OSM map: get PDF instead of converting DWG → PDF
Looking to turn a map from DWG into PDF? If your data comes from OpenStreetMap, you do not need an intermediate DWG file: osm2cdr builds the map straight from the OSM source and hands you a ready PDF. That is faster and more accurate than the chain "download DWG → upload to a converter → get PDF": you pick an area on the map, choose the PDF format and download the result with up-to-date OSM data and layers for buildings, roads, water and features.
How DWG differs from PDF
| Format | Extension | Type | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| DWG | .dwg | CAD | Architectural design, master plans, construction documentation, land surveying |
| Vector | Map printing, email sharing, presentations, commercial printing, archiving |
How to get PDF on osm2cdr
- 1Select an area on the map on the osm2cdr home page
- 2Choose the PDF format and, if needed, a style and CRS
- 3Click Export and download the ready PDF file
PDF format properties
| Extension | |
| Type | Vector |
| Purpose | Map printing, email sharing, presentations, commercial printing, archiving |
When you need PDF
The PDF format is handy when you need to open the result in a dedicated program and keep working with the map: editing, printing, analysing or embedding it in a project. osm2cdr delivers PDF split into layers with up-to-date OpenStreetMap data, so the file is ready to use right after download.
What changes when going DWG → PDF
Going DWG → PDF, the drawing moves into design vector graphics — curves and layers for print and layout. Geometry accuracy is kept, but this is a layout, not a CAD document. osm2cdr builds PDF straight from OpenStreetMap data, with no intermediate DWG file.
If you have your own DWG file (not from OSM)
osm2cdr does not accept or convert third-party DWG files: the service works only with OpenStreetMap data. If you already have your own DWG file that is not from OSM, convert it to PDF with third-party tools: GDAL/ogr2ogr from the command line or QGIS — open the DWG and save the layer as PDF. It is free and runs locally, with no cloud upload.
FAQ: DWG → PDF
Can I upload my DWG file?
Not yet: we don't support uploading DWG files at the moment, so convert your file to PDF with ogr2ogr or QGIS. And if your data comes from OpenStreetMap, you don't need a file at all — osm2cdr exports the map straight into PDF.
Is it free?
Yes, exporting an OpenStreetMap map to PDF on osm2cdr is free. Select an area, the PDF format and download the result.
Which programs open PDF?
The PDF format opens in dedicated programs for its category. See the PDF format page for the full list and details.
Why is this better than an online DWG → PDF converter?
An online converter caps the result quality at the quality of the source DWG file. osm2cdr takes data from the OpenStreetMap source and builds PDF with correct layers directly — with no loss on an intermediate DWG file.