How to convert a PDF to DWF in Autodesk

Owned by Sean Connaghan (ITD)
Last updated: Jun 13, 2019
3 min read

Sometimes you might need to measure a dimension from a set of prints because they are not labeled.  This is often difficult if you are not able to get them to scale.  Below will show you how to open a PDF in Autodesk Design Review 2013 and ensure the scaling is correct.

NVR will no longer be providing DWF format for its site specific plans or master set plans.  If you need these formats for other reasons besides measurements please contact the local NVR office.

Step-by-step guide

  1. Open Autodesk Design Review 2013
  2. Click on the open icon located in the upper left hand corner of the window
  3. Change the drop down window to look in the area you are trying to retrieve the PDF from
  4. if you do not see the file you are trying to open, make sure you have files of type selected to "All Support Files" or "All"
  5. Once you see the file you want to open, select it and click the open button
  6. Click on the Markup and Measure tab
  7. Click on the Measure drop down
  8. Click on the "2D Units & Scale"
  9. Update the settings to mirror what what you see below
    1. Feet and inches
    2. Check "Make this the default for DWF files......"
    3. Length: Feed and fractional inches
    4. Scale: 1/4"  = 1'  (This could change depending on what you are trying to scale
    5. Click OK
  10. Go back and click on the Length button in the Measure window
  11. Click and hold and drag to measure what you are looking to find. 
    1. Please not that it might be slightly off but close enough
    2. It is recommended that you test the measuring tool against a printed measurement
  12. The steps above might only needto be done once or the first time, not everytime.