How to Convert DWG to PDF – Save AutoCAD as PDF Files

Convert DWG files to PDF files with AutoCAD and Xodo PDF Studio on Windows, macOS, and Linux, or save them directly in AutoCAD.

Sharing and viewing AutoCAD drawings for architects, engineers, and designers is a must. Whether it be for collaborating or reviewing, DWG files are the main AutoCAD format used in their workflows.

However, these are complex and not widely accessible without CAD software. So, adding comments, notes, measurements, or even just quickly viewing the file can be a major obstacle.

That's why converting DWG files to PDF makes it easier for professionals to exchange design data. A PDF ensures that stakeholders can view the content without AutoCAD, while preserving the file’s content and integrity.

In this guide, we’ll show you step-by-step how to convert DWG files to PDF using Xodo PDF Studio, and how to save them directly within AutoCAD.

How to convert DWG to PDF using Xodo PDF Studio

To convert DWG to PDF using Xodo PDF Studio on desktop, follow these steps:

1. Download and install Xodo PDF Studio on your desktop.
2. Go to the Convert tab > From AutoCAD.
3. Browse for, locate, and open the DWG file you wish to convert.
4. Then go to File tab > Save and save the PDF to your computer.

With Xodo PDF Studio, you can easily convert AutoCAD to PDF on any platform—Windows, macOS, and Linux.

Additionally, the tool offers advanced features like OCR for converting scanned documents and tools to measure PDFs accurately, making it ideal for PDF tasks that go beyond conversion.

Steps to batch convert multiple DWG files to PDF

Need to convert several DWG files at once?

Xodo PDF Studio has batch processing capabilities that let you export multiple CAD files instantly:

1. Go to the Batch tab > Convert to > PDF.
2. Open your DWG files in the batch interface by clicking on Add Files or Add Folder.
3. Select your conversion output options below.
4. Click on Start.

How to save DWG as PDF directly in AutoCAD

If you want to convert DWG to PDF with AutoCAD, the software has options for saving directly to PDF. Follow the steps below:

1. Open the DWG file in AutoCAD.
2. Click on the Layout tab at the bottom.
3. Then click on the Output tab at the top.
4. Go to Plot.
5. Choose DWG to PDF as the Printer/plotter. 
6. Select and check any other PDF output options necessary. 
7. Click on OK.
8. Name and save your new PDF to your device.

Note that the above method is used to export a single layout to a general PDF in AutoCAD. There are other presets and options, depending on what you wish to export from your DWG file to PDF.

For instance, AutoCAD also lets you include layers in the exported PDF. When exporting, just ensure that the option to include layers is checked in the PDF Options settings.

Steps to quickly export multiple CAD files to PDF

You can export several CAD files at once with AutoCAD by following the steps below:

1. Go to the Application menu > Print > Batch Plot.
2. In the “Publish to:” field, select PDF.
3. Click on the Add Sheets button to add your drawings.
4. Select and specify other options and ensure that all plot settings are properly configured.
5. Click on Publish.

Easily convert AutoCAD to PDF without losing quality

While using AutoCAD is a natural go-to method for the task, using Xodo PDF Studio as your DWG to PDF converter adds more flexibility to your workflow.

You get access to other advanced features to measure PDFs, use OCR, convert to other formats, and even edit or mark up those PDFs.

Xodo can handle multiple PDF tasks, making it the ideal solution for converting and working accurately with all your complex documents, including AutoCAD.

Ready to streamline your design document management? Get Xodo PDF Studio today.