topic Re: output vector graph in AutoCAD Forum

output vector graph

Anonymous — Sat, 04 Mar 2017 05:29:13 GMT

It is my first time to output a graph from AUTOCAD

It seems AUTOCAD can only output raster (pixel) graph but not vector graph?

Re: output vector graph

Alfred.NESWADBA — Sat, 04 Mar 2017 05:53:24 GMT

Hi,

>> It seems AUTOCAD can only output raster (pixel) graph but not vector graph?

What is meant by "output"?

What do you use to output your data, which command do you use, what filetypes are you using for "output"?

- alfred -

Re: output vector graph

Anonymous — Sat, 04 Mar 2017 07:21:23 GMT

I output it to PDF printer.

That is the industrial standard.

Whatever VISIO, CORdelDraw....or even gallery accept PDF.

Re: output vector graph

Alfred.NESWADBA — Sat, 04 Mar 2017 07:27:58 GMT

Hi,

>> I output it to PDF printer.

Sorry to bother you with questions, but there is some more info needed.

You "output ..."

using which PDF printer driver in AutoCAD? Or did you use command _PDFEXPORT?
using which version of AutoCAD
using which geometry types in AutoCAD (would be great if you upload the drawing so we can see your geometry and file settings)

What makes you thinking that AutoCAD cannot output vectors to pdf?

- alfred -

Re: output vector graph

Anonymous — Sat, 04 Mar 2017 08:24:56 GMT

1. I am not using command _PDFEXPORT I only pressed the very left bottom (a printer icon) then I have a choice of many printer installed in my windows 10

there is adobe pdf, microsoft printer to PDF.... I think I tried both PDF

2. I am using AUTOCAD 2014 traditional chinese edition

My file is attached below.

Sorry I am indeed complete new.

I printed the file to PDF but find it is blurred...The annotation cannot be seen. I enlarged the PDF picture to find it is a raster file......the output is also attached.

Re: output vector graph

Alfred.NESWADBA — Sat, 04 Mar 2017 08:50:48 GMT

Hi,

you are using a visual style that is same as "render", the result of render is always an image and not vectors.

You need to use a visual style like "2D-Wireframe" (or a Shade Plot setting to any of the "Legacy-xxx" styles) to get the object as vectors.

Please find a PDF attached from your drawing.

>> there is adobe pdf, microsoft printer to PDF.... I think I tried both PDF

By default best in AutoCAD would be to use the AutoCAD own "DWG to PDF.pc3".

- alfred -

Re: output vector graph

Anonymous — Sat, 04 Mar 2017 11:13:13 GMT

I saw the PDF you attached.....

but it is not as vivid as my previous raster picture......

Is it possible to let AUTOCAD also shade the surface even in vector mode?

Re: output vector graph

Alfred.NESWADBA — Sat, 04 Mar 2017 11:18:24 GMT

Hi,

>> Is it possible to let AUTOCAD also shade the surface even in vector mode?

AutoCAD itself works in vector-mode, of course. Independent of the type if geometry objects you have created in AutoCAD.

But do I understand you correct that you are requesting to output a rendering result as vectors?

If so, how should that be possible? E.g. each pixel of a display of sphere has a different color, when you zoom in, again each pixel has a different color ... how should that be exported as vectors?

- alfred -

Re: output vector graph

Anonymous — Sat, 04 Mar 2017 11:25:02 GMT

My understanding is that is possible.

I have ever seen CorelDraw done that.....

A image file was transformed in vector .....even though it become very complicate....

And, I think to shade in vector mode is possible......

I never used autocad before....and I spent several days this time to master the figure you have just seen....

in order to plot a 3D graph which is not possible in VISIO and CorelDraw, I think.

Re: output vector graph

Alfred.NESWADBA — Sat, 04 Mar 2017 12:02:37 GMT

Hi,

>> And, I think to shade in vector mode is possible......

Shading yes, you can shared a 3d-geometry.

But you asked for how to export the shaded result, and that can't be a vector file.

Is it possible that you are looking for exporting the 3D-geometr, so you get it displayed anywhere else (in 3D viewer software), please let us know which software you want the 3D-geometry to display, then we can search for a file-format for the 3D-geometry that can be exported from AutoCAD and imported into your viewer software.

>> in order to plot a 3D graph

Plot to a plotter (which is a 2D-device and can't handle 3D objects) or print with a 3D-printer (which does not need the shaded content)

Is it possible that you are just searching for how to set a higher resolution in the PDF? If so look to that PDF, is that what you are looking for ... just a higher resolution set in "PDF to DWG.pc3"?

- alfred -

Re: output vector graph

Anonymous — Sat, 04 Mar 2017 13:20:57 GMT

I am plotting those pictures for writing (scientific) papers and books.

Normally papers are typed in LaTeX which import PDF figures.....

for 2-D pictures I can use CorelDraw, VISIO, photoshop....pretty easy.....but 3-D.........

Re: output vector graph

SEANT61 — Sat, 04 Mar 2017 13:32:50 GMT

Several techniques can be combined to achieve a vector 3D effect. Print out a Legacy Hidden wireframe of the AutoCAD solid, then import into CorelDraw to add gradients. See sample.

Re: output vector graph

Alfred.NESWADBA — Sat, 04 Mar 2017 13:44:49 GMT

Hi,

>> for 2-D pictures I can use CorelDraw, VISIO, photoshop....pretty easy.....but 3-D.........

3D has to be converted to 2D (otherwise your book needs to be 3D ;)) ), so either only vectors (then not shaded) or as raster for shades content (having all material and light effects possible), and therefor I don't know where's the problem to use raster content as long as the resolution is not less than the print resolution. And the resolution can be defined in the PDF printer.

- alfred -

Re: output vector graph

leeminardi — Sat, 04 Mar 2017 16:00:12 GMT

I made a pdf of your drawing using two different processes. For the Shell-MS.pdf I plotted the drawing in AutoCAD designating Microsoft Print to PDF for the printer. Looking at the result in Acrobat Reader you can see that the dimension lines are rasterized and of poor quality.

For the Shell-Word-0.5.pdf and Shell-Word-0.75.pdf files I copied only the lines to MS Word but first set the visualstyle to 2D Wireframe. I then used ctrl-C to copy the lines to the clipboard and used Paste Special, Picture (Windows Metafile) in Word. I then ungrouped the vectors and set their line weight to 0.5 pt (0.75 for the second pdf). I then used the Windows Snipping Tool to copy and paste the raster image of the ring into Word and used Send to Back to put it behind the lines. Some editing of the lines was necessary. Note, hold down the Shift key when moving a line end to keep the line in the same direction. This process is labor intensive but it does allow you to combine raster and vector graphics.

~Lee

Re: output vector graph

Anonymous — Sun, 05 Mar 2017 03:09:50 GMT

So, the method you used is copy/paste into WORD?

Please advice me how to do that.

If you can copy/paste into WORD perhaps I have copy paste into CorelDraw or VISION.

Re: output vector graph

SEANT61 — Sun, 05 Mar 2017 09:45:59 GMT

If it's of any interest; here's a thread that had a similar topic of discussion.

https://forums.autodesk.com/t5/autocad-forum/technical-manual-graphics/m-p/5567481

Re: output vector graph

leeminardi — Sun, 05 Mar 2017 15:54:38 GMT

You have a couple of options for getting vector graphics from AutoCAD to Word or Powerpoint. As I mention in my above post it is critical to first set the visualstyle to 2D Wireframe. If you want to remove hidden lines you should first set dispsilh = 1 and then give the hide command. The next step is to select the graphics you want to use and then used ctrl-C to copy the lines to the Windows clipboard. In Word or Powerpoint and use Paste Special, Picture (Windows Metafile).

I do not have Corel Draw so I cannot test the process. Check out the Paste Special options in Corel. Is there a Windows Metafile option for pasting or import? A Windows Metafile is a vector format.

Another process instead of using the copy/paste method is to save your AutoCAD drawing as a .wmf file (Windows Metafile). In Word you can use Insert, Picture and reference the .wmf file.

At this point in Word I then select the graphic, right-click and choose Edit Picture. You should then select the lines and right-click Ungroup until you can select all individual lines. At this point you can change the line color and weight. There are additional steps I take to get an excellent vector illustration I can use in my Word document. Let me know if you would like more information of editing line drawings in Word and Powerpoint.

~Lee

Re: output vector graph

john.vellek — Mon, 06 Mar 2017 17:21:23 GMT

Hi @Anonymous,

Please tell me your intended result with this process? Are you trying to put it into a Microsoft Word or Powerpoint document or are you just trying to get the data into another program?

AutoCAD can export vector information in a variety of ways and you could also use "rendered" exports to create raster content. If you maintain the scales of the exports then you can certainly merge the two into a document in a variety of programs.

Please tell me what the final product is to be so that I might be able to offer suggestions in addition to the excellent ones already provided.

Re: output vector graph

john.vellek — Tue, 07 Mar 2017 22:17:10 GMT

Hi @Anonymous,

I am checking back to see if my post or others helped you with your problem. Please add a post with how you decide to proceed and your results so other Community members may benefit.

Please hit the Accept as Solution button if a post or posts solves your issue or answers your question.