Exporting DWG Files - Embedding Images (logos) as Device Independent Bitmaps (for Windows 10 and 11)

[Malcolm Crowe]

This post was prompted by differences between Windows 10 and Windows 11, which can result in embedded images not being displayed.

Because we need to collaborate with other 2D CAD software, the ability to export our drawings as DWG files with minimal data loss is critical for us (which is a key reason why we use CAXA DRAFT). This includes understanding how Bitmap images within the drawing are handled during exporting.

IRONCAD DRAWING (ICD):  Inserted Images (including logos) aren't exported. ICD is not well suited for collaboration.

CAXA DRAFT:  Inserted Images are exported, but saved externally and referenced by the DWG file. This is typical for DWG Editors.

CAXA DRAFT:  Inserted OLE Objects are saved (embedded) within the exported DWG file. As a result logos are typically inserted as OLE Objects.

The file format used for inserting images as OLE Objects is the *.BMP file format. This is the file format used by the program “Paint” (that is included within Windows). However, because of differences between “Paint” within Windows 10 and Windows 11, it’s important that BMP OLE Objects are not associated with “Paint” (or Paintbrush). Instead, these should be inserted as “Device Independent Bitmaps” using “Paste Special”.

If you need to insert Bitmap images as OLE Objects within CAXA DRAFT, then the attached document includes the the steps to ensure that these Bitmap images will be displayed in both Windows 10 and Windows 11.

Malcolm

IRONCAD DRAFT - Embedding Images (logos) as Device Independent Bitmaps - 20220122.pdf

[IronKevin]

Nice!

How did you figure this out?

[Malcolm Crowe]

Hi Kevin,

The short answer is as follows:

1. Perseverance. I kept searching for a solution, as this was a major problem for us in Windows 11.

2. Good fortune (luck). I found an AUTOCAD tutorial that used "Paste Special" for inserting OLE Objects. This is where I discovered the "Device Independent Bitmaps" option.

Malcolm

Edited January 22, 2022 by Malcolm Crowe

[Malcolm Crowe]

Attached is a video (created in Windows 10) demonstrating the two methods for embedding a logo within a Title Block as an OLE Object.

Method 1: Using the "Insert OLE Tool" (not recommended as it associates the Bitmap with the Windows 10 Paint program, and doesn't display in Windows 11).

Method 2: Using "Paste Special" as detailed in the post above, and select "Device Independent Bitmap" option. The logo displays in both Windows 10 and 11.

Malcolm

Edited January 24, 2022 by Malcolm Crowe

[Malcolm Crowe]

Attached is a video (created in Windows 11) which compares how drawings created in Windows 10 using the two methods above, are displayed within Windows 11.

It also demonstrates how to easily update existing drawings opened in Windows 11, that no longer display their embedded logos.

Malcolm

[Stefan_S]

I just wanted to point out that Malcolm's method also works for people who do not have paint as the default program to open bmp. I also had the logo inserted as a picture in our title block, because i could not get it to work with OLE.

@Malcolm CroweWhere do i get this toolbar?

Stefan

 

[IronKevin]

If I recall correctly, those two code commands are new in version 2022, if you are running an older version they won’t be available.

[Malcolm Crowe]

For existing embedded images within CAXA drawings, it's easy to "Transform" these into "Device Independent Bitmaps" without the need to replace them.

1. Select the image and right mouse click to open the context menu.

2. Select OLE Object and then Transform.

3. In the dialog box select Picture (Device Independent Bitmap) and click OK.

The embedded image will now display correctly in Windows 11.

The attached document includes images of these steps.

Malcolm

IRONCAD DRAFT - Transforming Existing Embedded Images (Logos) - 20220215.pdf

[Bertrand Kim]

Thanks so much about this article