Importing a PDF File

Reference Number: KB-00940
Last Modified: August 24, 2026

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 (Portable Document Format) files in Chief Architect and have them display in plan views, cross section/elevation views, CAD Details, as well as layout pages.


To import a PDF file

  1. Access the file you'd like to import a PDF file into, access the type of view that you want the PDF to display in, then navigate to File> Import> PDF . 

    If you're using Project Management, PDF files can also be imported directly within the Asset Management dialog (Tools> Asset Management), by right-clicking on the Common Documents area within the Project Browser and choosing "Import File(s)", as well as by right-clicking on a created project within the Project Browser and choosing "Import File(s)". To learn more about Project Management and these options, please see the Related Articles section. 


    File> Import> Import PDF from the menu


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

    If Project Management is enabled, an Information message will display stating that the PDF will be saved as an asset. Click OK. For more information on this message, please see the Related Articles section.

    Note: If you're using Traditional File Management instead of Project Management, it is highly recommended that you keep the imported PDF file in the same folder as your plan file. This is especially important when you use the Export Project or Backup Entire Plan/Layout tool to create a project backup for transfer to another system. Please see the Related Articles section to learn more.


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

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

    Also, if the PDF source file is edited or modified, the imported PDF will often update to accommodate the change within the view it was imported in to. 


    Import PDF dialog where a preview is displayed


  4. Once imported using this method, the PDF will display in the current view and will be located on the "Picture/PDF Boxes" layer. 

    Some PDF files can contain both 2D and 3D information; however, Chief Architect only supports 2D data at this time. 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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