Posted by SwervingLemon on
URL: https://forum.librecad.org/Import-image-resolution-tp5713728p5721639.html

You'd hope by now that it would be possible to get a plugin where you could just state that you're importing a 600dpi jpg and it would scale it properly on import. I see this thread is ancient but that's part of the problem. The instructions are now outdated, or were never clear to begin with.

The "scale" option has nearly opaque usability. It asks me for a reference point. That's cool. Scaling it down to 1/600th when my base units for the document are already established as inches does NOT result in a properly scaled image, and that's when I can figure out what the command reference in the corner is trying to tell me to do.

This is a common frustration I have with a lot of CAD software. The easiest way I have to import weird geometry pieces is to literally go place it on our massive flatbed scanner and scan it at 600dpi (it's max res in grayscale) and I can see in programs like Photoshop that it's a perfect geometrical representation.

Then I import it into CAD program of choice and I never get the option to say "It's 600dpi, just scale it proportionately and drop it at my cursor", no. I have to go through weird rituals every time because none of the software can check the EXIF or JPG properties. If we're going to have to go through the ritual ANYWAY, can't it just default to using the units already defined in the file information? Or at least provide some sort of import dialogue where you can say "no, the scale ISN'T arbitrary, those dpi actually mean something."?

Edit: Ok, apparently, my expressed preference for image insertion behaviour is apparently the default in DraftSight and AutoCAD. Why do LibreCAD, FreeCAD and others have to "go their own way" in this regard? It's pointlessly complex and frustrating.