VectorNow

With the aid of VectorNow you can seamlessly convert image files into AutoCAD drawings with the DWG and DXF format. This is an intuitive software application that comes packed with just a couple of customization options which can be quickly figured out even by novices. It offers support for BMP, JPG, TIF, PNG and GIF pictures.

Installing this piece of kit is a fast and easy job. As far as the interface is concerned, VectorNow adopts a single window that provides direct access to all available options.

Conversion operations can be only carried in single file mode. Unfortunately, batch processing is unsupported. After indicating an image file, you can preview it in the main app window, as well as pick the output file format between DWG and DXF format, along with the file version: AutoCAD 2013/2014/2015, AutoCAD 2010/2011/2012, AutoCAD 2007/2008/2009, AutoCAD 2000/2002, or AutoCAD 14.

It's also possible to name the new file and establish its destination on the disk, as well as to choose the line type between centerline and outline, together with the image background color between white and black. What's more, VectorNow can be asked to ignore any differences in color.

The utility took little time to finish raster-to-vector conversion tasks during our evaluation. Afterward, it offers to open the new file in its built-in drawing viewer, so you don't need AutoCAD installed just to be able to open the files to check results. In the drawing viewer you can zoom in and out, pan, as well as hide any layers.

Everything worked smoothly in our tests, thanks to the fact that the program didn't hang, crash or show error messages. It delivered good results after conversion, and had minimal impact on computer performance, using low CPU and RAM.

Taking into account its straightforward options and performance results, VectorNow proves to be a reliable tool for easily turning images into AutoCAD drawings without the help of AutoCAD. On the other hand, it doesn't contain richer customization preferences for more experienced users, and doesn't support batch processing.