Best software for 2D conversion from bitmap

[mdebruce]

I want to purchase software to start learning on before I finally purchase my ShopBot. One of the main things I want to be able to do is take a jpeg or bitmap and use that as a template to cut a 2D type file (and possibly later a 2.5D). I can use all the fancy CAD packages but they don't do this well.
Correct me if I'm wrong but my thinking is take a bitmap and create an outline "automatically" to cut out an area.
Seems hard to explain so to put it in terms I understand we do a lot of waterjet and plasma cutting and need files that are of a DXF type format for that. These files are lines, arcs and splines. I have also seen metal signs that look like similar to what I want to do and that is a lot like what we do.
Can someone recommend a software package that is not too expensive?

[bob_s]

Adobe Illustrator CS4 is excellent at doing this, BUT it is not an inexpensive program. It is also a very substantial learning experience, working to get up to speed. I think most people would consider it the industry standard. There really isn't anything in 2d vector art that it will not do, so it's the same old question of price vs performance vs your business needs.
Bob

[rcnewcomb]

PartWorks which ships with new Shopbots does an excellent job of bitmap to vector conversions. You can read about PartWorks ->Here (http://shopbottools.com/software.htm)
You can download a demo version to play with from the Vectric site under the name VCarvePro. The link for the download is ->here (http://www.vectric.com/WebSite/Vectric/products/download_products.htm#VCarveProDownloads)

There is also a free program called Inkscape that some people have used. The link is available ->here (http://www.inkscape.org/)

[rb99]

Corel can do it...auto trace.

But you still have to work on the vectors in any auto trace program. They come out jagged, so you have to manually smooth the lines, sharpen corners, make arcs etc.

RIB

[rcnewcomb]

A description of the ParWorks/VCarve bitmap-to-vector process is ->here (http://www.vectric.eu/support/VCarvePro/V4/V4_Trace_Image.pdf)

A video tutorial is available ->here (http://vectric.com/support/VCarvePro/V4/videos/V4_Trace_Image_1.exe). You may need this ->codec (http://www.vectric.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=27&t=5472&start=0&hilit=codec) to view the video

[mdebruce]

Richard sounds like you have experience. So I would assume that this is still faster than the way I do it now using lines an arcs and manually tracing the edges??

[mdebruce]

Does Illustrator do this better than Corel?

[rb99]

Is it faster than manually digitizing it with a mouse? I would say yes, but it would depend on your skills. I have used Casmate's auto trace for years, and I find I usually wind up going around the whole thing. Having the auto trace IMHO is a better place to start than without it. It is nice to be able to click on a nearly perfect circle and "Convert to Circle". It really depends on the quality of the image.

I have heard people like the Corel auto trace, and for the money you get a whack of programs and clip art...

Also there are adjustments that one can play with in these trace programs that can tweak the results.

But I am not an expert in the differences between the trace programs. I suspect they are all pretty equal by now.

Why don't you see if Corel is still offering a trial download and if the trace program is included?



RIB

[ky_trikes]

I have not seen any "automatic" raster-vector conversion software yet that can do a better job than a moderately skilled person tracing manually with inexpensive CAD software like TurboCad. Some do a pretty good job, but for many projects (except extremely intricate), the personal touch is the way to go. Just my $.02

[mitch_prest]

I have used a number of programs for raster to vector conversion and partworks is usually more than able to handle most things that would be done on the bot. But as previously noted.. you still have to go and sort out the edges. For tracing by hand one of the cleanest solutions is to use corel and use the bezier tool to follow the lines you want. In the later versions you can add points and edit as you go... without having to change back and forth between tools. This makes the process much smoother

mitch

[mdebruce]

OK I'm going to get Corel and try it. I'll post back here with the results.

Thanks everyone!