Softcover is releasing Version 8 of Scan2CAD, its popular, professional raster-to-vector converter that 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.
Scan2CAD v8 combines both comprehensive PDF-to-CAD and raster-to-vector conversion in one cost-effective program. It enables allows CAD, AEC, 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 permit users to run Scan2CAD on more than one PC and to share it with colleagues via a USB stick, floating network or fixed network licence, all at no extra cost.
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. However, Scan2CAD v8 now provides them with a cost-effective, professional two-in-one utility.
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 enables users to rotate the vector file before export to CAD. In multi-page PDF files users 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.
Among the practical innovations that are said to distinguish Scan2CAD v8's vector PDF conversion quality, and which make its results easier to edit in any PC CAD program, are the following:
* True arc, circle and Bezier curve recognition
* Individual PDF characters can be reassembled into editable words and sentences
* PDF line type and line thickness recognition
* Efficient file management - multiple raster images on a single PDF page can be mapped 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 and images with colour depth greater than 24-bit
* Change the colour of all or individual vectors in an area
* Improved Bezier curve drawing
* New Raster and Vector Draw functions
* Updated Raster Cut, Copy, Move and Paste
* Circle and Polygon Raster Erase
Steve Hannath, Softcover's marketing director, comments: "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 have got the wrong type of PDF file for your converter, you are 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."
A fully-working 14-day trial of Scan2CAD v8 Pro can be downloaded from the website.
For more information, visit www.scan2cad.com
