Scan2CAD

Scan2CAD is a powerful and user-friendly software program that allows users to convert their scanned paper drawings, images and PDF files into editable DXF and DWG drawings. It is a complete solution for converting raster images to vector files, as well as for creating editable CAD files from scanned documents. It is a stand-alone application for Windows and macOS that does not require any other CAD software, and it is sold as a subscription with a free trial.

Scan2CAD provides users with a range of features that enable them to produce high-quality vectorized CAD files quickly and easily. These features include:

• Image Cleanup: Scan2CAD’s image cleanup tools allow users to remove speckles, holes and other unwanted marks from their scan or image. The image can also be reduced to black and white with the Threshold tool, or to fewer colors with the Segment tool, to ensure the best quality vectorized CAD output.

Scan2CAD enables users to quickly and easily convert scanned drawings into editable CAD files.

• Vectorization: Scan2CAD’s vectorization feature allows users to convert scanned images into vector files quickly and accurately. The vectorization feature uses powerful algorithms to detect lines, curves and shapes, and can optimize the vectorization process for different kinds of documents.

• CAD Export: Scan2CAD’s export feature allows users to save their vectorized images and scanned documents as editable CAD files. It supports the DXF and DWG formats used by all common CAD software, and can also save vector files as PDF or as G-code files such as .CNC, .NC and .TAP for CNC machines.

• Image Inspection: Before a raster image is vectorized, Scan2CAD inspects it and reports problems such as too many colors, speckles or holes. This allows users to make any necessary adjustments to the image before the vectorization process begins.

• Layer Control: Scan2CAD maintains the layers in PDF, DWG and DXF files, making it easier to edit and manage the output.

• Raster Editing: Scan2CAD’s raster effects allow users to prepare their images and scanned documents before vectorizing them. The tools include thresholding, color segmentation and the removal of speckles and holes, so the drawing is as clean as possible.

• Image Rotation: Scan2CAD’s image rotation feature allows users to rotate images and PDF pages clockwise or counter-clockwise before vectorizing them. This is useful when a drawing was scanned sideways, as it ensures that the drawing and its text are properly oriented in the output file.

• Text Recognition: Scan2CAD’s OCR feature finds text in scanned images and documents and converts it into text objects. Unlike plain OCR software, it converts the text with OCR and the rest of the drawing with vectorization, so the text stays editable in CAD software.

• Object Recognition: Scan2CAD converts elements in the image to their CAD object equivalents. This feature is particularly useful for technical drawings, where lines and shapes should become proper CAD objects rather than a mass of short segments.

• Scaling: Scan2CAD allows users to assign scaling or dimensions to the drawing. This feature ensures that the converted DXF and DWG files are to scale, which is essential when the output is used for further design or manufacturing work.

• Batch Conversion and Automation: Scan2CAD can convert multiple files within a folder, or multiple pages of a PDF, in a single run. The Scan2CAD Automate Python API can automate any feature of the program for integration with other processes.