Scan2CAD alternative for floor plans
Scan2CAD is capable desktop software for converting scans and PDFs to CAD, from $89 a month. If you only need floor plan images turned into wall layouts now and then, an online tracer can be enough. An honest comparison, with prices checked on 3 November 2026.
Updated
Short answer: Scan2CAD is the more complete tool: desktop software for Windows and macOS that converts images and PDFs to DXF, DWG or G-code, with OCR and batch conversion. ImageToDWG does much less: it turns floor plan images into a layered DXF in the browser, for a few dollars, with no install. If you convert floor plans now and then, the smaller tool may be all you need. If you vectorise drawings every week, especially PDFs or CNC parts, Scan2CAD is built for that.
We make ImageToDWG, so read this with that in mind. Scan2CAD facts below come from its own website, checked on 3 November 2026.
Side by side
| ImageToDWG | Scan2CAD | |
|---|---|---|
| Runs on | Any browser | Desktop app for Windows 7+ and macOS 14.8+ |
| Input | JPG, PNG, WebP | Images and PDFs |
| Output | DXF (AutoCAD 2010 format) | DXF, DWG, G-code |
| Built for | Floor plans | General drawings: architectural, mechanical, electrical, maps, CNC |
| Layers | Fixed: WALLS, WALLS_HATCH, WALL_AXIS, DOORS, TEXT, OTHER | Not checked for this comparison |
| Text | Read by an AI vision model onto a TEXT layer | OCR, plus "Enhanced OCR" credits |
| Scale | Measure one known length, or use the scale read from the plan's dimensions | Not checked for this comparison |
| Batch and API | No | Business plan |
| Free option | Free preview, 3 free downloads on signup | 14-day free trial |
| Paid price | 10 downloads for $9.99, 50 for $29.99, or monthly plans | Pro from $89 per month |
When ImageToDWG is the better fit
- You have a JPG or PNG of a floor plan and want the walls as CAD polylines today.
- You convert a handful of plans a month and do not want a subscription or an install.
- You want walls, doors and centre lines already separated, rather than one layer of traced lines to sort.
- You are on a machine where you cannot install software.
When Scan2CAD is the better fit
- Your drawings arrive as PDFs, or you need DWG written directly.
- You work with mechanical parts, electrical schematics or maps, not just floor plans.
- You need G-code for CNC cutting.
- You convert many files and want batch processing, an API or offline licences.
Other alternatives
| Option | What it is | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| AutoCAD Raster Design toolset | Autodesk's raster editing and raster-to-vector toolset | Included with an AutoCAD subscription; not part of AutoCAD LT |
| Tracing by hand in AutoCAD | Attach the image, scale it, and draw over it | Exact, but slow for anything bigger than a flat |
| Inkscape | Free vector editor with Trace Bitmap and DXF export | Traces the outline of each stroke, so a wall becomes two shapes; fine for logos, rough for plans |
| AutoCAD PDFIMPORT | Imports vector PDFs as geometry | Only works when the PDF has vectors; a scanned PDF comes in as an image |
What ImageToDWG will not do
To keep the comparison honest, these are the limits stated in our own converter's documentation:
- No PDF input yet, and DXF output only.
- Walls must be the thickest dark strokes. Hatched walls, walls drawn as two thin lines and coloured walls end up as plain lines on OTHER.
- Only horizontal and vertical walls are straightened; diagonal walls are kept as traced and curved walls become short segments.
- Door swings are detected by shape, so some are missed and some round letters turn into false arcs.
- Angled phone photos are straightened by rotation only, not perspective-corrected.
Try both on the same drawing
The fairest test is your own file. Upload it to ImageToDWG and look at the free preview, then run the same image through the Scan2CAD trial. Compare how many walls come out closed and straight, how much you have to delete, and how long it took.
Have a floor plan image to convert?
Upload a JPG, PNG or WebP and check the traced walls for free before you download anything.
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