Convert DWG to BDF

Understanding DWG and BDF file formats

DWG is a proprietary binary file format used for storing two and three-dimensional design data and metadata. It is the native format for several CAD packages including AutoCAD. BDF (Bitmap Distribution Format) is a file format for storing bitmap fonts, commonly used in Unix and X Window System environments.

Why convert DWG to BDF?

Converting a DWG file to BDF is an uncommon process, typically required when you want to create a bitmap font from vector-based CAD drawings. This might be useful for custom font creation or for embedding technical symbols into bitmap fonts for use in specialized software.

How to convert DWG to BDF

There is no direct, one-step converter from DWG to BDF. The process generally involves two main steps:

1. Export DWG to a bitmap image format (such as PNG or BMP):
   Use a CAD program like AutoCAD or LibreCAD to open your DWG file. Then, export the desired glyph or symbol as a bitmap image using File → Export → Other Formats and select PNG or BMP.
2. Convert the bitmap image to BDF:
   Use a bitmap font editor such as FontForge or gbdfed. Import the bitmap image and assign it to a character slot, then export the font as a BDF file using File → Generate Fonts → BDF in FontForge or the equivalent in gbdfed.

Recommended software for DWG to BDF conversion

• AutoCAD or LibreCAD for exporting DWG drawings to bitmap images.
• FontForge (free, open-source) for creating and exporting BDF bitmap fonts.
• gbdfed (Bitmap Font Editor) for editing and exporting BDF files.

Summary

While there is no direct DWG to BDF converter, you can achieve the conversion by exporting your DWG drawings as bitmap images and then using a bitmap font editor to create a BDF file. FontForge and gbdfed are the best tools for the font creation step.