> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.synaps.app/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.synaps.app/import-and-export/import-a-drawing-or-image.md).

# Import a drawing or image

Import an image, DXF, SVG or PDF, and choose whether a PDF should remain a picture or become editable content.

Open **Import**, choose a file format, and bring existing work into your project.

## Steps

1. Open a project you can edit and click **Import** in the editor's file actions.
2. Choose **Image**, **DXF**, **SVG** or **PDF**.
3. Choose your file. For a PDF, review the import choices before confirming.
4. Wait for the imported content, then inspect its size, position and appearance.

**Watch the steps · 6 seconds**

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Import a drawing or image and inspect it on the canvas.
{% endembed %}

## Choose how to import a PDF

The PDF chooser offers different results:

| Choice        | Use it for                                                                          |
| ------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Image**     | A picture of the PDF for reference or composition.                                  |
| **Vectorize** | Extracting editable drawing content from a PDF that contains lines, text and fills. |
| **Trace**     | Reconstructing a floor plan as architectural drawing elements.                      |

Choose the result you need, then click **Import**. For a scanned plan, use [floor-plan tracing](/ai-and-automation/trace-a-floor-plan.md) to reconstruct editable walls from the image.

## What you'll see

An image remains a picture. DXF and SVG provide editable content according to the features those importers support. PDF output depends on the choice you made: a reference image, extracted drawing content or a traced plan.

## Controls and limits

* Use DXF for the supported CAD import route; DWG is not an option in the import menu.
* Image and PDF uploads have a displayed 50 MB limit. Check any format-specific error before retrying.
* Vector extraction and floor-plan tracing are different operations and can have different access or credit requirements.

## Troubleshooting

**You need editable walls, not a picture.** Choose the tracing workflow and inspect its detected regions.

**The imported drawing has unexpected dimensions.** Use [Measure](/drafting/measure-distance-and-area.md) to compare a known distance. Use [Scale](/drafting/rotate-resize-and-modify-geometry.md#scale) to correct the size, then measure again.

**The file cannot be imported.** Read the displayed error and check the file type and size.

## Related guides

[Export your drawing](/import-and-export/export-your-drawing.md).

More: [DXF support](/import-and-export/dxf-support.md) · [Trace a floor plan](/ai-and-automation/trace-a-floor-plan.md).