How to Use OSM2CDR
OSM2CDR is a free online service for exporting OpenStreetMap maps to 124+ formats: AutoCAD (DWG, DXF), CorelDRAW (CDR), Illustrator (AI), PDF, SVG, GIS formats (GeoJSON, Shapefile, GeoPackage) and many others. Here is how to use it.
Step 1. Select an area on the map
Open osm2cdr.ru. On the map, select the rectangular area you want to export. Use the mouse wheel to zoom and drag to pan. Click and drag the mouse to draw a rectangle of the desired area.
Tip: the smaller the area, the faster the export and the higher the detail. A single block takes seconds; an entire city takes a few minutes.
Step 2. Choose the export format
The format selection panel is located below the map. Formats are divided into groups:
| Software | Recommended format |
|---|---|
| AutoCAD | DWG or DXF |
| CorelDRAW | CDR (beta) or AI |
| Adobe Illustrator | AI |
| For printing | |
| For a website / web | SVG |
| QGIS / ArcGIS | GeoPackage or Shapefile |
| Google Earth | KML or KMZ |
| GPS unit | GPX or Garmin IMG |
If you are not sure which format you need, click the Hint button next to the «Choose the export format» heading, or switch to the «I have...» tab and select your software.
Step 3. Configure the parameters
Available settings:
- Map style — standard, minimal, blueprint, neon and others. The style affects the colours and appearance.
- Detail — from «overview» (major roads only) to «maximum» (every building and footpath). The system automatically selects the optimal level based on the size of the area.
- Sheet format — A4, A3 or custom. It affects the proportions and scale of the printed document.
Step 4. Click «Generate»
After you click the button, you are taken to a status page that shows the generation progress in real time. Typical time: 10–60 seconds for a city block, 1–5 minutes for a large city.
If generation stalls for more than 10 minutes, try reducing the area or lowering the detail. For very large areas (an entire region or country), use the «overview» or «regional» detail level.
Step 5. Download the result
When generation is complete, a button to download the file appears. The file is downloaded in the format you selected. Open it in the appropriate software — all map layers (roads, buildings, water, greenery) are available for editing.
Frequently asked questions
- What should I do if generation stalls?
- Wait 2–3 minutes. If the status does not update, click «Refresh». If more than 10 minutes have passed with no change, try again with a smaller area.
- Which format for AutoCAD?
- DWG is AutoCAD's native format. DXF is universal and opens in AutoCAD, BricsCAD, nanoCAD and other CAD software.
- Can I export an entire city?
- Yes, but use the «city» detail level or lower. At maximum detail, exporting a large city can take 10+ minutes and the file will be very large.
- Is it free?
- Basic formats (SVG, PDF, DXF, GeoJSON, PNG) are free. Advanced formats (DWG, CDR, AI, 3D, navigation) are available by subscription.