Loading Images for Vectorization

Introduction

This topic explains how to load an image for the purpose of creating geometry from it. It should be noted that this is not the same as loading a vector file. Standard (raster) images require vectorization to create geometry, but vector files already contain it. You can vectorize images to create geometry for machining features, emboss models, or use with .

Loading an Image

There are two ways to load an image using the BobART tree of the BobART Manager tab that provide the same result.

Note: The image is loaded onto the active UCS.

Click in the BobART
In the BobART tree, right-click BobART Manager or Images, and click Load Image.

The Open dialog box displays.

Be sure to set the Files of Type filter to show the types of images you want to load. (The system defaults to displaying .jpeg images.)

Navigate to, and select an image, then click Open.

The image displays in the graphics area and is ready for further processing.

Understanding the Resulting Features

The following features are automatically created after loading an image.

In the BobART tree, under Images, an Image feature is added. (This item displays the name of the selected image file.)

This item is used to vectorize the image. You can also change the origin, delete, hide, show, and even edit the image using the Microsoft Paint application using this feature.

Modifying the Image Location

When modifying the location of an image, you can use the BobART tree.

In the BobART tree under Images, right-click Image-filename and click Edit.

The Load Image dialog appears.

You can change the X and Y location, rotation angle, image size, and even change the transparency of the image in the graphics area. When you vectorize the image, it uses the current location and attributes. If you modify an image after vectorizing it, the geometry remains in the previous location until you vectorize the image again.

Vectorizing the Image