Stardraw Forums

Most Compatible PDF Import Format?

http://forums.stardraw.com/Topic19189.aspx

By mmaniaci - 2/26/2025 3:10:26 PM

Is there a PDF format, version, type, or any settings I should be adhering to when importing a PDF? The reason I'm asking is due to image scaling issues when importing a PDF. My workflow has me doing some work in Visio, so when I export to PDF, or even CAD, from Visio and go to import into SD I get very mixed results, missing colors, skewed images, etc. I'm trying to figure out the best way to get my elevations/layouts done in Visio into SD to place with my wiring schematics and add title blocks. Any help on this would be greatly appreciated. I have Blubeam Revu so I can basically do anything to the PDF, I've tried flattening, repairing, etc. and nothing allows the PDF to import into SD without various issues. I've tried DWG/DXF CAD exports from Visio and they also don't bring over the detail I'm looking for.
By Rob Robinson - 2/26/2025 4:44:06 PM

Assuming the following:
  • You are running Stardraw Design 7.4
  • You are running the Visio desktop application 
Then the best way to get from Visio to SD7.4 is simply copy/paste. 

Stardraw Design 7.4 has great support for Windows Metafiles so you can copy from any Microsoft Office application (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Visio etc) and paste straight into your Stardraw Design 7.4 drawing.
By mmaniaci - 2/26/2025 5:03:50 PM

Thanks for the response. I am using SD 7.4 and I have updated Visio recently, and I am using Microsoft® Visio® Plan 2 MSO (Version 2502 Build 16.0.18526.20118) 64-bit. I tried the copy and paste right from Visio into SD and it was way worse at carrying over details, and basically everything, compared to the PDF import. Is there anything else I might be able to try? Appreciate the assistance.
By mmaniaci - 2/26/2025 5:07:07 PM

mmaniaci - 2/26/2025 5:03:50 PM
Thanks for the response. I am using SD 7.4 and I have updated Visio recently, and I am using Microsoft® Visio® Plan 2 MSO (Version 2502 Build 16.0.18526.20118) 64-bit. I tried the copy and paste right from Visio into SD and it was way worse at carrying over details, and basically everything, compared to the PDF import. Is there anything else I might be able to try? Appreciate the assistance.
Images below for a visual on what's happening. Thanks
By Rob Robinson - 2/26/2025 5:16:45 PM

Can you explain what the screengrabs are showing?  Which is the Visio original?  Which is SD7.4?  Or are both from SD7.4 and you have not shown the original data? Remember, we have no idea what the source data that you're working with looks like.

Please also email the Visio file to techsupport@stardraw.com and we will be happy to investigate.

In the meantime, if you want to pursue the PDF route I would start first by printing from Visio to PDF, using Microsoft Print to PDF.