How to convert PDF to Vector file in Illustrator & AutoCad

by Vernelle Noel

Below is the procedure for converting your pdf file to a vector file in Illustrator:

  1. Open your pattern in illustrator
  2. Ctrl+A (Select All)
  3. — Right click
  4. — Release clippling mask
  5. Delete background (may have to do this twice)
  6. Default Fill and Stroke
  7. Select None for Fill
  8. Object
  9. — Ungroup (if grouped)
  10. Unclick/ deselect everything
  11. Select All
  12. Window
  13. — Pathfinder
  14. — Divide
  15. Select All
  16. Make sure there is no Fill
  17. Ungroup
  18. Select lines outside of the bounding box
  19. Delete
  20. Select All
  21. Choose weight (3 pt.)
  22. Object
  23. — Expand
  24. — Uncheck Full
  25. — Ok
  26. Window
  27. — Pathfinder
  28. — Unite

To get outlines alone for the Cadd File go to:

  1. Window
  2. — Pathfinder
  3. — Outline
  4. Export file as .dwg or .dxf

When you open it is your Cadd program, there will be no hatches.