16 replies to this topic

[Robert Kiser]

Looking for help on how to import a 1/4 scale PDF plan set into Softplan for my renovation company. 

 

 

My customer emailed me a set of build plans from 2003 that are at 1/4 scale on 24 x 36. I am going to draw the basic layout before heading out to do a field measure. To help save time, Can I import the pdf plan at 1' to 1' scale as a background layer that I can turn on and off to overlay walls, symbols, and openings etc..?

 

Thanks 

 

Robert Kiser 

[Robert Kiser]

Ok I have imported the pdf as an image and adjusted the scale by making the 36" width of the plan page 144 feet which gives me a fairly close 1' to 1' scale (the pdf is a scan so I am expecting accuracy to be not perfect). My issue now is i can not get the image to be in the background. When I "edit" the image, in the edit window, Under "Position" I can not "move to back".... The button is there but it greyed out and un-selectable as if I need to change the properties somehow before it will unlock or allow. Under the common tab I have unselected Anchor but this yielded no results. 

I appreciate any feedback or an easier way. 

Thanks 

Robert K. 

[Richard Rubinski]

Put the image on a different layer and check fade on that layer

[Dennis Hilborn]

Ok I have imported the pdf as an image and adjusted the scale by making the 36" width of the plan page 144 feet which gives me a fairly close 1' to 1' scale (the pdf is a scan so I am expecting accuracy to be not perfect). My issue now is i can not get the image to be in the background. When I "edit" the image, in the edit window, Under "Position" I can not "move to back".... The button is there but it greyed out and un-selectable as if I need to change the properties somehow before it will unlock or allow. Under the common tab I have unselected Anchor but this yielded no results. 

I appreciate any feedback or an easier way. 

Thanks 

Robert K. 

If there are any dimensions shown on the plan, I would scale to the largest one of those.  That is likely to be more accurate than relying on the 36" of the plan to be accurate.  Some pdf printers don't print exactly on the 36".

[Richard Rubinski]

Yes, that’s what I do.

[Richard Rubinski]

That 36” is really 144’.

[Dennis Asher]

If you import the pdf as shapes instead of as an image it gives you the option to select what scale the drawing was made at.

[Sam Morgan]

I always save a pdf as a JPG then import image.  Then you can set the opacity way low so its just enough to see to trace around things.

[David Zawadzki]

I always save a pdf as a JPG then import image.  Then you can set the opacity way low so its just enough to see to trace around things.

Doesn't import pdf as image save the step of converting your pdf to a jpeg?

[Keith Almond]

David: I does, but you can use SEND TO BACK with a bitmap (JPG or PNG), but can't use it with a PDF.

 

Dennis: Robert said it was a scan, so you don't get the option of IMPORT AS SHAPES, even if you try to use it, it still comes in as an image, as that's all it is - it's a jpg in a pdf wrapper.

[Dennis Asher]

Thanks Keith...I missed the scan part.

[Robert Kiser]

Thank you all for the feedback! I'll give it a shot in the morning.

[Kevin Rabenaldt]

If you have 1/4 scale plan that is readable, why not just sketch the walls in, then dimension the plan out.  The only reason I bring a plan in. as been described, is if I do not have the dimensions.

[Dennis Hilborn]

If you have 1/4 scale plan that is readable, why not just sketch the walls in, then dimension the plan out.  The only reason I bring a plan in. as been described, is if I do not have the dimensions.

Tracing and then adjusting has always been quicker and more accurate for me.  I hate copying a plan that's laying on my desk.

[Robert Kiser]

Yes Agreed! Tracing then adjusting is way faster. 

[Stephan Page]

So i'm about to try importing a pdf and trace over it for the first time.  Would i import the pdf right into the 'main floor' tab and then move it a different layer that doesn't print?  Or do i bring it into its own drawing tab?  Thanks in advance

 

Stephan

[Bruce Jennings]

Thanks to SP+ support, I learned I can directly import a pdf through File/Review. As mentioned above, once imported assign a layer and you can turn it off or adjust trasparency.