How to convert a bmp, jpg into vector format to design a logo?

[j_mata]

Hi,

Can anyone tell me whether it is possible to convert an image (print screen) I got of a logo I am drawing in AutoCAD into a vector format? I find it easier for me to draw the logo in AutoCAD but now I am not sure if I will be able to maintain the same level of quality and definition once I transfer it to photoshop and this logo will go into a business letterhead. I have Photoshop CS2. At least if If I could extract the shapes I draw in AutoCAD (a combination of straight lines and curves) that would be awesome. I tried tracing the image with the pen tool but it is difficult to get straight lines! Plus, in AutoCAD I can create parallel straight lines (I have quite a few) quite easily but I am not sure Photoshop has that option (Offset). Again, this will eventually be sent to a professional printing shop and order hundreds of letterhead paper. In advance, I appreciate your kind help and time.


J

 

[dv8_fx]

Welcome, j_mata.

There are various ways to do this . But the results are quite crude.

The quickest and simplest way is to use the Windows clip board essentially taking a "screen grab" and pasting it into a new document in Photoshop. To do this, all you need to do is make sure that your AutoCAD drawing is displayed on the screen as you would want to see it in Photoshop. Then press the Print Screen button on the keyboard. If you want an image on a white background or any other colour, simply change the AutoCAD background colour.

You may also notice that when you pressed the Print Screen key, the UCS icon and the cursor were both visible in the AutoCAD drawing area and consequently, they are also in the pasted image. It may be possible to paint them out using the appropriate Photoshop tools but a better option is to remove them at source by turning of the icons in the UCS Settings Tab (Tools>Named UCS....) and making sure the mouse pointer is moved out of view.


Another method is by exporting the cad file to EPS. Select File>Export… from the pull-down menu. When the Export Data dialogue box appears, set the "Files of type" to "Encapsulated PS" using the drop-down list. Next, select a suitable location for the file you are about to create and give the file a name. Finally, click the Save button to create the EPS file. And Open the file normally in PS.

Upon clicking the Open file in PS, PS will rasterize the image and the rasterized lines will appear on a transparent background so you can see the grey and white checker pattern. This is very convenient because it means you can easily create a new layer, drag it below Layer 1 and fill it with whatever colour or effect you like.

Take note that this method is only suitable for line work. but it is relatively quick and easy and it gives moderately good results as long as you don't need high resolution images with fine control over line weight. And when the exported file is opened in Photoshop, the result can be quite crude.


Hope this helps.

 

[dv8_fx]

The above is assuming you don't use or have Adobe Illustrator.

If you have and know how to use Illustrator, simply open in Illustrator... lol....

But like I mentioned the results can be crude.