AutoCAD

How to Remove Watermark in AutoCAD 2019

Understanding Watermarks in AutoCAD 2019

Watermarks in AutoCAD, particularly the educational watermark, are often frustrating for users who have obtained their versions through academic institutions. This guide will detail how to effectively remove such watermarks, especially in AutoCAD 2019.

Step-by-Step Process to Remove a Watermark

  1. Open the Existing File: Begin by launching AutoCAD and opening the file that contains the watermark. Ensure you are viewing the drawing that requires editing.

  2. Export the Drawing as a DXF File:

    • Type DXFOUT into the command line and hit Enter.
    • This command allows you to export the currently open drawing as a DXF file.
    • Choose a unique name for this file and save it in an easily accessible location.
  3. Close the Current File: After saving the DXF file, close the original drawing in AutoCAD.

  4. Create a New Drawing:

    • Open a new AutoCAD drawing. This file should be completely blank for proper import.
  5. Import the DXF File:

    • In the command line, input DXFIN and hit Enter.
    • Browse to the location where you saved the DXF file and select it.
    • This will import the drawing data into your new AutoCAD file without the watermark.
  6. Save the New Drawing: Finally, save the newly created file under a new name. Go to File and select Save As. Make sure to choose a format compatible with your needs.

Addressing Specific Questions About Watermarks

How to Identify an Educational Watermark in AutoCAD?

When using AutoCAD licensed for educational purposes, a watermark usually appears on the drawings indicating that the software is a student version. This watermark can often have a less-than-professional look, which may not be suitable for client presentations or official documentation.

Can I Avoid Watermarks in Future Versions of AutoCAD?

To avoid educational watermarks in future versions, you should consider purchasing a commercial license from Autodesk. Educational licenses are meant solely for academic use and will typically always carry the watermark unless removed by the export method described.

Will the Watermark Procedure Work for AutoCAD 2025?

The procedures outlined in this guide are applicable for AutoCAD 2019, and similar methods can be leveraged in AutoCAD 2025. Always check the specifics of the version you are using, as the interface and commands may evolve with new releases.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What types of watermarks can I encounter in AutoCAD?
    Various watermarks may appear in AutoCAD, including educational watermarks, draft stamps, and plot stamps, which indicate various states of drawings.

  2. Can I prevent watermarks entirely just by installing AutoCAD?
    By installing a legitimate commercial version of AutoCAD, you can avoid educational watermarks. Ensure you are using a license suitable for professional work.

  3. Is there a way to permanently remove watermarks from existing projects?
    The process of exporting to a DXF file and then re-importing is one of the most popular ways to remove watermarks from projects. Always ensure backups of your original files before attempting any removal process.

About the author

Wei Zhang

Wei Zhang

Wei Zhang is a renowned figure in the CAD (Computer-Aided Design) industry in Canada, with over 30 years of experience spanning his native China and Canada. As the founder of a CAD training center, Wei has been instrumental in shaping the skills of hundreds of technicians and engineers in technical drawing and CAD software applications. He is a certified developer with Autodesk, demonstrating his deep expertise and commitment to staying at the forefront of CAD technology. Wei’s passion for education and technology has not only made him a respected educator but also a key player in advancing CAD methodologies in various engineering sectors. His contributions have significantly impacted the way CAD is taught and applied in the professional world, bridging the gap between traditional drafting techniques and modern digital solutions.