This program converts a raster drawing into vector drawing in industry standard formats.

Able Tracer helps you vectorize a raster drawing. The tool will let you edit the raster file, get it converted automatically to one of several vector formats and then let you add finishing touches to the converted vector file. The formats the output files can be created in, include the DXF, EPS, EMF, WMF and AI formats. The raster or image file formats it can handle include the BMP, TIF, JPG, TGA, PCX, and PNG and so on. AbleTracer also offers TWAIN support for importing images directly from scanners. Multiple auto vectorization methods are supported by the program. The application can be operated in "wizard", "batch" and "command line" modes. The wizard mode is ideal for beginners. You start using the batch mode after you are comfortable with the program. The command line mode is for users who are experts and can set the command line parameters without problems. Beginners cannot be entirely novice users. Multiple features and the options will need to be understood by the user somewhat, even in the wizard mode.

Raster filters, tools and effects are available as are vector editing commands and filters. More than one conversion modes such as outline, centerline, etc. are available. The tool is able to recognize orthogonal lines, inclined lines, polygons, arcs and circles. The original scale is maintained. One of the applications for this kind of tools is to use it in the automatic conversion of raster based maps (scans of old paper maps) into a vector based ones. However, depending on the type of the drawing, the success of the conversion can vary. One may need to do a lot of manual edits. This will need to be checked out in one’s own environment.