[dtm]

Is there any way to import pictures into solidworks and have a sketch created. I was able to insert a picture with the sketch tools, sketch picture. However, I have to trace the picture to create Geometry.

[Mike 1948]

It can be done. You have to enable Autotrace in the Add-ins before you import the picture. See the help menu for details

Mike

[keebler303]

Just remember that no matter what you try, the autotrace will never be perfect. The algorithms used cannot see what we can see. I have yet to find a solution which does not require significant manual cleanup. Many of the autotracers (Solidworks included) will spit out a ton of short line segments rather than straight lines or arcs. This will make Solidworks crawl to a stop due to that one sketch having thousands of entities.

In rather simple designs, like logos, I bring in the picture and then just sketch over it manually using the appropriate sketch tools.

Matt