Scan2CAD Version 8

Softcover has announced Version 8 of Scan2CAD of its raster-to-vector converter which now integrates accurate and advanced, near-instant automatic conversions of vector PDF files into a DXF file format suitable for editing in AutoCAD and or any similar compatible PC CAD, CNC or GIS program.

New Scan2CAD v8 combines both comprehensive PDF to CAD and raster to vector conversion in one cost-effective program. It allows AEC, CAD, CNC and GIS users to convert the full range of PDF files, including single and multi-page raster, vector and hybrid (raster and vector), as well as scanned raster images of technical drawings, site plans, contour maps, schematics and shape outlines, etc. Flexible new licensing options allow users to run Scan2CAD on more than one PC and to share it with colleagues via a USB stick, floating network or fixed network license, all at no extra cost.

During 16 years of consistent software development, Scan2CAD pioneered the automatic conversion of raster PDF files, (ones created by scanning drawings and saving them as a PDF file), using its proven raster to vector conversion technology. In recent years, the popularity of PDF for sharing CAD data has resulted in a huge increase in the number of vector PDF files, (ones created in a CAD program and saved as a PDF file). The distinct differences between raster and vector PDF file types has forced CAD users to buy two separate standalone converters. Scan2CAD v8 now provides them with a cost-effective, professional two-in-one solution.

Scan2CAD v8 will open vector PDF files as vector DXF, giving near-instant vector PDF file conversions. Users can immediately view the converted PDF file on screen with the option to edit it in Scan2CAD or save it for export to and editing in any PC CAD or similar program. As PDF files are often saved in the wrong orientation, Scan2CAD v8 allows the user to quickly and easily rotate the vector file before export to CAD. In multi-page PDF files the user can navigate to a specific page. Raster images included in the PDF can be cleaned and converted with Scan2CAD or saved as a BMP, JPG or TIF file attached to any DXF file.

In considering a new vector PDF conversion solution, Scan2CAD v8's R&D team drew on years of vectorization experience to produce a solution with greater accuracy and more efficient file management. Among the practical innovations that distinguish Scan2CAD v8's vector PDF conversion quality and which make its results easier to edit in any PC CAD program are the following productivity benefits:

* True arc, circle and Bezier curve recognition

* Text strings - reassemble individual PDF characters into editable words and sentences

* PDF line type and line thickness recognition

* Efficient file management - map multiple raster images on a single PDF page to one image

Among the other new features in Scan2CAD v8 are:

* Save As PDF (both raster and vector)

* New Command Line functions to support Batch PDF conversion

* Open CYMK images & images with color depth greater than 24-bit

* Change the color of all / individual vectors in an area

* New, improved Bezier curve drawing

* New Raster and Vector Draw functions

* Updated Raster Cut, Copy, Move and Paste

* Circle and Polygon Raster Erase

Scan2CAD v8's industry-leading automatic raster to vector conversion gives it a distinct edge over rival PDF to CAD converters. As a two-in-one solution, it is equally adept at both top quality raster to vector and PDF to DXF conversion. Like PDF to CAD converters, it will save PDF raster elements and pages as an attachment but, unlike most PDF to DXF converters, it can convert raster images using a powerful and flexible set of professional vectorization controls. Its conversions can be instantly viewed on-screen in Scan2CAD, making the quest for improved, higher quality accuracy through the re-adjustment of system settings a practical and productive exercise.

"All-round excellence in PDF to CAD conversion requires a capable raster to vector converter at the heart of it," said Steve Hannath, Softcover's Marketing Director. "Only a solution based on a robust raster to vector converter can give CAD professionals the necessary all-round ability to convert both vector and raster PDF files to the highest possible standard.

"When a CAD user receives a PDF file, they seldom know what type of PDF they are getting until they try to open it. Is it raster or vector? Most converters will do one or the other but not both. If you've got the wrong type of PDF file for your converter, you're stuck! It makes sense to purchase a solution that provides a two-in-one conversion capability. As almost all PDF converters focus on vector PDF conversion, the quality of their raster to vector conversion is generally very poor, a check-box feature at best. CAD users wanting to invest in a PDF to CAD converter should buy one that is based on a proven raster to vector converter," he said.