DWG is the most common file format for CAD data such as design drawings (the format name is even a shortening of the word “drawing”). Because DWG files can only be opened and edited with CAD software, users without a DWG-compatible software are unable to view or review or edit these drawings.Therefore, it is often necessary to convert DWG CAD files to PDF to ensure that anyone – even without specialized CAD tools – can access the drawings.

This article introduces key points to help beginners easily convert DWG-format CAD data to PDF. We’ll also walk through how to do this using ARES Commander- the world’s No.1 DWG-compatible alternative to AutoCAD. When using ARES Commander for this task, you won’t need to install a PDF printer, thanks to its built-in PDF import and  PDF export functionality.

What’s the Difference Between DWG and PDF?

Before learning how to convert DWG to PDF, it’s important to understand the difference between these two widely used file formats. 

DWG: The Standard CAD Format

DWG is widely recognized as the industry-standard CAD file format, commonly used in architecture, engineering, construction and manufacturing. A DWG file contains much more than simple 2D or 3D drawings – it can include detailed design geometry, maps, layers, metadata, and embedded images.

 Because of its depth and precision, DWG is essential for professionals such as architects, engineers, designers, and CAD operators. However, DWG files can only be opened with specialized CAD software, which means users without a DWG-compatible program cannot view or edit the drawing. This limitation is a key reason why many teams choose to convert DWG files to PDF for easy sharing and review.

PDF: A Universal File Format

PDF (Portable Document Format) is a universally accessible file type that can be opened on almost any device without CAD software.It supports encryption and password protection, offering enhanced file security. PDFs are also more compact than DWG files, making storage and file sharing easier.

Not All PDFs Are the Same

When people think of a PDF, they usually imagine a standard document – like a scanned page, a report, or a form. This type of PDF is often raster-based or contains mixed content, and it typically does not include CAD-specific information such as layers or precise vector geometry.

In contrast, a PDF generated from a DWG file is usually vector-based, preserving sharp lines and accurate geometry at any zoom level. Depending on the export settings, it may also include many more and different information like layers, lineweights, and embedded fonts, making it much closer to the original CAD drawing than a regular PDF.

When to Convert DWG Files  to PDF

Here are two examples of common scenarios where it makes sense to convert DWG files to PDF:

Use Case #1: Sharing with Non-Design Teams

PDF is ideal for sharing information with team members who aren’t design professionals, such as clients or collaborators. Converting CAD data like DWG files to PDF allows non-specialists to view the designs easily.

Use Case #2: Submitting as an Attachment in Applications

When submitting design drawings for permits or applications, PDF is typically the required format. This allows the reviewing party to view the content without needing CAD software.

Key Points for Converting CAD to PDF

Here are important considerations when converting DWG files to PDF:

1. Be Mindful of File Security: If using a free online service to convert your files to PDF, ensure the site is trustworthy. If your file contains sensitive information, check that it will be adequately protected.
   
2. Embed Fonts for Correct Text Displays: Before converting, make sure the font embedding option is enabled in your CAD software. Some programs don’t embed fonts by default, so you may need to activate this setting to ensure text appears correctly in the PDF.
   
3. Check the Page Size and Scale: CAD drawings often represent full models, while PDFs are formatted for print output. If page size and scale aren’t set properly, parts of the drawing may not fit on the page, or may be cut off. Always confirm the output page size in your CAD-to-PDF settings to ensure everything fits well in the final PDF.

How to Convert DWG to PDF Using ARES Commander

Now let’s look at how to convert DWG files to PDF using ARES Commander. ARES Commander is a powerful, general-purpose 2D/3D CAD software application compatible with DWG, and is the global leader as an AutoCAD alternative.

Most CAD software requires a separate PDF printer to convert files. In contrast, ARES Commander has built-in PDF export functionality — so there’s no installation required.

To convert DWG to PDF in ARES Commander, use the EXPORTPDF command, following the steps below: 

1. Run the PDF Export EXPORTPDF command to display the PDF Export dialog box.
2. Click the Browse button to specify the destination and name of the PDF you want to create. 
3. In the Save File dialog, specify the save destination and file name, then click the Save button.
4. The PDF Export dialog appears; select the sheet to be exported in the Sheets section.
5. Specify the paper size.
6. Specify the Margin value.
7. In Options, specify the Print Style Table.
8. Click the OK button to close the dialog.

You can specify options like creating layers in the PDF and handling annotations using TrueType fonts. 

Converting PDF to DWG Using ARES Commander

If you also want to convert PDF files back to DWG, ARES Commander offers advanced PDF-to-DWG tools that let you import geometry, text, and vector elements with high accuracy. You can even choose which layers to import during the process. For a full walkthrough, watch the updated tutorial video about “PDF Import/Export using ARES Commander CAD Software” below.

Get Your Free Trial of ARES Commander​​

If you’re not already using ARES Commander, get started today with a 30-day free trial of the ARES Trinity of CAD software. With your trial, you’re not limited to ARES Commander-you also gain complete access to the cloud and mobile apps, ARES Kudo and ARES Touch.

With this all-in-one trial, you can explore powerful capabilities such as DWG editing, PDF import/export, cloud-enabled workflows, and seamless collaboration across ARES Commander (CAD for Desktop), ARES Kudo (CAD for Cloud), and ARES Touch (CAD for Mobile). Try it now and discover why ARES Commander is the leading DWG-compatible alternative to AutoCAD.