DWG to PDF with xrefs included
Many drawings show other DWG files inside them, such as a site plan, a structural grid or a title block. These are xrefs (external references). Drop them in with the main drawing and they print in place.
How to convert a DWG with xrefs
- Put the main drawing and its linked DWG files in one folder, or download them all from the sender.
- Open the converter and drop all of the files at once. The main drawing is found automatically.
- The page lists every linked file and marks any that are missing. You can add missing files with Add files, or choose Continue without them.
- Tick the sheets you want and click Download PDF.
Why parts of a drawing are missing
If a PDF shows a title block with an empty drawing area, or a plan without its background, the drawing almost certainly uses xrefs that were not sent with it. A DWG only stores the name and path of each xref, not its contents. Ask the sender for the linked files, or for an eTransmit zip, which bundles them.
Tips
- Received a zip? Unzip it first, then drop in all of the DWG files inside it.
- Nested xrefs (an xref inside an xref) also work, as long as all of the files are dropped in.
- File names matter. Xrefs are matched by file name, so do not rename the linked files.
- Images, PDFs and other non-DWG files attached to the drawing are not drawn.
Questions
Are my files uploaded?
No. All of the drawings are read in your own browser. See the privacy policy.
Can I print without the missing xrefs?
Yes. Choose Continue without them and those parts are left blank.