Expert: Amy - 6/17/2008

Question
Hi,
I am trying to export an illustrator file into CAD. So I choose export as a DWG file and then the program saves about 90 BMP or JPEG files (rasters) along with the CAD file. The problem is that when i open the file in CAD, all of the white backgrounds show up and so a lot of the CAD image becomes hidden. Is there a way to remove these white backgrounds so that these raster images in CAD can essentially overlay to create one image?

Answer
Hi Jay,

I don't know a ton about CAD, nor do I have any way to troubleshoot it for you, but I do know the problem you're talking about.

Can you import/open any sort of EPS files in CAD? Your whites' transparency cannot be preserved in any formats other than 1-bit BMPs or EPS/other vector.

If you can figure out a way to open EPS in CAD, try saving the Illustrator files as EPS (preserve transparency) (That's a Save As..., not an export). If you can't do this (sorry I am not familiar enough with CAD to know if what I am saying is possible) can you try exporting as DXF? DXF may preserve that transparency.

Otherwise, you could try exporting as a 1-bit BMP, too, if that suits your needs (depends on image content, really).

Hope this helps a little.

Amy