LibreCAD is a free, open-source 2D CAD application. It does not have powerful raster-to-vector conversion capabilities built-in, but it handles vector data natively.
Comparative table (summary) | Tool/Workflow | Raster→Vector | DWG/DXF export | Batchable | Best for | |---|---:|---:|---:|---| | Inkscape + Trace Bitmap | Yes (SVG) | DXF via extension | Moderate | High-contrast line drawings; manual cleanup | | Potrace | Yes (monochrome) | SVG/EPS/PDF | High | Batch tracing of clean scans | | Autotrace | Yes | SVG/EPS | High | Alternative tracing with parameter options | | OpenCV + ezdxf pipeline | Custom extraction (centerlines, lines) | DXF via ezdxf | High (scriptable) | Complex engineering/architectural plans needing automation | | LibreCAD/QCAD | Edit DXF | Native | Moderate | Final CAD edits after vectorization | | Vector Magic (online) | Yes (proprietary) | SVG/AI | Single-file/demo | Quick good-quality tracing (not fully free) | scan2cad free alternative
VectorMagic’s AI does a phenomenal job differentiating between lines you want to keep (walls of a house) and noise (pencil smudges). It requires zero calibration. You upload a photo of a napkin sketch, and 10 seconds later, you have a clean path. LibreCAD is a free, open-source 2D CAD application
What are you converting (e.g., architectural blueprint, logo, map)? Which CAD software do you plan to use the file in? How complex is the detail in your original image? It requires zero calibration