scanner software to export dxf files

[morsee]

I'm looking for inexpensive (or free) scanner software that will permit export of scanned line drawings as dxf files for uploading into AutoCAD and eventual conversion to gcode for engraving. Of course I can also use a bit of software to convert raster to vector files (like dfx).

I once had scanner "draw" software that allowed direct export to dxf...seem to have lost it a couple of moves ago. It may have been a Corel product, but I bought a Corel "draw" oem package and it wouldn't export or save to dxf.

Any advice?

[jeffs555]

I just downloaded the GPL'd program RAS2VEC and tried it. It will convert from a monochrome BMP or TIFF file into DXF. http://xmailserver.org/davide.html

I also found this free one which looks a little more polished. It supposedly will convert from bmp,tiff,gif,or jpg to DXF. They have a pro version for sale which says it will go directly from scanner to DXF.

http://www.softsoft.net/wintopo/index-free.htm

[morsee]

Jeffs555: Thanks for the help. I downloaded the free version of Wintopo, as you suggested, and it works very well. Thanks for the help. I also found that Corel Draw 12 will export dfx flawlessly to AutoCAD and perhaps I'll eventually upgrade to that software from my oem version. In the meantime, the solution you suggested works fine....EM