to view DWG files, not author or edit them. The solution? PDF.

Converting DWG to PDF accurately

There are a number of free tools on the web that claim to convert your DWG files to PDF accurately. When dealing with such complex drawings with multiple layers, can you really trust freeware? Imagine what would happen if a schematic was missing a critical component in the PDF file? How would that affect the manufacturing process down the line? How many hours would be lost trying to figure out what went wrong? How many dollars would be wasted?

Bringing in automation and fidelity

Organizations whose business-critical documents are DWG files need software which can automate the conversion of CAD files to PDF and ensure 100% fidelity – including all of the layers that CAD files contain. Adlib PDF can be integrated into existing business systems – from Enterprise Content Management (ECM) systems to Workflow tools to Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) software – in order to automatically convert CAD files to PDFs and deliver the files to the end user or document repository. Many save-to-PDF programs flatten or lose design layers when rendering a CAD file to PDF, changing the output content. Adlib’s Advanced Rendering technology allows the user to specify which layers to make visible or invisible in the PDF rendition and ensures 100% fidelity compared to the original CAD file.

More than just DWG to PDF

Adlib converts more than just DWG files to PDF. There are many different kinds of CAD software, not all of which are supported as inputs by rendering programs. The leading CAD software file types are supported by Adlib, including SolidWorks, AutoCAD, and CATIA. Adlib also includes support for CTB files (which are used to attach color and display settings to design objects). Additionally, Adlib’s robust Professional Services team can help address niche format requirements as needed.

Reap the benefits of converting DWG to PDF with Advanced Rendering

Adlib’s 2D CAD Module is a cost-effective way to convert CAD to PDF to support collaboration and archiving goals, reduce the need for software licenses, and increase the ability to share files over email and mobile.

Organizations can achieve a number of benefits:

• Improving collaboration with internal and external stakeholders: Native authoring applications and file size is no longer an issue when the CAD file is converted to PDF, allowing users to share the drawings easily over email. PDF files are also viewable on mobile devices, unlike CAD files.
• Reducing costs for software licenses: The need to purchase costly CAD software licenses for end users who only need the ability to view drawings is eliminated when converting CAD files to high-quality PDF.
• Ensuring high-fidelity conversions with design layers: Adlib’s high-fidelity CAD rendering engine keeps CAD drawing layers intact and allows users to specify which layers to make visible or invisible in the rendering.