An AutoCAD digitizer often converts hand drawings into a digital format through the use of a pointing device and is often referred to by the following names:
- Drawing tablet
- Digitizer tablet
- Graphics tablet
- Drawing table
- CAD tablet
The pointing device on a
CAD digitizer can be in different forms. Some of them can include but may not be limited to:
Some people will use A
CAD digitizer board as a software menu overlay, where the user can choose from a specific set of commands inside their CAD software. This can make the process more efficient, because it’s faster than using them within the program itself. You even have the option to choose your own menu overlay — one that’s customized to your specific needs.
You can also purchase a number of accessories for your CAD digitizer, which can make your workflow go more smoothly. Some of them can include but may not be limited to:
- Cursors
- Pens
- Power adapters
- Cords
- Digitizer stands
All of these products will allow you to complete your designs more efficiently. And at Engineer Supply, we’re a factory authorized dealer of some of the best brands on the market. If you’re looking for a place where you can choose from a broad selection of digitizer accessories and parts, be sure to look at what we have in stock.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I scan into AutoCAD?
You can scan your hand drawings into AutoCAD by performing the following steps:
- Open AutoCAD and start a new blank drawing by selecting “New” from the File menu.
- Scan your image and save the file as a BMP, JPG, PNG, or TIF file. If the scanned drawing on your computer already exists, resave it into one of these AutoCAD-compatible formats.
- Import the scanned image into AutoCAD by typing “imageattach” in the command line or by selecting “Import” from the File Menu.
- Apply a new layer for tracing by clicking on the Layers icon in the objects properties toolbar or by selecting Layers from the Home menu.
- Specify a name for your new layer and choose a color that contrasts with what is in your scanned drawing.
- Trace over your scanned image by using AutoCAD’s drawing elements.
- Set the scale of your drawing by selecting the “Measure” icon from the Tools menu or by using the “Measure” command in the command line.
- Highlight your AutoCAD drawing with your mouse and select “Scale” from the Modify options under the Home menu. Type in the scale factor you just calculated and press “Enter” to apply it.
- Select “Save As” from the File menu, name the file, and press “Enter.”
While there are quite a few applications you can pay for that will simplify this process, scanning and tracing is the best way to make sure it represents exactly what’s on the paper version.
What kind of digitizer can I use with AutoCAD?
AutoCAD is one of the most well-known types of software used for computer-aided design. It’s often used by architects, engineers, as well as graphics and product designers. An AutoCAD digitizer can be used to convert hand drawings into a digital format, which can make the workflow in AutoCAD much smoother. You can use a pointing device to draw specific elements, and you can use different menu overlays to make the process simpler.
How long does it take to make a CAD drawing?
The time it takes to make a CAD drawing can depend on a number of factors. Some of them can include but may not be limited to:
- The complexity of the parts.
- How much has to be designed and drawn from scratch.
- The complexity of the 2D drawings.
- The kind of assembly drawings that need to be made.
- The tolerances that need to be calculated (GDT or not).
- The level of familiarity the engineer has with the software.
- The specific design requirements.
Making a CAD drawing may only take few days, or it may take you longer. Every project is different. If you’re using a CAD digitizer board and need to find some quality parts and accessories, be sure to look at what we have at Engineer Supply.