topic Re: raster to vector in AutoCAD LT Forum

raster to vector

Anonymous — Fri, 30 Mar 2018 15:25:37 GMT

I am using Autocad LT 2017 and need to convert some pdf raster images to vector images so I can import them into Autocad and edit them. What is the best and software to use for this?

Re: raster to vector

pendean — Fri, 30 Mar 2018 15:44:05 GMT

There is no "best", it depends on the quality of the Raster images more than anything.

You want to use a type of software called Raster To Vector from other vendors, remember to try before you buy https://www.google.com/search?q=raster+to+vector+software

Re: raster to vector

john.vellek — Mon, 02 Apr 2018 15:11:07 GMT

Hi @Anonymous,

I see that you are visiting as a new member to the AutoCAD LT forum. Welcome to the Autodesk Community!

As Dean pointed out in his post, there are numerous conversion applications available. Depending on the size and complexity of your raster images you can also use a program such as Inkscape or Adobe Illustrator to find the "paths".

Can you share a sample of what you are working from so I might make some additional suggestions?

Please select the Accept as Solution button if my post solves your issue or answers your question.

Re: raster to vector

john.vellek — Wed, 04 Apr 2018 21:07:46 GMT

Hi @Anonymous,

Did you find a good method to transfer the raster data to vector format? If not, I am happy to take a look at any sample files you can provide.

Re: raster to vector

Anonymous — Thu, 19 Apr 2018 12:55:52 GMT

This is a sample of the file I am trying to convert.

Re: raster to vector

john.vellek — Thu, 19 Apr 2018 13:56:01 GMT

Hi @Anonymous,

I used PDFIMPORT to bring this into a drawing. Since it is raster based, 3 PNG files were created. I can then dump these into the online Vectormagic application. This should give me a vector-based PDF that I can now import into AutoCAD as geometry. Since your sample was a simple one-line diagram I think that this workflow might work pretty well for you.

The Vector Magic is a Paid service but I only selected it as an example. There are many others available on the Internet as well such as this one which is free.

If you happen to have a license of Adobe Illustrator or Inkscape you can open the PDF there and find the Paths and then export to AutoCAD.

Please select the Accept as Solution button if my post solves your issue or answers your question.

Re: raster to vector

Anonymous — Thu, 19 Apr 2018 14:47:23 GMT

I'm using AutoCAD LT 2017 and I use pdfimport to open up the file with the raster box checked but were do I see these png files?

Re: raster to vector

john.vellek — Thu, 19 Apr 2018 14:50:47 GMT

Hi @Anonymous,

The PDF Images are stored in a location set in your OPTIONS. Select he File tab and scroll down to PDF Import Image Location. Click on the PDF Images and then Browse to see the current location where these files are stored.

Please select the Accept as Solution button if my post solves your issue or answers your question.

Re: raster to vector

Anonymous — Thu, 19 Apr 2018 15:48:40 GMT

OK john Im still lost. I start a new drawing and do a pdfimport and pick the file I sent you, I have the raster image box checked and it comes up as a drawing. It is divided into 3 blocks. So what file do I use in the online converter because it is a .dwg file now. Will inkscape read the original pdf file that I am picking in AutoCAD to import in?

Re: raster to vector

john.vellek — Thu, 19 Apr 2018 16:16:03 GMT

Hi @Anonymous,

Yes you have a drawing with three parts in it from the PDFImport process. If you open your XREF manager you will see the three attachments are actually PNG files. These are the files you would need to upload onto one of the raster conversion sites.

~~It has been a while since I have used Inkscape. I am installing it now and will post back.~~

Inkscape is able to open the original PDF without issue. I found this page that describes how to convert to paths.

Please select the Accept as Solution button if my post solves your issue or answers your question.

Re: raster to vector

steven-g — Sun, 28 Jun 2020 08:16:12 GMT

An awful lot of money for something that Inkscape does for free. If you are selling that program there is a classifieds section to these forums especially for advertising!