Converting "backward" from DXF to JPG (or GIF)

[Gerald D]

Normally ShopBotters go from Pictures (rasters) to Vectors. However, if we want to show a CAD image on this forum, then we have to take our Vector (eg .dxf) files and convert them back to Rasters (.jpg or .gif). (Smaller than 10 kilobyte for ShopBot)

This morning, while the summer sun was already up in South Africa (sorry, couldn't resist!), I tried to do this with my AutoDesk and Microsoft products.

1. Made the drawing in AutoCad LT 2000
2. Cut & Paste to MS Imaging
3. Saved file as bitmap (.bmp)
4. Opened file with MS Paint
5. Cropped smaller
6. Saved file as .jpg

End result below:

/image{zzz}

Surely there are much simpler, or more elegant methods!!!!!

Also have available on this PC: Vector (from ShopBot), ShopBot WHOA, TurboCad 6.5 2D(freeware), Rhino (Evaluation version - limited saves), Vfontz.

Can anybody give some tips to get more illustrations onto this forum?

[Gerald D]

Should have used backslash in front of word "image". Lets try again:


4622

[alton]

c:\temp

4623temp.gif

[alton]

Whoops, converting the file was easy.
posting it was something else.
Former message read:


Try Paint Shop Pro.
They have a trial version at www.jasc.com.
Just open .dxf file, then reduce it to 10kb
or less(kinda tricky), then save as .gif or .jpg.

Alton

[bill.young]

Gerald,

You can save a step by using the "print screen" button on your keyboard while your drawing is on the screen in your CAD program. It copies whatever's on your screen to the Windows clipboard. You can then paste it into Paint or whichever graphics program you use and crop to your heart's content.

Bill

[Robin]

Gerald and Bill,

If you press "ALT" "PRINT SCREEN" only the active window will be saved to the clipboard.

Robin