Freeware for Converting Scanned Docs to *.DWG or *.DFX Formats

I don't know of any free (albeit legal ) software, but here is a cheap one that may work:

http://www.brothersoft.com/bmp-to-dxf-40829.html

Here is a link to one program:

http://www.astrosurf.com/buil/us/iris/iris.htm

Are you wanting to import the contents of the drawings in an editable format, or will you accept importing as an "object" that just kind of sits there and looks pretty? There is a significant difference in what is required for these two operations...

Have a look at cenon graphics converter. I haven't played much with it, but they claim they can do what you want to do. www.cenon.info.

I have seen contractors use pdf versions of our drawings to add notes for the record (as-built) sets.

In recent versions of Autocad you can insert a pdf, scale it and trace over it.

The easiest way ( I have found) is to convert the pdf to a .tiff for insertion and scaling into your drawing for markup-ups.

Hello Guys, many thanks for the input. I guess I wasn't specific enough in my request and should have come back online last night, but recovering from Outpatient Surgery yesterday on a heal wound (and pain killers as well), so I was a bit "sauced". Have to go back today for more......damn diabetes!

Anyhow, I need to be able to manipulate the document in IntelliCAD once it's been converted. I am scanning a surveyor's map of my property to use in a set of drawing that must be used for a Zoning Board of Appeals meeting as well as a Building Permit set for improvements to be constructed on my property. The surveyor who produced this survey for me has since passed away, so in essence I cannot get an electronic copy in *.DWG format as a result. I will have to do it the hard way by either scanning the plot plan or digitizing it on my very large Calcomp board which I will have to set-up. BTW, I don't mind having to go back and clean-up the paper space drawing due to the conversion.

Shall we start all over again gents?

Have you looked at all the answers you have already? Surely one/some of them can help?

Almost free [>$30] Try this: http://www.pdf-converter-pro.com/download/pdfconverterpro.exe

Never used it so I cannot vouch for it but if you Google 'Convert PDF to DWG' you will get a boat load of apps. Obviously the higher priced the app the more capable. But it sounds as though you only need minimal conversion of images to lines so this should do.

If this is a one off job I wouldn't bother trying to convert a bitmap scan file to vector. You'll probably spend almost as much time cleaning up the conversion as just digitizing it on your Calcomp board in the first place.

On the other hand you may just be able to find a local service bureau to do the conversion for you. Unfortunately their rates on a singe scan/conversion can be outrageous.

Chrisg had it right up above.

Hooker <-- who consulted in the legacy drawing to digital archival industry for a bit

Take a picture and edit at will...

I went thru tha a while back with AutoCad but even if you can conveert it you can't edit it. A dwg drawing is a real complicated sucker. Sorry dude but scanning just won't get what you want. Good luck. GET WELL.

Try going here:-

http://software.geocomm.com/scripts/cad/

then scroll down to BMP2DXF.....

Those suggesting just redrawing are most likely the ones who have tried to convert a bitmap (scan) into a vector drawing. It is true. You'll spend no more time just redrawing it and probably end up with more of what you need/want. Tracing programs, as these apps. are called, leave much to tweak and clean up. Then there's the scaling. I vote with others who say redraw it, if you have a good readable paper copy.

Hello to everyone that has responded to my OP!

There has been made many many great answers and suggestions. I'm in the process of going through each and everyone of them. This is going to be one tough nut to crack as far as which one to try first ------hell's bells, I might as well check them all out just for sh*ts & giggles, ya know???!!!!!!

If the dang Calcomp digitizing tablet and it's motorized steel pedestal weren't so freaking heavy and huge (48" x 60" eff. area; 53" x 73" overall area) I would have dragged it up the basement stairs and I wouldn't have been in the mess I am in by asking you good folks for advice and now trying out various software packages! Yes, it probably would have been easier to digitize the survey map, but I didn't do so for fear of getting a couple of hernias in the process plus getting my ear bent some by the Mrs. Moosie.....I can only hear in now if I had had my way and did so...."There's no room for that thing up here!!!!"....and "When are you bringing it downstairs?"....and in a heavy Irish brough: "Bee gone with ya an' that damned thing...." ***LOL*** Well, if she hadn't looked like a younger Maureen O'Hara I'd be's a gone from this place and down at the corner pub.....

There's nothing worse than a little Redheaded Irish woman mad as all hell at ya for messing up the living quarters, even if one of the rooms is your office and study, eh!!!!???? God help me if I wanted to build a model airplane in this here office instead down in the cold basement at my workbenches!!!! *LMAO*

Again, I offer many many thank you's for all your help guys!

====Signed,

Mark (aka CaptainMoosie)

Do let us know the results please.....

XnView maybe?

Not according to the read write formats table:-