Cannot import PDF into a Tekla Structures model
Not version-specific
Tekla Structures
Environment
Not environment-specific
Question:
I am trying to import a PDF file into Tekla Structures using the command File > Insert PDF document, but I cannot get the PDF visible in the model.
Answer:
The PDF file is probably of type raster and not vector. You can differentiate a raster PDF from a vector PDF when you open the PDF file with some PDF viewer and zoom close enough (for example with 800% zoom). The lines appear jagged if the file is a raster PDF, and the edges remain smooth if the file is a vector PDF. Some PDF files may even contain both objects.
The image below shows the vector objects with labeled with V and raster graphics with G. You may also see this link to become familiarized with the differences between both.
Image
To be able to import the raster PDF file to Tekla Structures, you will need some 3rd party software to convert the raster PDF to DWG or DXF format, below some examples of converters: