Scanning and copying layouts

Scanned layouts from magazines may be used as copy for reproduction or for simple extensions. The layout must be available as a bitmap file. The bitmap is displayed in the background of the editor.

 

Make sure that the bitmap file is monochrome (black & white). If the scanned file has a different file format, use a graphic application to create a suitable file.

 

A bitmap resolution of 600 dpi is to be recommended. Lower resolutions will cause loss of quality. Higher resolution will waste memory without gain of quality.

Loading a scanned copy

Call SCANNED COPY... from the OPTIONS menu or click on the corresponding button in the toolbar:

 

The dialogue for the scanned copy offers the following options:

 

Board side 1, Board side 2

Scanned copies may be loaded for the top side (side 1) and for the bottom side (side 2) of the board.

 

Load bitmap...

Loads the bitmap file of your scanned copy.

 

Delete bitmap...

Deletes the bitmap from the layout.

 

Show bitmap

Enable this option to make the scanned copy visible in the editor.

Disable this option to hide the bitmap.

 

Resolution

The resolution field is set to the resolution of the loaded bitmap. Make sure that the bitmap has the right scale, when it is displayed in the editor. Otherwise enter the correct resolution to this field.

 

X/Y-Offset

Use these fields to adjust the position of the scanned bitmap. Enter a value that gives a favourable position to the grid. Changes of the offset are visible immediately on the screen, which makes adjustment quite convenient.

 

Color

Select the display color of the scanned copy.

 

You may call the dialog from the OPTIONS menu at any time, to make some changes.

 

Tracing a scanned copy

If you want to create a Sprint-Layout file from a scanned copy of a layout, load the bitmap file of the copy to the editor and then trace the layout by hand. Make sure that the bitmap is displayed true to scale. To adjust the X- and Y-Offset we recommend small grid distances (1/2 or 1/4 of the default grid) and large zoom magnification. Try to move the scanned copy to a position that fits the grid best possible. Try different grids and zoom magnifications when tracing a layout. For objects that are completely out of the grid you may use the CTRL-key to turn of the grid capture temporary.

 

Extending a scanned copy

In some cases you may wish to extend a scanned copy of a layout. In that case you may use the scanned copy as a part of your layout. You may simply add some tracks, pad or whatever. Enable the option SCANNED COPY when printing the extended layout. The printout will then combine the scanned copy and your extensions to the layout. This technique is only available with printing a layout. You can not export scanned copies to Gerber-files.