PDF to DXF conversion software

[j3ff1rw1n]

I've been looking around the forums here for a decent thread on this subject, but couldn't seem to find one.

I'm looking for opinions on PDF to DXF conversion software. I've tried out AideCad (http://www.aidecad.com), but I would like to see more options.

I would like to stay below the $200.00 mark

[ReMark]

No matter what you spend I think you'll be dis-satisfied with the results.

The PDF file format was created for sharing documents between different word processing programs and not for general CAD use.

[j3ff1rw1n]

I understand that PDF documents are not meant to be converted back to CAD, but as a construction estimator, I need the option to do so.

I'm not looking for perfection. I just need something reliable. AideCad works fine but before I purchase it, I wanted to see other options. Google is tossing up to much spam to filter through, and I figured that I could get some experienced users opinions here.

[Pablo Ferral]

You could try importing the PDF's into Design review (FREE) - this will allow you to take off running dimensions and areas. Assuming that the PDF's are of sufficient quality.

[j3ff1rw1n]

As of right now AutoCAD 2011 (and earlier versions) support PDF imports quite well. The PDF is scalable and easy to work with, but I need to be able to manipulate the line work. I need to separate the line work in layers or remove some of it.

What I would really like is to find a basic PDF to DXF converter that GNU licensed or or close to free. Most of the software I've found is overly complex for what I want and over $100.00 in cost.

[Cavediver]

Any chance you've got someone using Adobe Illustrator in house? We frequently change vector-based PDF files to layouts for CAD by exporting them from Illustrator as a DXF.

[j3ff1rw1n]

Excellent suggestion. I didn't realize that Illustrator could export to dxf.

[f700es]

A freebie would be PSTOEDIT, http://www.pstoedit.net/pstoedit/
not the best but maybe worth a look as it is free/opensource