Solid Converter: DWG to PDF Guide for Architects

Solid Converter: DWG to PDF Guide for ArchitectsArchitects frequently exchange drawings and documentation across teams, clients, and contractors. DWG is the native file format for many CAD applications (notably AutoCAD), but recipients often prefer PDF for its universality, fixed layout, and ease of printing. This guide explains how architects can use Solid Converter to convert DWG files to high-quality PDFs, preserve drawing fidelity, manage layers and fonts, automate batch tasks, and optimize output for printing and sharing.

Why convert DWG to PDF?

• Universality: PDFs can be opened on virtually any device without CAD software.
• Fixed layout: PDFs preserve exact page layout and scale, preventing unintended changes.
• Security and distribution: PDFs support password protection, permissions, and digital signatures.
• Printing and plotting: PDFs standardize lineweights, fonts, and page sizes for reliable printing.

Overview of Solid Converter

Solid Converter is a conversion tool designed to turn CAD and office files into polished PDFs and other formats. It focuses on preserving drawing geometry, text, layers, and other metadata. For architects, it’s valuable because it keeps plan accuracy while producing files that are easy to share and annotate.

Preparing DWG files before conversion

1. Clean the drawing:
   • Purge unused layers, blocks, and styles.
   • Audit for errors and fix corrupted objects.
2. Set correct units and scales:
   • Ensure model or paper space is set consistently.
   • Confirm viewport scales match intended printed scale.
3. Standardize layers and lineweights:
   • Use consistent layer names and assign lineweights for printing.
4. Embed or reference fonts:
   • Where possible, use TrueType fonts or embed fonts to avoid substitution.
5. Create a plotting layout:
   • Arrange viewports, titleblocks, and sheet sizes in paper space.

Conversion settings that matter

When converting DWG to PDF with Solid Converter, these settings affect the result:

• Page size and orientation — match the drawing sheet (A0, A1, A2, A3, A4, etc.).
• Scale handling — ensure conversion respects viewport scales and maintains dimensions.
• Lineweight and color mapping — convert CAD colors and lineweights into printable equivalents (black/gray vs. color).
• Layer visibility and export — choose whether to include all layers or only visible ones.
• Font embedding and text conversion — preserve text as selectable/searchable text rather than raster images.
• Vector vs. raster output — prefer vector output for sharp lines and scalability; rasterize only when necessary (e.g., complex fills or external references).
• Compression and file size — balance image compression with clarity for large drawings.
• Security options — add passwords or restrict editing/printing as required.

Step-by-step: Converting a DWG to PDF

1. Open Solid Converter and choose the DWG file (or files) you want to convert.
2. Select output folder and filename pattern (use sheet name or drawing number for clarity).
3. Choose page size and orientation to match the layout in the DWG.
4. Configure layer, font, and lineweight options:
   • Enable font embedding/selectable text.
   • Map lineweights to maintain print appearance.
   • Decide whether to export all layers or only visible ones.
5. Select vector output for CAD geometry. Enable rasterization only for problematic elements.
6. Set image compression and PDF quality (higher for print; moderate for sharing).
7. (Optional) Set security options — password protect or restrict editing.
8. Preview the PDF output if the tool provides a preview.
9. Run the conversion. Inspect the PDF for scale, lineweight, fonts, and completeness.
10. If issues appear, adjust DWG (layers, fonts, scales) and convert again.

Batch converting multiple drawings

Solid Converter supports batch processing, which is essential when delivering entire sets:

• Create consistent file naming conventions (e.g., ProjectCode_SheetNo_Title).
• Use templates for output settings to keep PDFs uniform across sheets.
• Run a batch conversion and then spot-check a sample from each sheet type (plans, elevations, sections).
• Automate post-processing: stamping, digital signatures, or combining sheets into a single set.

Best practices for printing and plotting

• Always check at 1:1 scale in a PDF viewer’s print preview.
• Use standard sheet sizes and titleblock locations to simplify printer setup.
• Convert color layers to grayscale or pen assignments as required by the printer/plotter.
• Embed scale bars and clear revision clouds so they remain readable at print size.
• For large-format printing, confirm the printer’s supported PDF/X or PDF standards.

Troubleshooting common issues

• Fonts substituted or missing: ensure TrueType fonts are used or embed fonts before conversion.
• Incorrect scale or clipped viewports: verify viewport properties and page size match.
• Thin or missing lines: adjust lineweight mapping or set minimum lineweight thresholds.
• Large file size: increase image compression, downsample raster images, or convert complex fills to simpler hatch patterns.
• Rasterized text or images: enable vector/text output; rasterize only problematic elements.

Tips for collaboration and version control

• Include metadata in PDFs: sheet number, revision, author, and date.
• Keep a master folder with original DWG files and an output archive for PDFs.
• Use consistent naming and version suffixes (v01, v02).
• Consider watermarking drafts (“For Review”) to avoid confusion with issued-for-construction sheets.

When to use other tools or formats

• Use DWF when recipients need layer and object data retained in a smaller, CAD-focused package.
• Use IFC/BIM formats for model-based coordination rather than 2D sheet exchange.
• Use high-resolution image exports only for presentations where CAD fidelity is less critical.

Quick checklist before sending PDFs to clients or printers

• [ ] Page sizes match sheet sizes.
• [ ] Scale and scale bar verified at 1:1.
• [ ] Fonts embedded or converted to outlines.
• [ ] Lineweights and colors set for printing.
• [ ] Layers correctly visible/hidden.
• [ ] File named with project and sheet ID.
• [ ] Security/watermarks applied if needed.

Solid Converter can streamline the DWG-to-PDF workflow for architects by keeping drawings accurate, readable, and easy to distribute. Proper preparation, careful settings, and spot-checking outputs will ensure your PDFs meet professional printing and collaboration standards.