Quick Summary
- AI plan check works with both native PDFs (from AutoCAD, Word, Excel) and scanned drawings
- Scanned existing or legacy drawings are readable, no need for vector/native source files
- Same upload-and-run workflow: upload all PDFs, pay, run the check
Many teams have a mix of native PDFs (exported directly from AutoCAD, Revit, Word, or Excel) and scanned drawings: especially on existing buildings, legacy projects, or when fabricators provide paper that was scanned to PDF. A common question: can AI plan check read scanned PDFs? Yes. The AI can extract and analyze information from both native and scanned PDFs so you can run the same check against specs and codes.
Native PDF vs Scanned PDF
Native PDFs
Created when you export directly from design or office software (e.g. AutoCAD, Revit, Word, Excel). These are already digital and the AI reads text, dimensions, and structure from them.
Scanned PDFs
Created by scanning paper drawings or old sets that never had a digital export. The AI can still read the content from these scans: so you can include existing drawings, past project drawings, or fabricator submittals that only exist as scanned PDFs in your plan check.
How to Use Scanned Drawings
Upload all your project PDFs in one go, native and scanned, then pay and run the check. There is no separate “scanned only” workflow. The same pricing applies (Standard is $3 per drawing page, spec and report pages included, $50 minimum), and the AI will compare everything you upload against each other and against any codes or specs you provide.
Tip for mixed sets
If you have a mix of native and scanned sheets, upload them all in the same project. The AI will process both. For best results, ensure scans are legible (reasonable resolution and contrast) so text and dimensions can be read accurately.
For more on shop drawing and submittal review, see Shop Drawing Review. For international projects and custom codes, see International Codes Support.