Convert a geodatabase feature class and annotation to a CAD file

Summary

Instructions provided describe how to convert a geodatabase feature class and annotation to a CAD file.

Procedure

ArcGIS Pro

1. In ArcGIS Pro, click the Analysis tab, and click Tools in the Geoprocessing group.

2. Search for Export to CAD.
3. In the Input Features section, select the features to convert, select an Output Type,  such as .dwg, .dxf, or .dgn, and set the Output File name and location.

4. Click Run.
   • Produces a .dwg, .dxf, or .dgn file of the selected feature classes and annotations from the map.

ArcMap

Note:
ArcMap has been retired as of March 1, 2026. There are no plans for future releases of ArcMap, and it is recommended that you migrate to ArcGIS Pro. Refer here for more information.

Follow the steps below to create geodatabase annotation and convert the geodatabase feature class and annotation to a CAD file in ArcMap.

1. Start ArcMap.
2. Add the geodatabase feature class to ArcMap.
3. Right-click the layer in the table of contents and select Label Features to label the features.
4. Convert the labels to annotation and store them in the geodatabase.
   1. Right-click the layer in the ArcMap table of contents.
   2. Select Convert Labels to Annotation.
   3. Select Store Annotation in a database.
   4. Specify the features for which annotation is created.
   5. Specify if the annotation is to be feature linked or not. If not, uncheck the Feature Linked check box, click the open folder icon, and specify the path and name of the new annotation feature class.
   6. Click OK.
   7. Click Convert.
5. Convert the geodatabase feature class and Annotation feature class to a CAD file using the Export to CAD tool.
   1. Navigate to the ArcToolbox > Conversion Tools > To CAD toolset.
   2. Double-click Export to CAD.
   3. Select the feature class and annotation feature class as the input features.
   4. Select the CAD output type.
   5. Specify the output file location.
   6. Click OK.