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How to create PDF with Layers from AutoCAD File

Last updated July 29, 2026

1. If you have AutoCAD 2010 or above installed on your PC go to point 5

2. Download and install Latest version of AutoCAD True View

3. Prepare your drawing for printing with your current version of AutoCAD. Save and Close the file

4. Open your Drawing in AutoCAD True View

5. Press Ctrl+P or Plot from Menu

6. Select DWG to PDF.pc3 printer      

The AutoCAD Plot dialog with DWG To PDF.pc3 selected as the printer and the Properties button beside it

7. Click on Properties button next to it. Another window will pop up. Select Custom Properties and Click on Custom properties button. Another window will pop up.  

The Plotter Configuration Editor for DWG To PDF.pc3 with Custom Properties selected in the tree and the Custom Properties button below

8. Tick the check box against “Include Layer Information”      

The DWG To PDF Properties dialog with Include layer information ticked under Additional Output Setting

9. Press Ok, OK, Ok. Save Drawing at desired location

10. PDF will be created with Layer information. You can switch on and off the layers as required.

The finished PDF open in Adobe Acrobat with the Layers palette circled in red, listing the AutoCAD layers that came through and can be switched on and off