TECH TIP: Can I convert scanned images into vector files?

   Related Tech Tip: Learn how to tell the difference between raster and vector PDF files

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Visual Integrity products are designed to convert vector PDF files into any of the supported output formats. If you have a raster PDF file, we offer some suggestions below on how to convert them. If you would like assistance either determining your file type or assessing which solution would work best, please email support@visual-integrity.com.

Sometimes the best clue about file type is to consider the source. If the file was generated by an application, it is most likely a vector file and will convert well with our products. If is was created by scanning from paper, it is always a bitmap or raster file. When you scan drawings or documents, you are making a snapshot which is comprised of tiny dots. It is extremely difficult to reassemble this collection of dots into meaningful lines, curves and text. There are products that attempt to do this along with consultants specialized in this area.

The ideal solution is to try to obtain a scalable, vector version of the file. If this is not possible, your choices would be:

  • Use Raster-to-Vector Software: Use a raster-to-vector program which will intelligently interpret the scanned image and try to recreate it as lines and shapes. An example of this type of program is Scan2CAD. Note that it is very difficult to convert rasters to vectors and no solution will give you a 100% result. They may however, aid you greatly in creating a file that you can manually tweak without too much additional effort.
     
  • Create a Tracing Layer: Even if our software can not generate the vector objects because your PDF file is a scanned image, we do generate an exact image which can be used as a tracing layer in your target application. For example, you may have a scanned AutoCAD drawing. Rather than redraw it from scratch, you may want to convert the PDF to a DXF image and use this file as a base to redraw from. This will save time, and perhaps the money, spent on external consultants.
     
  • Outsource: The last option is to use a conversion service. There are many of these. Two that we can recommend are Trix Systems and Softcover.