Everything you need to know about converting vector PDFs into clean DXF files with real arcs.
No. PDF2Laser only works with vector PDFs — files that were exported from CAD software, Illustrator, Inkscape, or any tool that produces real vector geometry. Scanned documents are raster images and contain no geometry to extract. If you're unsure, try uploading your file — the tool will fail gracefully if no vector paths are found.
The exported DXF uses the R2010 standard and contains native LINE, ARC, CIRCLE, and ELLIPSE entities. It opens correctly in LightBurn, AutoCAD, Fusion 360, VCarve Pro, CorelDRAW, Inkscape, RDWorks, LaserGRBL, and any software that supports AutoCAD DXF format.
Most files convert in under 10 seconds. Complex PDFs with hundreds of paths may take up to 30 seconds. The conversion runs entirely on the server — you don't need to keep the tab active.
No. Uploaded PDFs are processed in a temporary folder and deleted immediately after conversion. The DXF file is kept temporarily only until you download it, then it is removed automatically.
The current limit is 16MB per file. In practice, vector PDFs are rarely larger than 1–2MB, so this limit should not be an issue for most users.
During optimization, Bezier curves are approximated with arcs using biarc fitting. This introduces very small geometric deviations — typically less than 0.01mm — which are invisible in practice but may be measurable in a CAD tool. Always verify the output in your CAD/CAM software before production.
Yes, completely free during the current beta period. No registration required. Premium features are planned for the future, but the core conversion will always have a free tier.
Currently PDF2Laser processes the first page of the PDF. Multi-page support is planned for a future update.
Yes. EPS files exported from Illustrator, CorelDRAW, Inkscape, or CAD software can usually be converted successfully, as long as they contain real vector paths. Just like PDFs, raster-only EPS files are not supported.
Most converters flatten curves into short line segments (polylines). This creates heavy DXF files with thousands of unnecessary nodes, which can slow down CNC and laser machines. PDF2Laser uses arc fitting to reconstruct smooth ARC entities whenever possible, resulting in cleaner geometry and better toolpaths.