DRAWING SCALE

Keep the correct scale when converting PDF to CAD

A drawing can look correct on screen and still have the wrong dimensions in model space.

Safest methodMeasure a clearly dimensioned distance in CAD and scale the complete conversion by the calculated factor.

Paper size is not model-space size

An A3 PDF may show a component at 1:1, a floor plan at 1:100 or a site plan at 1:500. PDF coordinates describe the printed page. Without a scale note or known measurement, the intended real size cannot be known reliably.

Calculate the scale factor

Scale factor = required real length ÷ measured CAD length

If a wall should be 6,000 mm but measures 60 units, the scale factor is 100. Scale the complete drawing by 100.

Verify more than one dimension

Check a second horizontal and vertical distance. If only one direction is correct, the image may be stretched. Uniform scaling cannot repair different X and Y distortion.

Common scale problems

What to provide

Select the known scale during upload. If it is unknown, provide one real measurement. For multi-sheet files, mention whether every page uses the same scale.

Final check

Confirm insertion units and important dimensions before using converted geometry for engineering, quantities or fabrication.

Convert with a known scale

Enter the scale under Advanced settings when it is shown in the title block.

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