Digitizing Paper Plans
Paper drawings are converted into precise, editable CAD data
We digitize floor plans, cross-sections, elevations, and technical drawings with precise dimensions—organized according to your specifications and ready for further planning.
When digitizing, we don’t simply transfer lines. Dimensions, text, components, and drawing content are professionally captured and logically organized into layers. Upon request, we can adopt your existing layer structure or build the CAD file according to your specifications. This results in drawings that you can edit directly in your CAD program.
Table of Contents
Digitizing Paper Plans – From Original Plan to CAD File
Original Plan
Paper blueprint as a template for digitization
Digitized CAD file
Paper drawing digitized – finished CAD file
Which plans are we digitizing?
Architecture & Buildings
Floor plans, elevations, sections, construction drawings, as-built drawings, building plans, room layouts, site plans, design drawings
Building Systems
Electrical plans, electrical schematics, plumbing plans, building services plans, lighting plans, fire protection plans, network plans, HVAC plans
Infrastructure & Civil Engineering
Sewer plans, wastewater plans, road plans, utility line plans, pipeline plans, gas pipeline plans, water pipeline plans, cable routes, safety plans
Industry & Mechanical Engineering
Mechanical engineering drawings, technical drawings, design drawings, assembly drawings, detailed drawings, plant layout drawings, piping diagrams, schematics, and engineering drawings
Energy, Utilities & Facilities
Power supply plans, power plant plans, process and procedure diagrams, piping and instrumentation diagrams, network diagrams, utility supply plans, electrical single-line diagrams
Surveying, Landscaping & Interior Finishing
Cadastral maps, site plans, survey maps, landscape and neighborhood plans, interior floor plans, kitchen plans, furniture layouts, sketch plans
We digitize other types of plans and technical drawings according to individual specifications.
Here's what you can expect from us
Fixed Price & Attractive Terms
We bill most orders at the agreed-upon fixed price. For larger or special projects, other transparent billing models are also possible, depending on the scope. We offer attractive terms for larger volumes.
Flexible Drop-off & Pickup
You can drop off your documents in person, send them by mail, or submit them electronically. For larger quantities, we’ll pick them up directly from you by arrangement.
Professional Processing & Cross-Plan Review
Your drawings are professionally digitized, structured, and reviewed. For related drawings, we also ensure consistent implementation throughout the entire project.
Layers and file structure according to your specifications
We can adopt existing layer structures upon request or create CAD files according to your specifications.
Confidential and timely processing
We handle your planning documents and project data with the utmost discretion. We reliably meet agreed-upon deadlines and delivery dates.
Adjustments to agreed-upon services included
If corrections are necessary after delivery within the scope of the agreed-upon services, we will carry them out at no additional cost.
Templates & Output Formats
Your Templates
Paper plans, transparencies, scans, photos, PDF, JPG, and TIF files, microfilm maps, and existing CAD data
Your output formats
DWG, DXF, ArchiCAD PLN/PLA, DWG files optimized for Vectorworks, and other formats upon request
What Matters Most in Plan Digitization
Automatic vectorization recognizes lines, but not always their meaning. With manual plan digitization, dimensions, text, components, and relationships are professionally captured and structured. This results in CAD data that not only looks similar but is also truly usable for further planning.
Precise measurements instead of just rough estimates
Dimensions and existing measurements are taken into account and accurately transferred to the CAD drawing. The accuracy depends on the available drawing information and measurements. Digitizing drawings does not replace an on-site as-built survey.
A Logical Layer Structure
Components, text, dimensions, and other elements are distributed across appropriate layers or organized according to your existing structure.
Ready for immediate further processing
The result is not just a graphic, but a structured CAD file for further editing in AutoCAD, ArchiCAD, Vectorworks, or other CAD systems.
Free Trial Plan
Would you like to check the quality of our drawing digitization first? Send us a representative sample. We’ll digitize a section free of charge so you can directly assess the layout, accuracy, and layer structure. You’ll typically receive the test section within 1–2 business days.
CAD Data for AutoCAD, ArchiCAD, and VectorWorks
AutoCAD Autodesk
DWG and DXF, with an existing layer structure upon request.
Vectorworks Nemetschek
Optimized DWG files for further processing in Vectorworks.
ArchiCAD Graphisoft
PLN, PLA, or DWG for further processing in ArchiCAD.
Request a Quote for Your Plans
Please send us your documents. After we review them, you'll receive a clear quote—at a fixed price for most jobs.
Frequently Asked Questions About Plan Digitization
Can old or damaged paper maps also be digitized?
Yes. Even older, yellowed, or partially damaged plans can serve as a basis. The key is that the relevant information on the plans is still sufficiently legible.
Can you also use scans, PDFs, or photos as templates?
Yes. In addition to paper plans, we can also use scans, PDF, JPG, or TIF files, as well as photos. With photos, accuracy depends more on perspective, resolution, and image quality.
How accurate are the digitized CAD drawings?
We use the existing measurements and plan information as a guide. Dimensions, text, components, and structures are manually transferred and verified.
Can existing layer structures be imported?
Yes. If you already use your own layer structure, we can adopt it. Alternatively, we can structure the CAD files according to your specifications.
What is the difference between automatic vectorization and manual plan digitization?
Automatic programs primarily detect lines. In manual blueprint digitization, dimensions, text, components, and relationships are also professionally captured and logically structured.
In what file formats is the CAD data provided?
Depending on the project, we provide, among other formats, DWG, DXF, ArchiCAD PLN/PLA, or Vectorworks-optimized DWG. Other formats are available upon request.
Can I check the quality with a free trial plan?
Yes. Upon request, we will digitize a representative sample of your document free of charge. You will typically receive the sample within 1–2 business days.
Does digitalgut serve customers throughout Switzerland and abroad?
Yes. We work with clients throughout Switzerland and abroad. Digital files can be sent directly, while paper plans and other original documents can be sent by mail or courier. We can also pick up larger collections of plans directly within Switzerland by arrangement.
How much does it cost to have plans digitized?
Costs depend on the type of plan, complexity, quality of the source material, desired structure, and output format. After reviewing your documents, you will receive a clear quote. We bill most projects at an agreed-upon fixed price.
How long does it take to digitize drawings?
The typical turnaround time is about 5–10 business days. For larger projects or special requirements, we will agree on a delivery date on a case-by-case basis and include it in the quote.