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VPStudio v6.73

In spite of its high price, VPStudio has been our overall top choice for the last five years.

softelec, Inc.
Stand-Alone
5 stars out of 5
512.329.5870

VPStudio generates raw vector data from raster images quickly. In the Parameters Post Processing dialog box, choose layer preview, and use the slider bars to adjust the destination layers.

In spite of its high price, VPStudio ($3,900) has been our overall top choice for the last five years. This is fast, elegant, and very powerful software that comes closer to CAD-ready drawings than any other raster-to-vector software.

Changes in VPStudio are slight. It now features redlining that you can password-protect. It creates Internet-ready hybrid files, its own VCI hybrid files, and DWG files. There are now two ways to save a DWG: as in AutoCAD Release 14/2000, it externally stores and attaches the raster image; as in Release 13, it embeds the raster image in the drawing file. For the latter type, you can download softelec's RasterDWG plug-in for free from www.hybridcad.com.

Using VPStudio is usually a multistep process, and the provided tools are very complete in all categories of image cleanup, raster editing, and raster-to-vector conversion. Your first vectorization creates raw vector data; you then postprocess this raw data using your own parameters or one of a dozen supplied parameter sets. Object recognition is strong, and new vectorized objects are placed on separate layers. One of VPStudio's best features is layering by line thickness. As you drag the slider bars, you can see graphically which objects go on which layer. The software comes with a nice 328-page manual and a helpful online tutorial.

Stand-alone VPStudio has an AutoCAD-based companion called VPRaster Pro that is identical to VPStudio, except that it has no batch processing. Softelec also offers raster-to-vector software for AutoCAD LT. Highly Recommended.