FAQs (frequently-asked questions) for June/July 2001

By Ralph Grabowski

Q1. Can I display raster images in AutoCAD?

A1: Yes. There are several ways:

To simply view a raster image, use the REPLAY command.
To make the raster image part of a 2D or 3D drawing, use the IMAGE command.
To make the raster image the background to a rendering, use the BACKGROUND command.

Q2. Is it possible to trace over an image?

A2: Yes. In fact, that is the primary purpose for the Image command. If necessary, first scale the image to fit the drawing area. Then draw over the image with the usual drawing commands, such as LINE and SKETCH.

Q3. I’ve tried to draw over the image, but sometimes the image obscures my work. Help!

A3: You can move the image "below" your drawing with the DRAWORDER command. Select the image’s edge, then select the Bottom option. ie:-

DRAWORDER _|
Pick the edge of the image
B _| (..B for Bottom!) or select the Bottom option

Q4. Okay, I’ve done that, but the image still sometimes appears on top of my drawing.

A4: This is a bug in versions of AutoCAD prior to 2002, in which AutoCAD forgot the display order of objects. You might need to write a macro that places images at the bottom of the display order each time you open the drawing.

Q5. When I use the RENDER command, the image disappears. I want the image as the background. Can AutoCAD do this?

A5. Yes, but via the RENDER command, not the IMAGE command. In the Render dialog box, click Background, and then select Image. Specify the file via the Find File button. (Curiously, the RENDER command supports a smaller variety of raster files than does the IMAGE command.)

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