How to Fix Cropped Images When Converting DWF to PDF in Acrobat
Question details
Images are being cut off or cropped when converting DWF files to PDF using Adobe Acrobat DC 2015.
- Product
- Adobe Acrobat DC 2015
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- A user is attempting to convert a DWF architectural or engineering drawing into a standard PDF document but the output dimensions do not correctly map to the drawing.
- Observed behavior
- The resulting PDF contains cropped images because the default output page size of the PDF does not match the original large-format DWF drawing dimensions.
Verify the original dimensions and aspect ratio of your DWF drawing so you can match them with the PDF output page size settings.
Adjust Paper Size and Scale Settings Before Conversion
Modify the conversion settings in your drafting software to ensure the output paper size accommodates the entire DWF drawing.
Acrobat Distiller page-size changes often do not control the DWF conversion process effectively. To prevent the image from being cut off, you must define the correct paper size and scale within the native CAD application before sending it to the PDF converter.
Launch Autodesk AutoCAD or your preferred CAD software, open your DWF file, and navigate to the Print, Plot, or Export settings.
In the printer properties, choose a custom or standard large-format paper size (such as ARCH D or E) that is large enough to encompass the entire drawing's dimensions.
Set the plot scale to 'Fit to paper' or manually enter a custom scale that prevents the drawing from bleeding over the page margins.
Proceed to print or export the document to PDF. Open the resulting file in Acrobat to verify that the drawing is no longer cropped.
Use a Dedicated DWF to PDF Converter
If you do not have AutoCAD installed or Acrobat DC fails to process the dimensions correctly, use a specialized DWF viewing tool.
Manage and Edit Your Converted PDFs Easily with WPS Office
While DWF conversion requires specialized CAD tools, managing, editing, and annotating the resulting PDF files is seamless with WPS Office. Enjoy a lightweight, cost-effective alternative to expensive PDF editors and Office suites.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the free version for your operating system.
- 2. Install the Software: Run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions to set up WPS Office on your device.
- 3. Open Your PDF: Launch WPS PDF and open your newly converted drawing to add annotations, watermarks, or signatures.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do my DWF files get cut off when converted to PDF in Acrobat?
This typically happens because the default page size in Acrobat or your virtual PDF printer is smaller than the physical dimensions of your DWF drawing. The software crops the image to fit the smaller paper size instead of scaling it.
Can Acrobat Distiller fix the DWF page size issue?
Usually, no. Acrobat Distiller's page-size settings may not directly control the DWF conversion process. You must define the correct paper size and scale within the native CAD application or viewer before sending it to the PDF printer.
How do I convert DWF to PDF without AutoCAD?
You can use a free DWF viewer like Autodesk Design Review. Once opened in the viewer, you can use the 'Print' function and select a PDF virtual printer, making sure to adjust the page size in the printer properties before saving.
