You have a folder of fifty drawings to send to a client, and the client doesn't own AutoCAD. Opening each file and plotting it by hand would eat your afternoon. Any DWG to PDF Converter is built for that job: you add the files, pick your options, and it converts the whole batch to PDF without AutoCAD installed.
Quick facts
- Input formats: DWG, DXF and DWF
- Output: PDF
- Platforms: Windows 98 through Windows 11, plus Windows Server editions
- Price: $83 for one license, perpetual, with lifetime free updates and support
- Trial: a free trial is available
Key features
Convert unlimited DWG, DXF and DWF files in one batch
Add individual files, add a whole folder, or drag files in from Windows Explorer. Then set an output folder and click Convert Now. It's a stand-alone utility, so AutoCAD is not required.
Choose how the PDFs are split
You can output one PDF per layout, one PDF per drawing, or merge all drawings into a single PDF file. This helps when a client wants one document instead of a pile of files.
Control size, quality and color of the output
You can set the size, quality and output color of the PDF. It also supports margins and custom page sizes, and can adjust the page size automatically based on the drawing.
Keep fonts, xrefs and plot styles intact
The converter handles SHX and TTF fonts, Xrefs, and embedded raster images or Excel objects. It supports AutoCAD CTB plot style files and line widths, and works with paper space, model space and the active layout.
Bookmarks, properties and damaged-file recovery
It creates bookmarks in the PDF and lets you set the author, title, subject and keywords. If a drawing is damaged, it tries to recover it automatically. It reads every DWG/DXF version from AutoCAD R2.5 onward.
Who it's for
It suits anyone who has to hand out CAD drawings as PDFs and doesn't want to buy or open AutoCAD each time. That includes office staff who share drawings with clients, contractors and printers. Developers who want to script conversions should look at the Pro edition, which adds command line support for $150. The vendor says it is otherwise the same as the standard version.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Batch conversion with no limit on the number of files.
- No AutoCAD needed.
- Plot style (CTB) and line width support.
- Flexible output: per layout, per drawing or combined.
- One-time payment with free updates for life.
- Runs on old and new Windows versions.
Cons
- Windows only.
- Command line automation requires the more expensive Pro edition.
- It converts to PDF only. You need the vendor's other converters for formats like DXF or images.
FAQs
Do I need AutoCAD installed?
No. The program works on its own.
Which drawing formats can it read?
DWG, DXF and DWF files, from AutoCAD R2.5 onward.
Can I combine several drawings into one PDF?
Yes. You can output all drawings into one PDF file, or create one PDF per drawing or per layout.
Can I run it from the command line?
Only in the Pro edition, which costs $150 per license.
Is there a trial?
Yes, you can try the program free before buying.
System requirements
- Operating system: Windows 98/Me/NT/2000/XP/Vista/7/8/8.1/10/11, Windows NT/2003/2008/2019
- Processor: 300 MHz or higher
- Memory: 256 MB or above
- Disk space: 128 MB free