OSM map: get DXF (AutoCAD) instead of converting PDF → DXF
Looking to turn a map from PDF into DXF? If your data comes from OpenStreetMap, you do not need an intermediate PDF file: osm2cdr builds the map straight from the OSM source and hands you a ready DXF, which opens in AutoCAD. That is faster and more accurate than the chain "download PDF → upload to a converter → get DXF": you pick an area on the map, choose the DXF format and download the result with up-to-date OSM data and layers for buildings, roads, water and features.
How PDF differs from DXF
| Format | Extension | Type | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vector | Map printing, email sharing, presentations, commercial printing, archiving | ||
| DXF | .dxf | CAD | Site plans, engineering surveys, importing maps into AutoCAD, land planning |
How to get DXF on osm2cdr
- 1Select an area on the map on the osm2cdr home page
- 2Choose the DXF format and, if needed, a style and CRS
- 3Click Export and download the ready DXF file
DXF format properties
| Extension | .dxf |
| Type | CAD |
| Purpose | Site plans, engineering surveys, importing maps into AutoCAD, land planning |
When you need DXF
The DXF 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 DXF split into layers with up-to-date OpenStreetMap data, so the file is ready to use right after download.
What changes when going PDF → DXF
PDF files carry graphics, not geodata with attributes and a projection, so pulling drawing objects out of them is unreliable. osm2cdr does not parse your graphics: it builds DXF from OpenStreetMap geodata, laying objects out across named CAD layers while preserving coordinate accuracy.
If you have your own PDF file (not from OSM)
osm2cdr does not accept or convert third-party PDF files: the service works only with OpenStreetMap data. If you already have your own PDF file that is not from OSM, convert it to DXF with third-party tools: GDAL/ogr2ogr from the command line or QGIS — open the PDF and save the layer as DXF. It is free and runs locally, with no cloud upload.
FAQ: PDF → DXF
Can I upload my PDF file?
Not yet: we don't support uploading PDF files at the moment, so convert your file to DXF 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 DXF.
Is it free?
Yes, exporting an OpenStreetMap map to DXF on osm2cdr is free. Select an area, the DXF format and download the result.
Which programs open DXF?
The DXF format opens in dedicated programs for its category. See the DXF format page for the full list and details.
Why is this better than an online PDF → DXF converter?
An online converter caps the result quality at the quality of the source PDF file. osm2cdr takes data from the OpenStreetMap source and builds DXF with correct layers directly — with no loss on an intermediate PDF file.