In our last post we looked at converting PDF files to CAD. While our Scan2CAD raster to vector conversion software can convert raster PDF files to CAD, it cannot convert vector PDF files which are, internally, quite different.

For a while now we have been partnering with Visual Integrity, the publisher of PDF2CAD, which converts vector PDF files to CAD. Together we are able to offer a cost-effective Scan2CAD / PDF2CAD bundle – a complete solution for raster and vector PDF to CAD conversion.

We asked Jean Haney, co-founder and president of Visual Integrity, about herself, PDF2CAD, its origins, aims, capabilities and differences to Scan2CAD.

Steve: How did you get involved with PDF2CAD?

Jean Haney: I’ve spent my entire career involved with graphics software. I’ve also worked cross-platform on products for UNIX, Linux, the Mac and, of course, Windows. As the industry evolved, platforms matured and incompatibilities proliferated, we recognized a need for reuse of what we call “visual content” reports, charts, schematics, illustrations, technical drawings, forms, etc… between incompatible applications or archive systems. Starting with PostScript, which predates PDF, we started developing ways for technical writers to view and import drawings from engineering apps. It snowballed from there.

Everything we have done has been customer driven. The diverse solutions we offer today each started off as an answer to a customer request and have met success with others in the same boat. We’re having fun and time is flying. This will be our 17th year in business… PDF2CAD is only about 5 years old but it’s been heartwarming to see its popular and critical acceptance in a very demanding market sector. I get my encouragement and my inspiration from our customers and that’s what keeps me creative and involved.

Steve: How, when and where did PDF2CAD start?

Jean Haney: We started developing format conversion tools back in 1993. Initially, we were focused on converting PostScript into vector and image formats specifically for engineers and technical writers. Once PDF hit the market, and became a widely accepted exchange format, demand grew for all types of PDF conversion solutions. For example, we were getting a lot of requests for PDF to DXF so we modularized our flagship PDF FLY and released inexpensive packaged solutions – PDF2CAD was the first.

Since then, it has been a natural evolution. The broad acceptance of PDF made drawing exchange easy and the need has increased dramatically to reuse or repurpose this information in the CAD/CAM/CAE worlds. At one time, it was just the tech writers who needed to included engineer’s drawings in their manuals but now the larger supply chain also has a need to reuse PDF files to generate accurate responses to RFQ’s, add efficiencies, save time and lower costs.

Steve: What is PDF FLY and how is it different to PDF2CAD?

Jean Haney: PDF FLY is a complete solution for converting of PDF, EPS and PostScript into industry-standard vector and image formats. It also includes a text extraction module. It’s the engine that all of our products are based on and offers optional access for developers via a command line or DLL. In short, it’s an entire toolbox while PDF2CAD is one of the tools in the toolbox that just converts PDF into the DXF and HPGL CAD formats.

Steve: There many similar products. What distinguishes PDF2CAD from them? Where do you see it fitting into the market?

Jean Haney: Our products are mature and proven. We’ve been at this a long time. There’s no one out there who has the depth or breadth that we do in vector-to-vector conversion. Sure there are some products that try to do what we do but they just can’t achieve the same quality. Just this morning we had a nice comment from someone who said “I’m looking into PDF conversion for a client. I have tried more than a dozen products and have found that yours appears to be the best. The test that I did on all products is to just use the application with its default settings to weed out the worst performers. So now I’m ready to see how much better we can get.” We like this and we like working with customers to optimize the output. It’s the real-world examples that make it fun.

Steve: Is there any particular aspect of converting PDF files to CAD that is especially difficult and which buyers should look out for when evaluating different demo programs?

Jean Haney: The main thing people need to do is to determine what type of PDF file they have. There are two types – vector PDF and raster PDF. Once they know what type of PDF file they have, then they can choose the best tool, either vector-to-vector or raster-to-vector. PDF2CAD is the best tool for people who have vector PDF files generated by applications. We often get inquiries from people who have scanned drawings who really need software like Scan2CAD Pro to regenerate the drawing from the image. Just knowing what type of PDF file that they are starting with makes the conversion process a breeze.

Steve: How does PDF2CAD deal with vector and raster PDF files?

Jean Haney: Basically, if it is a vector PDF file, PDF2CAD will parse through and extract all the objects, layers and text. If it is a raster PDF, it is limited to generating a DXF tracing layer that contains an image of the drawing.

Steve: PDF2CAD supports DXF only (like Scan2CAD). Do you think that the importance of DWG is over-rated for our applications?

Jean Haney: DXF was developed by Autodesk as an interchange format (and initially to keep a proprietary edge with DWG) so it’s meant to be used for this purpose – moving a file between technical applications. The downside of an interchange format is simply its size. Because it’s trying to be so much to so many applications, files can be quite inflated when converted from PDF to DXF. Once it’s opened and being worked in a target application like AutoCAD or Microstation and then saved in the native DWG, DGN, etc – the file size is greatly reduced again. Most technical applications support DXF and not all of them import DWG so we think it’s a sensible choice.

Steve: Is price a consideration? Do you get a better product the more you pay? Where does PDF2CAD sit in terms of price?

Jean Haney: We didn’t want price to be an issue. PDF2CAD is pretty inexpensive. It’s $195. Generally, in a world of pricey technical applications, it’s seen as very good value and usually pays for itself with the time saved just redrawing a file or two. You could certainly pay more and not get a product as solid as PDF2CAD.

Steve: We believe some CAD programs now convert PDF directly themselves. How will this affect PDF2CAD’s market in future?

Jean Haney: It’s all good. Being able to import and edit PDF is a great feature for any technical application. We do have a few OEM companies who bundle or promote PDF2CAD directly or through select resellers. Choosing to integrate or bundle PDF2CAD allows them to provide the best tool to their customers with the significant associated development and maintenance. We haven’t looked closely at the quality of the embedded features you mention but know that we have plenty of customers who rely on PDF2CAD with ArchiCAD, ZwCAD, IntelliCAD, etc. Often, application companies try to do it first themselves, realize what a bear it is and then come to us for a solution. Right now, many people don’t realize that it’s possible to convert PDF files into DXF. If the application vendors want to bundle a PDF import feature, it will raise awareness of the possibilities and increase interest in our products. If they want to add PDF import quickly or make their PDF feature “best of breed”, they’ll OEM a solution from us.

Steve: You have a free trial of PDF2CAD. Where can a reader get it?

Jean Haney: We have a free, 30-day evaluation at www.pdf2cad.com and are happy to share a $20 savings coupon with your readers – simply quote CADG0910. There is also more about how to tell if a file is a raster PDF or a vector PDF in the FAQ on our site. Thanks for the opportunity to introduce PDF2CAD to your readers.