This seems fairly basic but I haven't been able to work it out from reading the guide or searching...
I have a CAD drawing that I need to convert to an SVG but in a way that splits the paths into separate sections rather than just one long path.
Taking the example picture what I need is to trace the outline of the various compartments on the diagram and then split them down to each compartment e.g separate rectangles for 2-20-4-G and 2-20-4-L and all the other shapes - I could draw objects over each part of the imported image / dxf file but there's around 1000 compartments and I'm sure there must be an easier way.
It probably very much depends on how the original drawing is made. Can you share the DXF file?
Generally you would probably need to use Path menu > Break Apart (and probably after ungrouping at least once, or more). But it's hard to say what you would need to do, without seeing how the drawing is made. For example, if each compartment is drawn with a single closed path, you probably have it made in the shade, as they say. Or if there is a single line segment separating each compartment, that would be the next best case which I could imagine. But if you have some complex serpentine long paths snaking throughout, then you'll need to break paths at critical corners, break apart, and reconnect as needed. That would probably take the most work.
In any case, you probably have a lot of work ahead of you. But we can say more definitely, if we could see the original file.
😭The bucket tool! Oh dear god no! It'll make a pretty inaccurate path, so double and tripple check that the results from the bucket as what you expect.
The bucket tool works by converting paths to raster, then uses a raster bucket fill, the converts the generated fill back into vector using the vectorisation. It's er, inaccurate for precision drawings.
This may be way off base, but I now sometimes do this to fill in gaps - I select all (do not group them), then do path offset just once and it fills it in. Might need further manipulation, clip, cut, etc. I 'think' you can manipulate the size of the offset, perhaps to match the gap, not entirely sure about that though. Just a thought, may not help at all...
There's a Grow/Shrink setting in the control bar, to help cover most of the gap. But for precision, you'll need to manually tweak every single path with the Node tool. If precision is not important, it's probably a great solution!
Beginners' Questions Path separation to show space between
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This seems fairly basic but I haven't been able to work it out from reading the guide or searching...
I have a CAD drawing that I need to convert to an SVG but in a way that splits the paths into separate sections rather than just one long path.
Taking the example picture what I need is to trace the outline of the various compartments on the diagram and then split them down to each compartment e.g separate rectangles for 2-20-4-G and 2-20-4-L and all the other shapes - I could draw objects over each part of the imported image / dxf file but there's around 1000 compartments and I'm sure there must be an easier way.
Any help greatly appeciated.
Welcome to the forum!
It probably very much depends on how the original drawing is made. Can you share the DXF file?
Generally you would probably need to use Path menu > Break Apart (and probably after ungrouping at least once, or more). But it's hard to say what you would need to do, without seeing how the drawing is made. For example, if each compartment is drawn with a single closed path, you probably have it made in the shade, as they say. Or if there is a single line segment separating each compartment, that would be the next best case which I could imagine. But if you have some complex serpentine long paths snaking throughout, then you'll need to break paths at critical corners, break apart, and reconnect as needed. That would probably take the most work.
In any case, you probably have a lot of work ahead of you. But we can say more definitely, if we could see the original file.
Hi Brynn, thanks for the speedy reply.
Unfortunately the file is commercially sensitive so I am unable to share - I'll have another look at it in AutoCAD when I'm back at work tomorrow.
It could be fairly easy if you are simply looking for visual representation without high precision.
The bucket tool makes path objects based on screen color boundaries.
I used different colors for demonstration. Not neccessary.
Higher precision can be acieved by zooming in on each area before using the bucket.
Have a nice day.
TD
Tyler that's perfect as I can then union / intersect / etc to deal with the smaller details.
Thanks!
😭The bucket tool! Oh dear god no! It'll make a pretty inaccurate path, so double and tripple check that the results from the bucket as what you expect.
The bucket tool works by converting paths to raster, then uses a raster bucket fill, the converts the generated fill back into vector using the vectorisation. It's er, inaccurate for precision drawings.
This may be way off base, but I now sometimes do this to fill in gaps - I select all (do not group them), then do path offset just once and it fills it in. Might need further manipulation, clip, cut, etc. I 'think' you can manipulate the size of the offset, perhaps to match the gap, not entirely sure about that though. Just a thought, may not help at all...
There's a Grow/Shrink setting in the control bar, to help cover most of the gap. But for precision, you'll need to manually tweak every single path with the Node tool. If precision is not important, it's probably a great solution!
Brynn, I can't find grow/shrink, didn't realize we had it, that's fantastic! Could you tell where it's located please? or is it inv 1 only?
It's in the Bucket tool's tool controls, right above the canvas.