Converting from jpeg to Live Trace to DXF?

[lizfalz]

Hi,
I need help with Adobe Illustrator that might be very basic, but I don't know the program very well. I am bringing in an image (jpg) into Adobe Illustrator CS2, and using LIVE TRACE to get the outlines of the image.
1. My line thickness is 1,
2. the color is black. I have even tried using other colors just in case it is interpreting the black as 0,0,0 in the RGB scale.
3. I am also renaming the layer as 1.
4. I am exporting as a DXF R13/LT95 form Illustrator.

I am importing the image in an engineering SW called Formaris from Lectra, but it cannot read the image. The funny thing is that if I draw a rectangle using the square tool, I have no problem importing it. However, I cannot use the circle tool and have the ability to import the file.

Is there some difference between the line quality of a rectangle and the line quality of a circle or the star, or even an image in which I used LIVE TRACE that does not export teh DXF correctly?

I have even tried importing into AutoCAD 2007 with no success.

Can anyone help?

Thanks,
Liz

 

[mezzi5]

Hi lizfalz, i have found that objects like stars need to be expanded prior to exporting.

In Illustrator Select group/single object > Object > Expand

then export as dxf (I didnt change any of the export settings)

 

[lizfalz]

Hi, Thanks so much. I tried it, but it did not work. Formaris works with layers. Layer 1 is teh contour, but it is reading it as a Spline rather than a contour.
Do you have any other sugestions?
I really appreciate anything you can think of.
Liz

 

[ERIXWORX]

When having trouble with a shape object, sometimes the following will work-
make a rectangle larger than your shape, so that your shape is completely within the rectangle. Select both and do 'pathfinder- intersect shape areas' then 'expand'. This gives you your shape, but it may work better for you
Good luck!
-E

(DISCLAIMER: Self-taught AI user; unorthodox methods w/good results)
'There is no LEASH LAW for the IMAGINATION!'
myspace.com/erixworx

 

[mezzi5]

What other file types does Formaris import?

 

[lizfalz]

Thanks so much,
It worked for the star. I really appreciate this because I have one step down.
Now, do you know if there is additional preparation I will need for a jpeg image that I converted into Vector using LIVE TRACE? I am not having any luck with the circle or any shapes that have curves or curve points either (evendrawn with the pen). The straight lines work great, but the curves act as it the curve points are exporting in the wrong layer. According to the AAMA, the layer for curve points on a DXF should be layer 3 if I am not mistaken.
Can you think of maybe an additional step I am missing?
Thanks again,
Liz

 

[lizfalz]

Formaris imports:
1. AAMA (which is a DXF file that follows AAMA standards which are more strict)
2. ASTM
3. DXF
4. GERBER
5. TIIP

Other than DXF and AAMA, I don't know what the others are. I even tried bringing the DXF file into AUTCAD 2007, but it does not recognize it as a shape. I also attempted with DWG with no luck.