PDF

You can insert a PDF file as a reference model in your Tekla Structures model. During the import, Tekla Structures converts the PDF into the DXF format.

You can only insert PDFs created with vector-based software, such as a CAD system. Raster PDFs or scanned PDFs will not work. Also, the insert PDF tool only places a reference model on the X/Y plane as a plan view. To place an elevation view of the PDF, you need to use work planes to temporarily chance the X/Y plane to be parallel to the vertical grid lines.

To be able to import a raster PDF file to Tekla Structures, you need a 3rd party software to convert the raster PDF to DWG or DXF format. For more information about the differences between raster and vector PDFs and software to use for converting from raster, see Cannot import a PDF into Tekla Structures model.

Insert a PDF file in a Tekla Structures model

To be able to select the PDF reference model in the model to work with it, activate the Select reference models selection switch. To be able to work with other objects as well, also activate the Select all and Select components selection switches.
On the File menu, click Import > Insert PDF.

The Insert PDF Reference Model dialog opens.
Click Browse...
Browse for the PDF reference model file and click Open.
Set the scale for the PDF reference model.
You can also adjust the scale after you have inserted the PDF in the Reference models side pane.
Enter the number of the page that you want to insert.
Click OK.
Pick a point anywhere in the model to place the PDF reference model.

The best practice is to use the model origin or the lower left corner of your grid system that correlates to your PDF.

Tekla Structures converts the PDF file into the DXF format and inserts the DXF file. The conversion creates a DXF file for every inserted PDF page. Tekla Structures saves the DXF files to the same folder where the PDF is.

When you have inserted the PDF reference model, you can double-click it in the Tekla Structures model and modify its details in the Reference models side pane. For example, you can change the title, or adjust the scale or rotation. If the original PDF has layers, you can show and hide the desired layers.

Note:

The PDF file might be subject to minor scaling adjustments during the printing process to make it fit a standard page size. That means that it may not be 100% exact in all directions once scaled to full size.

What to consider when inserting a PDF file produced from a CAD file in a Tekla Structures model

The following article explains how accurately produced CAD drawing files are critical in order for printed PDFs to be used in 3D modeling platforms as overlay references: PDF inaccuracies from CAD files.

Insert a PDF in a Tekla Structures drawing

There is no direct option to insert a PDF file in a Tekla Structures drawing. However, the PDF files that you insert in the model are automatically converted to the DXF format during the import, and saved in the same folder with the same name as the PDF file. You can use this as a workaround for inserting PDFs in drawings:

First, insert the PDF in the Tekla Structures model following the instructions above.
Open the desired drawing and, on the Drawing ribbon tab, select DWG/DXF.
In the DWG/DXF property pane, browse to the folder where you have the DXF file converted from the PDF file and select the DXF file.
Adjust other properties if necessary.
Pick points in the drawing to place the frame where the linked DXF file will be added.