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  1. #1
    Hi, I am looking for some inexpensive software to convert scanned logos etc. into vector drawings. I purchased the latest version of serifs draw plus software after being assured that the auto trace would work, but it only seems to produce a poor sketch.

    I would be very pleased for any advice.

    Thanks,Geoff.

  2. #2
    I use CorelDraw for this and find it works well most of the time. Its entirely dependant upon the quality of the bitmap and the subject matter but it has a degree of adjustability that should see trickier images successfully converted. You might have to go in and hand tweak the nodes for best results.

    I'm sure there's others out there too.

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  4. #3
    Inkscape is free and works well. You usually still have to tweak a bit but its better that serif.

    open your bitmap and go to paths and then trace bitmaps, 3rd one down.

    Bruce
    The more I know, I know, I know the less. (John Owen)

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  6. #4
    Autocad used to have the ability to import a bitmap image which you could then draw around, then output as dxf.
    The one I used was Autocad light but that was some years ago so not sure if it still has the ability!!

    Image2cad is a paid for package Img2CAD converts jpg to dxf,jpg to dwg,bmp to dxf,jpeg to dxf,jpeg to dwg,tiff to dwg,tif to dwg that works well!

    Peter

  7. #5
    Thanks Peter, I have visited the website and it does look quite good. Is it neccessary to do much " cleaning up" prior to putting on toolpaths?

    Regards,Geoff.

  8. #6
    Geoff, if they were previously digitally made logos then Inkscape is free and does a good job. I use it to convert PDFs of RC Plane Plans to DXF files, as long as they were originally drawn in a CAD program they convert fine. It's free so might be worth a punt?
    Neil...

    Build log...here

  9. #7
    'As long as a piece of string' springs to mind as there are so many variables.
    The main problem will be the production of 'open' entities which will not be of much use in cnc.

    When I worked for a local authority the package was used to scan developement plans so as to enter them into Autocad, and as such 'open' areas didnt have much meaning.
    The main criteria was the quality of what you were scanning, the worse case I ever saw was when someone tried a fax and that what can only be described as NBG.
    The other problem area is the original drawing line thickness as this will lead to problems in translation. From memory I think the package tries to overcome this by a process of 'line thinning', but you could end up with 'open' areas.
    Try the free version, it will give you a taste for it.

    Peter

  10. #8
    Chas's Avatar
    Lives in Nottingham(ish), United Kingdom. Last Activity: 09-03-2013 Has been a member for 9-10 years. Has a total post count of 55. Received thanks 2 times, giving thanks to others 2 times.
    I wish I had a £pound for every hour I've experimented/wasted with bitmap to vector software trying to get a usable result with a good workflow.

    Then I discovered the Brands of the World free vector library.

    If it's a popular & well known brand logo then it'll be on there, I'm really only interested in motorcycle related logo's & I've usually found what I'm looking for. If it works for bikes, then it should be vgood for everything else.

  11. #9
    Inkscape which is very well supported , incorporates Potrace to do the tracing

    Peter Selinger: Potrace

    Only problem is Inkscapes DXF export isnt good, the free Big Blue Saw DXF export plugin solves it

    Big Blue Saw - Big Blue Saw's DXF Export For Inkscape

    Cheers
    Adam

  12. #10
    Quote Originally Posted by Chas View Post
    I wish I had a £pound for every hour I've experimented/wasted with bitmap to vector software trying to get a usable result with a good workflow.

    Then I discovered the Brands of the World free vector library.

    If it's a popular & well known brand logo then it'll be on there, I'm really only interested in motorcycle related logo's & I've usually found what I'm looking for. If it works for bikes, then it should be vgood for everything else.
    I also use a site called seeklogo.com that does the company logos and brand names.

    I use V-carve pro and that does a really good job of importing & tracing BMP images to vectors. its easy and will do reasonably complex BMP's..

    Rick
    Always bear in mind that your own resolution to succeed is more important than any other - Abe Lincoln

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