Importing PDF data, tips and restrictions

The following elements are transferred when you import PDF files to Allplan drawing files: lines, text, bitmap areas and layers.

Please note the following tips and restrictions:

Line types are exploded.
Layers: PDF layer names (”planes”) are used as full layer names.
Circles are approximated for import (PDF format supports Bezier curves only). The larger the value you specify for Bezier split level, the smoother the curves, the larger the volume of data.
Text:
- Text in PDF format consists of text segments.
- The Arial font is used as a substitute for fonts that are not installed.
- A TrueType font can be assigned as a substitute to a missing font. You need to edit the PDF-Import font mapping.dat file in Allplan’s STD folder (office standard).
- Some Postscript drivers create bold text by moving it several times (e.g. FreePDF). In this case, you should disable the Join text lines option.
- Certain formatting properties of text (underlined and crossed out) are not available in PDF-format files and thus transferred as lines. These properties are also missing when you copy data using the Clipboard.
PDF format does not know dimension lines; consequently, they are exploded.
PDF format does not know hatching styles and patters; consequently, they are exploded.
Complex surfaces with holes may not always be imported correctly.
Pixel areas:
- Pixel areas in PDF format files may be composed of stripes and are also imported in this form.
- Special formats (including ICC profiles etc.) are currently not imported.
PDF format does not know CAD objects and components; consequently, they are exploded.
Adobe uses the U3D and PRC file formats for 3D PDF. Allplan supports the U3D format (ECMA-363 1st edition).