CAD conversion services from paper, PDF and legacy.
From scanned paper drawings to PDF, DWG, DGN and legacy formats, ASTCAD delivers CAD conversion services that produce clean, layered, editable CAD files. Trusted by engineers, architects and councils across Australia since 2010.
CAD conversion services we offer
Our full range of CAD conversion and migration services across Australia — from paper to CAD and PDF to DWG through to full CAD system migrations.
Paper to CAD Conversion
Raster to Vector Conversion
AutoCAD Conversion
DWG to DGN Conversion
MicroStation Conversion
CAD Migration Services
MCD to DWG Conversion
2D to 3D Conversion
ASTCAD provides professional CAD conversion services to engineering firms, architects, facilities managers, and manufacturers across Australia who need existing drawings upgraded, digitised, or converted into a different format. We convert paper drawings, scanned images, PDFs, and outdated CAD formats into accurate, standards-compliant AutoCAD DWG files — ready for immediate use in design, construction, and maintenance.
CAD Conversion Services We Provide
Paper to CAD Conversion
Original drawings on paper, linen, or mylar are digitised into editable AutoCAD DWG files. Our drafters work from scanned images or physical originals, tracing each drawing to create a clean, fully editable CAD file with correct layering, line weights, and title block to AS/NZS 1100 standard. Useful for: heritage buildings, legacy plant drawings, as-built surveys, and any situation where the original CAD files have been lost.
PDF to DWG Conversion
The most common CAD conversion request — converting a PDF drawing (vector or scanned raster) into a fully editable DWG file. ASTCAD’s PDF to CAD conversion produces clean, properly layered DWG files with accurate dimensions, correct text as editable text objects, and all geometry reproduced to the original scale. We handle complex multi-discipline drawings, A0/A1 format sets, and high-volume conversion batches. All converted files are quality-checked against the source drawing before delivery.
2D to 3D Conversion
Converting existing 2D AutoCAD drawings into 3D models in SolidWorks, Autodesk Inventor, Revit, or AutoCAD 3D. This is particularly valuable for:
- Mechanical components being redesigned for manufacture — 2D fabrication drawings converted to parametric SolidWorks models
- Buildings being entered into BIM — 2D AutoCAD construction drawings converted to Revit models for facility management
- Retrofit and as-built surveys — 2D as-built drawings converted to 3D for clash detection and modification planning
Legacy Format Conversion
Converting drawings from older or specialist CAD formats into current AutoCAD DWG or other required formats:
| Source Format | Target Format | Common Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| MicroStation DGN | AutoCAD DWG | Infrastructure, government projects |
| CATIA / ProE / NX | STEP, IGES, DWG | Aerospace, automotive engineering |
| IGES / STEP | SolidWorks, Inventor, DWG | Importing supplier models |
| AutoCAD (old version) | Current DWG | Legacy drawing archive upgrades |
| Raster scan / TIF | AutoCAD DWG (vectorised) | Pre-CAD paper drawing archives |
| SketchUp SKP | Revit, DWG | Architectural concept to construction |
Drawing Standardisation and Cleanup
Many organisations have accumulated DWG files with inconsistent layers, non-standard line weights, incorrect title blocks, or mixed units from different projects or software versions. ASTCAD provides drawing cleanup and standardisation services — reorganising layers to your company standard, applying correct AS/NZS 1100 line types and weights, populating title blocks, and purging unused elements — to bring inherited drawing sets into compliance with your current standards.
Industries and Applications
- Mining heritage drawings — Pre-1990s mine site drawings converted from linen originals to searchable, editable DWG for maintenance and expansion projects
- Infrastructure as-built conversion — Water, sewage, road, and rail as-built drawings from paper or microfilm converted to DWG for council and utility GIS systems
- Manufacturing and plant — Legacy equipment drawings converted from paper or IGES to current SolidWorks for spare parts manufacture and reverse engineering
- Building and construction — PDF shop drawings and structural drawings converted to DWG for design development and contractor coordination
- Defence and aerospace — Legacy CATIA or ProE drawings converted to STEP/IGES for supply chain management and MRO use
Quality and Accuracy
Every CAD conversion at ASTCAD undergoes a two-stage quality check: the drafting check confirms geometric accuracy and completeness against the source; the senior review checks layer structure, drawing standards compliance, and title block information. Converted drawings are delivered with a transmittal noting any ambiguities in the source material — we flag unclear dimensions or illegible text rather than making assumptions that require expensive correction later.
Frequently Asked Questions
How accurate is paper-to-CAD conversion?
Accuracy depends on the quality of the source drawing. Clean, dimensioned paper drawings can be converted with accuracy matching the original tolerances. Scanned drawings at 300 DPI or higher convert well; 75–150 DPI scans often require more manual tracing and annotation. We always confirm key reference dimensions against the source before delivery and flag any discrepancies.
What scale will the converted DWG file be in?
All ASTCAD converted drawings are produced at 1:1 model space scale (real-world dimensions), with the drawing scale set in paper space viewports. This is the correct practice per AS/NZS 1100 and allows the drawing to be used at any output scale without rescaling geometry. If your source drawing specifies a scale (e.g. 1:100), we calibrate all dimensions accordingly.
Can you handle large batches of conversion work?
Yes. ASTCAD has handled batch conversion projects ranging from 50 to 5,000+ drawings, typically for mining, infrastructure, and manufacturing clients digitising historical drawing archives. For large batches, we agree a quality sampling protocol and provide progress reporting against a conversion schedule. Volume pricing is available.
What file formats can you deliver the converted drawings in?
Standard delivery is AutoCAD DWG (current version or specified legacy version) and PDF. We can also deliver in DXF, DGN, Revit RVT, SolidWorks SLDPRT/SLDASM, STEP, IGES, or any other format required by your project. Please specify your required delivery format when requesting a quote.
Related services: PDF to DWG Conversion | Paper to CAD Conversion | Mechanical Drafting | Architectural Drafting
📞 1300 002 228 | 📧 [email protected] | Get a free quote →
Professional CAD conversion services across Australia.
ASTCAD provides CAD conversion services for every legacy-to-modern format combination an Australian engineering, manufacturing or architectural team is likely to need. From PDF and paper drawings to native DWG, from MicroStation DGN to AutoCAD DWG, from 2D drawings to 3D solid models — we deliver layered, editable, production-grade output.
Every conversion is hand-traced or vector-mapped by trained CAD operators (not just OCR’d or raster-traced). Layers, dimensions, text and blocks are reconstructed faithfully — ready to drop into your design workflow.
CAD conversion services we offer
PDF to DWG conversion
PDF drawings converted to fully-editable AutoCAD DWG files. Layered, dimensioned, with text as native text (not vector). Suits scanned drawings, exported PDFs, or vendor docs.
PDF to DWG →Paper to CAD conversion
Scanned paper drawings — blueprints, hand-drafted sheets, photocopies — converted to clean AutoCAD or MicroStation files. Decades-old archives brought into modern CAD workflows.
Paper to CAD →2D to 3D conversion
2D drawings (plan, elevation, section) reconstructed into 3D solid models in SolidWorks, Inventor or Fusion 360. Useful for BIM coordination, FEA preparation and visualisation.
2D to 3D →DGN to DWG (MicroStation conversion)
MicroStation DGN files converted to AutoCAD DWG, preserving layer mapping, line styles and reference files. Common for government / infrastructure handovers.
DGN to DWG →Raster to vector conversion
Bitmap / raster images (TIFF, JPG, BMP) converted to clean vector linework. Often the first step in restoring legacy site plans, civil drawings, and topographic surveys.
Raster to vector →CAD migration services
Bulk migration from one CAD system to another — AutoCAD ↔ MicroStation, SolidWorks ↔ Inventor, ArchiCAD ↔ Revit. Standards-mapped and validated.
CAD migration →How CAD conversion works at ASTCAD
Send source files
Email or upload your source drawings — PDF, scanned paper, DGN, raster image, native CAD. We review the scope and quote based on sheet count and complexity.
Conversion + QA
Hand-traced or vector-mapped by experienced CAD operators. Layered to your template. Internal QA check against the source before delivery.
Delivery + revisions
Final output in your required format (DWG, DGN, IGES, STEP, native files). Two rounds of revision included. Final delivery via secure transfer.
Why builders, engineers and architects choose ASTCAD for CAD conversion
Hand-traced, not OCR’d
Every line is mapped by a trained operator — not auto-converted. Result: clean, editable, faithful-to-source CAD files. No spurious lines, no broken text, no orphan blocks.
Layered to your standard
Send your CAD template and we’ll map output to your layer naming convention, line types and text styles. Files land ready for your team.
Per-sheet pricing
Transparent per-sheet pricing — from $35 per A1 sheet for standard PDF-to-DWG. Bulk discounts on 50+ sheet jobs. Quoted upfront with no surprises.
Fast turnaround at scale
10-sheet jobs in 48 hours. 100-sheet jobs in 1-2 weeks. 1,000-sheet legacy archive projects on milestone schedules. We’ve handled it all.
NDA-signed and IP-protected
Every project starts with NDA. Files transferred via secure channels. Output owned 100% by the client. Source files destroyed on request after delivery.
1,000+ projects since 2010
Mining giants, oil & gas operators, defence primes, council archives, manufacturers, builders — ASTCAD has done the conversion before.
CAD conversion — frequently asked
How much does CAD conversion cost?
Per-sheet pricing starts from $35 for simple A1 PDF-to-DWG and rises with complexity. Mechanical assembly drawings, dense civil plans, or 2D-to-3D conversions are priced higher. Send us a sample and we’ll quote the full job within 24 hours.
How long does CAD conversion take?
A single A1 sheet: 4–8 hours. A 10-sheet job: 1–2 days. A 100-sheet job: 5–10 working days. Large archive projects (1,000+ sheets) are scheduled across milestones — we provide an indicative timeline with every quote.
Will the converted DWG be fully editable?
Yes. All output DWG files are fully editable — text as native text (not vector outline), dimensions as real dimensions (not exploded lines), blocks as proper blocks. You can modify, dimension and reuse them as if they were drafted natively in AutoCAD.
Can you match my company’s layer standard?
Yes. Send us your CAD template, layer naming convention, line types and text styles, and we’ll deliver output matching your in-house standards. This is included at no extra cost.
Ready to start your CAD conversion?
Send us a sample sheet — we’ll respond within 24 hours with a fixed per-sheet quote and indicative timeline.