Importing a PDF File

Reference Number: KB-00940
Last Modified: March 29, 2023

The information in this article applies to:

Chief Architect Premier or Chief Architect Interiors



QUESTION

I have a PDF document that I need to import into Chief Architect. How do I do this? 


ANSWER

It's possible to import PDF files in Chief Architect X5 and newer versions in plan views, cross section/elevation views, CAD Details, and layout files.

Importing large, or multiple PDF files into a plan or layout file can result in program slowness.


To import a PDF file

  1. Open  the file you'd like to import a PDF file into, and navigate to File> Import> PDF from the menu.
     
    File> Import> Import PDF from the menu


  2. Select the PDF file that you wish to import and click Open.


  3. In the Import PDF dialog that displays, select which pages you wish to import, then click OK.

    Import PDF dialog where a preview is displayed

    Note: When multiple pages are imported, a separate PDF box is created for each page.

    Also, in X11 and newer program versions, if the PDF source file is edited or modified, the imported PDF will update/refresh to accommodate the change within the Chief Architect file it was imported in to.


  4. Once imported, the PDF will be located on the "Picture/PDF Boxes" layer in X15 and newer versions

    In X14 and prior versions, imported PDF files, as well as images, can be found on the "CAD, Default" layer.

    Note: Some PDF files can contain both 2D and 3D information; however, Chief Architect can only support 2D data in an imported PDF file. When a 3D PDF file is imported, it may display text, a static image of the 3D model, or it may not import at all. 
      
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