Bitmap Images
LinkCAD can import raster images (bitmaps) and convert them to vector polygon geometry suitable for mask layout or CAD conversion.
Format Summary
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Extensions | .bmp, .png, .jpg, .jpeg, .tif, .tiff |
| Encoding | Binary (various) |
| Import | ✓ |
| Export | ✓ |
| License | Basic |
How It Works
Bitmap import traces the raster image to produce vector polygons:
- The image is thresholded to separate foreground from background
- Contour tracing identifies polygon boundaries
- Polygons are generated from the traced contours
- Coordinates are scaled based on the specified DPI and units
Import Options
| Option | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|
| DPI | Resolution of the source image | 300 |
| Units | Target coordinate units | Micron |
| Threshold | Brightness threshold for black/white separation | 128 |
Common Workflows
Bitmap → GDSII
Convert scanned mask images or bitmap artwork to GDSII layout data.
Bitmap → DXF
Vectorize raster graphics for use in CAD tools.
Export
LinkCAD can render any layout to a raster image. Three output formats are supported:
| Format | Extension | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| PNG | .png | Lossless; recommended for mask images |
| TIFF | .tiff | Lossless; widely supported in EDA tools |
| JPEG | .jpg | Lossy; smaller files, not recommended for binary mask images |
Export Options
| Option | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|
| Resolution | Pixels per micron (or specified units) | 100 |
| Anti-aliasing | Smooth polygon edges | Off |
| Color space | Palette, grayscale, or RGB | Palette |
Common Export Workflows
GDSII → PNG
Render IC mask layout as a high-resolution PNG image for documentation or mask inspection.
GDSII → TIFF
Export layout as TIFF for use in photolithography or image-processing tools.
Technical Notes
- The vectorization process works best with clean, high-contrast black-and-white images
- Anti-aliased or blurred edges may produce noisy polygon boundaries
- For best results, use high-resolution (300+ DPI) images with sharp edges
- Color images are converted to grayscale before thresholding
- Very large images may require significant memory and processing time
CLI / Command-File Options
These option keys can be used on the command line or in command files.
Import
| Key | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|
RasterInScalingUnits | int | Scaling unit enum (see Units) |
RasterInScalingValue | float | Scaling value |
RasterInScalingValueY | float | Y-axis scaling value (non-square pixels) |
RasterInGrayLevels | int | Number of gray levels for vectorization |
RasterInKeepWhite | flag | Keep white pixels as shapes |
RasterInMergeType | int | Merge mode — 0=none, 1=horizontal, 2=all adjacent |
Export
| Key | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|
RasterOutScalingUnits | int | Scaling unit enum (see Units) |
RasterOutScalingValue | float | Pixels per unit in X direction |
RasterOutYScalingValue | float | Pixels per unit in Y direction |
RasterOutAntiAliasing | flag | Enable anti-aliasing |
RasterOutColorSpace | int | Color space — 0=palette, 1=grayscale, 2=RGB |
RasterInProcessing | int | Processing mode — 0=threshold 50%, 1=dither, 2=split gray levels |