insert vector image in Word 2007

Question

We want to insert parts from a CAD drawing and paste it into a Word document. At this moment we make a HPGL / 2 plot file (from the parts that we want) and convert it to a WMF file. This WMF image is inserted to the Word document. In Word 2003 it worked perfectly.

If the image is 5 inches wide, we get only 2 inches in Word to see. If we then select the image and then click the right mouse button, select "Edit Image". Then the image will be 5 inches wide. The disadvantage is that all lines in the image can be selected now, so chances are possible and that gives the possibility of errors.

What should we do to get a good picture in Word, so that we still are able to easily crop and resize the image.

ps JPG images are not an option because they don't have enough details.

Answer 1

We have now the solution that fits best for us, thanks to all the reply's on the Bricsys forum and the Microsoft Anwsers forum. 

First of all, an explanation off the different tools that are suggested on forums.

* Better WMF from http://www.furix.com/betterwmf, this is a tool that can be used within AutoCAD and BricsCAD. The result is a WMF file that can be used in Word.

* Use an EPS printer driver. There were a few suggestions, but none of them had a good result or you must install software that we do not want to have on the workstations.

* The software Snagit. Great tool, but the output is a pixel image and we defiantly want a vector image.

* WMFout command which are available within the software. Most software have that kind of options, but not all the software we use. The quality from the WMF output deferens, so for all situations we need different instructions how to use and when you got a new software version sometimes the command changes or the result of it.

So the only thing we really can rely on is the HPGL/2 output, because of the fact that the end product of a CAD drawing is always a piece of paper. And that paper is produces with a plotter, and all plotters can handle HPGL or HPGL/2. So the only thing we have to do is find a good converter. The following converter are suggested:

• Normica, http://www.normica.com/en/hpgl2_emf. This product we have used in the past for viewing HPGL/2 files. It can handle WMF and EMF output. We tried the EMF and the result with small drawings was good, but when we used a full A0 drawings the result was not always good.
• SDI convert, http://www.sdicgm.com/sdiweb/sdi\_convert.html. Like Normica, the results were good.
• ViewCompanion, http://www.softwarecompanions.com/viewpremium.html. Of this software we had the standard version and used it for the WMF and PDF output. We now tried the new Premium version and tried it with the EMF output. The results were very good.

So the finaly sollution for us is:

• Making HPGL/2 plot files in AutoCAD and/or BricsCAD (this is done with the printerdriver).
• Place the files in a certain folder on the network.
• Start an remote desktop session to a server that automatically run the conversion with ViewCompanion
• The EMF files may be inserted into the Word document from a particular folder on the network.

Answer 2

I'am trying the EMF format. The problem is that the way we can get an EMF out of the CAD software. When you have a picture 5x5 inch, the EMF file is then 10x10 inch (you get a white margen around the picture, that was not selected in de CAD software). So the first things to do in Word is croping the picture and then resize it.

That is the reason that we prefere to work with conversion from HPGL/2. A lot of software we use can make HPGL/2 files. A conversion then will always give the same result, till now the WMF file workt fine.

Maybe somebody know's a good converter from HPGL/2 to EMF?

Answer 3

It was a translation from dutch, but we always use the Insert Picture function.

Answer 4

Another thought ... how are you inserting the image? Your post says "Paste" are you using the clipboard?  If so, instead from the Ribbon try using the Insert > Picture function and select the file.

Answer 5

Have you tried an EMF format?  Do you get the same results?