Saving Images Within the Drawing

Have you ever wanted to insert an image, without it being a reference? If so, you'll be pleased to know that it is quite possible.

If you've ever embedded an Excel table in AutoCAD®, you'll have some idea that you can embed Object Linking and Embedding (OLE) objects. There is a type of OLE object called a bitmap image, and this is how we can embed our images without the need for an externally referenced image file.

Here's how to do it:

1. You need to have a bitmap on the clipboard, ready to be pasted into AutoCAD®. If you're just testing it out, just punch the PrtScn button to capture the whole screen as a bitmap. As an aside, you can use Alt+PrtScn to capture only the active window - something I frequently find handy.
2. Next, you want to go to the Edit menu.
3. Choose Paste Special, and select Bitmap Image.
4. Choose the location of your embedded OLE image.
5. Done!

This can be quite handy where you need to (for example) bind everything into a drawing so that it can be sent off to a client or something. But bear in mind whilst this is possible, it's probably better from best practice point of view that you keep drawings and images separate, so that we don't have any unnecessary bloat in the resulting .dwg file.

Will

Comments

Dallas
2011-06-24 17:25:57

This is assuming you're not using the ribbon. If you use the ribbon... Go to Home Tab, then Clipboard, then paste special. Keep in mind quality will lack. -d

Dallas
2011-06-24 17:33:16

If you simply just copy (ctrl+c) an image (from a website or whatever)... and ctrl+v it into the drawing.... is it not saved in the *.dwg file? Methinks it is... Been wrong before, though. -d

Will
2011-06-27 07:45:47

Hmm yes, you're absolutely right! Essentially the tip is to insert the image as an OLE object, which can be done various ways depending on your AutoCAD® setup. Thanks for your help!