Inserting an image, like a photo or a raster file, into your AutoCAD drawing can be a simple way to add context, visual references, or textures. The primary method involves attaching the image file to your drawing.
Steps to Insert an Image
To attach an image file to your current drawing in AutoCAD, follow these straightforward steps:
- Access the Attach Command: You can initiate the image attachment process by typing
ATTACHin the command line and pressing Enter, or by navigating through the ribbon interface, typically under the Insert tab. - Select the Image File: A file dialog box will appear. Use this window to find your photo or the image file you wish to insert.
- Confirm Selection: Once you've located the image file, double click it.
- Configure Attachment Options: The Attach Image window appears. According to the provided reference, you often really don't need to specify anything in this window for a basic insertion.
- Finalize Insertion: You just click OK in the Attach Image window.
After clicking OK, you will typically be prompted to specify an insertion point and potentially scale and rotation for the image directly within your drawing area.
Understanding Image Attachment
When you insert an image using the ATTACH command, AutoCAD creates a link to the external image file. This means the image data is not embedded directly into the DWG file. This approach keeps the drawing file size smaller but requires the linked image file to remain in its original location relative to the DWG file for it to display correctly.
Key points about image attachment:
- The image is referenced, not embedded.
- Moving or deleting the image file can cause it to disappear from the drawing.
- Supported formats often include .jpg, .png, .tif, .bmp, and more.
While the "Attach Image window" offers options for insertion point, scale, rotation, and path type, the core process, as highlighted, can be as simple as selecting the file and confirming in the dialog.
