Best AutoCAD to PDF converters in 2024

PRICE
VERDICT
REASONS TO BUY
REASONS TO AVOID
VERDICT
REASONS TO BUY
REASONS TO AVOID
Quick menu

Person writing on computer.

(Image credit: Glenn Carstens-Peters / Unsplash)

1. Best overall
2. Best online
3. Best for specialists
4. Best free
5. Best for filetypes
FAQs
How to choose
How we test

The best AutoCAD to PDF converters let you export DWG and DXF files into the PDF format for printing, archiving, and sharing. 

When you're working with the best 3D modeling software, you want to know your digital designs and CAD creations are secure. That's where AutoCAD to PDF conversion tools come in - helping you store or share DWG and DXF files even with those working outside of the Autodesk environment. 

The best PDF editors and best free PDF editors offer many document converter tools, typically centered around Office filetypes like Word and Excel. For the best PDF to AutoCAD converters and vice versa, specialized software is usually more useful. 

Equipped with the best laptops for AutoCAD, our team of expert reviewers have tested out the very best AutoCAD to PDF converters. As part of our testing process, we’ve explored key features including user interface and experience, how the tools handle batch conversions, platform compatibility, support for additional file types, and pricing.  

Best AutoCAD to PDF converter overall

(Image credit: AutoDWG)

1. AutoDWG DWG to PDF Converter

Our top choice for AutoCAD to PDF conversion

Reasons to buy

+
Supports batch file conversions
+
Convert DWG, DXF, and DWF files
+
Comprehensive free trial available
+
Fast download and installation

Reasons to avoid

-
Advanced watermark features cost more
-
No web version available

The AutoDWG DWG to PDF converter is one of the most popular programs available today. It supports large-scale batch conversions of DWG, DXF, and DWF CAD files. On top of this, all of the latest AutoCAD file versions are supported.

When you use AutoDWG, you will benefit from a simple user interface that takes only minutes to get used to. Converting files is as simple as uploading them and hitting the convert button. Conversions are also quick, and the ability to convert multiple files at once is useful.

The program’s comprehensive free trial means that you can try it before you buy it. If you do need to purchase a paid license, there are different options available: a lifetime license option with core features, a Pro license with additional ones, and a Server license for teams.

Best AutoCAD to PDF converter online

(Image credit: Zamzar)

2. Zamzar DWG to PDF

A fast online conversion tool

Reasons to buy

+
Fast online file conversions
+
Accurate AutoCAD to PDF converter
+
Supports conversions between numerous file types
+
Powerful free-forever version 

Reasons to avoid

-
No offline version available
-
Conversions can be slow at times
-
Paid accounts can get expensive

The Zamzar DWG to PDF converter provides a full AutoCAD to PDF file converter that supports DWG, DXF, and other CAD file formats. No download is required, and user accounts are only necessary for high-volume clients.

For the average user, converting a file with Zamzar is as easy: upload the file you want to convert, choose what format you want to change it to, and hit the Convert Now button.

If you require more than the basic service, you can upgrade to one of the paid subscriptions. Paid plans include unlimited file conversions, a higher max file size, and online storage. A range of other powerful file conversion services are also available.

It's an all-in-one AutoCAD to PDF converter solution for your office, meaning you wouldn't need to look for a separate Word to PDF or Excel to PDF converter.

Best AutoCAD to PDF converter for specialists

(Image credit: Any DWG)

3. Any DWG to PDF Converter

An AutoCAD to PDF converter with specialist features

Reasons to buy

+
Unlimited batch conversions 
+
Impressive free trial
+
Bulk buy discounts
+
Integrates specialist AutoCAD features

Reasons to avoid

-
Expensive for occasional users
-
Limited features
-
Command line not available with standard version

The Any DWG to PDF Converter is a powerful program designed to transform DWG, DWF, and DXF files from AutoCAD into PDF documents. It has a batch converter that supports unlimited concurrent conversions.

On top of this, Any DWG to PDF is extremely versatile, allowing you to customize the size, quality, and color of your output PDF files. Different AutoCAD-specific features are also supported, including paper space, active layout, and model space, which ensure accurate conversions.

Helpful export options allow you to export one PDF per layout, one PDF per drawing, or all of your drawings in a single PDF file. The resulting PDF files are highly usable, with navigation bookmarks added automatically. 

The Pro version includes command line integration, which may be useful for advanced users who wish to automate their workflow.

The program’s free trial allows 30 free conversions, after which you will have to upgrade to a paid license, and bulk discounts are available.

Best free AutoCAD to PDF converter

(Image credit: Autodesk)

4. Autodesk DWG Viewers

A free file conversion tool

Reasons to buy

+
Program is free
+
Allows you to export files as PDFs
+
Supports AutoCAD file editing
+
Offers comprehensive desktop app

Reasons to avoid

-
Slightly confusing user interface
-
Time-consuming setup process
-
Advanced tools excessive for most users
-
No direct file converter

The Autodesk DWG Viewers programs are a little different from the others on this list. Rather than being a dedicated AutoCAD to PDF converter, Autodesk offer an online AutoCAD viewer with built-in conversion tools.

Since this program is free, it’s a great choice for anyone who regularly works with DWG and other AutoCAD files. To convert a file, simply open it with the Autodesk viewer, make any required edits, and then click the export button via the top left-hand menu.

In general, these conversions tend to be accurate and well done. However, it certainly isn’t the most beginner-friendly program, hence why it doesn't top our list.

That said, if you think the advanced viewing and editing features would improve your current workflow, this could be a great choice for you. It would particularly useful for anyone who collaborates with others and needs to give quick feedback. 

Best AutoCAD to PDF converter for filetypes

(Image credit: TalkHelper)

5. TalkHelper PDF Converter

Great tool for multiple filetype support

Reasons to buy

+
Multiple file conversion options available
+
Comprehensive free trial 
+
Affordable lifetime license
+
User-friendly interface

Reasons to avoid

-
Can be a little clunky at times
-
No free forever version

The TalkHelper PDF Converter provides versatile PDF conversion services. Unlike most of the programs on this list, it does much more than simple AutoCAD to PDF conversions. Instead, it allows you to transform everything from DWG files to XLS spreadsheets and images into high-quality PDF files.

Furthermore, the TalkHelper PDF Converter has a beginner-friendly interface. It’s intuitive and straightforward to use and has a selection of advanced tools. For example, you can upload and view numerous files before converting them all at the same time. You can also specify an output folder and page range.

Beyond conversions, this piece of software also allows you to split, merge, and extract single pages from existing PDF files.

TalkHelper PDF Converter comes with a free trial and a 30-day money-back guarantee. However, a lifetime license is very cheap and one of the most cost-effective AutoCAD to PDF converters on the market.

Best AutoCAD to PDF converters: FAQs

What is an AutoCAD to PDF converter?

AutoCAD to PDF converters transform DWG, DXF, and other AutoCAD file types into versatile PDF files.

Why is that something you might want to do?

Viewing AutoCAD files requires the use of specialist software which many people don't have. PDF (Portable Document Format) files are compatible with a wide variety of operating systems and devices without additional software. You can distribute PDF versions of your AutoCAD files to anyone, safe in the knowledge they'll see what you intended.

How to choose the best AutoCAD to PDF converter for you

Choosing which AutoCAD to PDF converter is best for you will vary depending on your specific needs. If you simply want to convert the files with minimal fuss, then a free online file conversion tool could be all you ever need. If you want more control over how your files appear, then dedicated conversion software might be a better choice. This is especially true if you're working for an organization, as paid-for options will unlock more exports and conversions, along with more useful tools for maximising the workflow. 

Some of the converters on our list could quite easily replace your existing premium or any of the best free PDF readers, offering basic PDF editing and management tools, too. This would be a bonus for anyone regularly working with PDF files. But for pure AutoCAD to PDF conversions, a dedicated converter is best, as the developers are familiar with filetypes like DWG. 

How we test the best AutoCAD to PDF converters

We've tested, reviewed, and rated a range of PDF tools, including the best PDF compressors and the best Adobe Acrobat alternatives. We've also extensively tested the best graphic design software and rendering tools for CAD professionals. 

To test the best AutoCAD to PDF converters, we compared them in a number of areas. These included operating system compatibility, support for AutoCAD file types, batch processing options, and other bonus features. We also looked at the user interface, support documentation, and payment models, considering free versions (where available).

Daniel Blechynden

Daniel is a freelance copywriter with over six years experience writing for publications such as TechRadar, Tom’s Guide, and Hosting Review. He specializes in B2B and B2C tech and finance, with a particular focus on VoIP, website building, web hosting, and other related fields.

With contributions from