ACAD (ANY) : Raster [Image File] to Vector [DWG file]

This seems to always pop up on almost all AutoCAD forums.
So here are a couple of thoughts on the subject.
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<BLOCKQUOTE>

Cadkid wrote:
Sep 5, 2002

There is one cheap (not always effective) way to do this. import the file into photodraw if you have it or power point and export it as a .wmf file. Next cut and paste special into Autocad. Select paste as autocad entity. This is quirky with any other format than native .wmf. For native .wmf files it works every time. Any way give it a try if it works you save a few bucks If not you can use something like Myriad. I als understand that Hijack works(never tried it). Good Luck

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WinTopo @
http://www.wintopo.com/
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Raster Design (aka CADOverlay) @
http://www.autodesk.com/
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Corel Draw 8s: ocr utility
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GTX RasterCAD @
www.gtx.com
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Scan2CAD @
www.softcover.com
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Able Vector 2.1 @
http://www.cadeast.com/
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WiseImage @
www.wiseimage.com
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Image Series @
http://www.hsgt.com/sol_image.html
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Note:
Tracing over an image is called "Vectorizing" or "Vectorization".

The above softwares are will either, trace over an image in AutoCAD fully automated or they will trace over an image semi-automated.

Fully means you plug in the image into ACAD and press go.
Semi means you plug in the image into ACAD and press go in specific areas with specific parameters.

Semi is usually desired because of the detailed control.

When drawings are scanned, "QUALITY" of the final output scan depends upon the resolution (DPI) and the scanners' camera eyes.

For example, a floor plan ... the wall in a plan is made of 2 lines for a wall.

When this is scanned with poor parameters, the 2 lines may appear as "ONE" line in the scan.

This will throw off "Automated" software.

Semi automated software will allow you to compensate for this poor quality.

In some cases, it's just best to do it yourself.
Use the command "IMAGE" to xref the image into ACAD ... and you manually do the trace yourself.
The human eye & brain are better tools than any software.

Hope this helps out someone out there.</BLOCKQUOTE>

Another program is BMP_2_DXF

http://www.mediafire.com/file/xzmmcumytzt/BMP_2_DXF.zip