Looking for a better method to sketch over raster PDF in AutoCAD

[JtotheW]

Good morning,

I have a large number of Room layout Raster PDF's. I need to update our library of drawings with the content from the PDF's.

My method has been to insert the Raster PDF as an underlay. Then scaling to the correct size and Sketching over it in AutoCAD 2018.

I do not feel that I am being very efficient with my method as the snap option does not work. I need to toggle the display to check what I have drawn and what is left to draw. I'm also concerned that I may not pick up all of the changes and miss something.

Can anyone offer me some advice?

Or at least point me in the direction of a useful / relevant training video. Which relates to upping my turnaround time and accuracy on these PDF's.

Kind regards

Jon

@JtotheW for clarity VStudley edited the original subject: Sketching from a Raster PDF - Method

[pendean · Accepted solution]

Might be worth investing in Raster-to-Vector software (or service) instead of tracing if you do this often https://www.google.com/search?q=raster+to+vector+software

[David_W_Koch]

Is AutoCAD Raster Design available to you?

[JtotheW]

Good morning,

I must admit I had not heard of this software until now. I will need to find out from my company if this is something that I can download onto my machine.

I couldn't see if there was a charge for adding this to my existing full AutoCAD 2018. Once I have investigated a bit more then I see if this software will be available to me.

Kind regards

Jon

[pendean]

FYI Raster Design is not free, it requires a subscription, and it is an add-on on top of your AutoCAD/ARCH 2018 software.

[dbroad · Accepted solution]

Even though you feel you may be able to do it better automatically, I have had only average results, even with PDF import on vector based PDF drawings. Lines are not always orthogonal. Dimensions are not exactly true.  Sometimes tracing over with snap and other helper settings on achieves the best quality and actually reduces your time, especially if you are tracing over them with AEC wall objects and adding AEC doors, windows, stairs, etc.

If dimensional or directional accuracy isn't of importance, then by all means, use a raster to vector conversion program.  Applying parametric constraints after the fact can help clean the results up.  I have used Raster Design but I'm not sure it is intended for batch raster to vector conversion.  It does allow you to snap to raster lines though.

[JtotheW]

Thank you for taking the time to post that reply dbroad,

That has upped my understanding of this issue.

Kind regards

Jon