AltiumDesigner15: Working with complex shapes

[Psi]

I have some graphics i want to place on my PCB for a logo in Altium Designer 15.

If i try import by copy/paste using a B&W image the quality is bad.  Probably because the source is pixels not vector.
If i try import it as a DXF it works but contains many thousands of super short traces and this slows down Altium to the point of being unable.

Does anyone know a way to reduce the complexity of a region or a outline?
Basically reduce the number of vertices in it. It doesn't need to be super accurate.

Or better yet, any method to insert a graphic on the PCB that results in both smooth edges and doesn't slow down Altium.

[enz]

I typically convert logos to TrueType fonts. This delivers me a vector format and makes the logo easily scalable.

I used two different programs in the past.
1. FontForge: free, but a little bit difficult to use for a first time user (or for seldom use).
2. FontCreator from HighLogic: 49$ / 149$, but there is a trial version available. Much easier to use than FontForge, in my opinion

Maybe there are other programs which can vectorise a picture into a true type font.

[tszaboo]

There is a script to import. It turns it into horizontal lines.
Here is an example.
https://www.pcbyes.com/index.php?route=information/news&news_id=9

After that, you can group the lines, or convert it to a region (if it is supported in 15 already).

[Psi]

Thanks, i'll try both those ideas and see how it goes.

[Psi]

I typically convert logos to TrueType fonts. This delivers me a vector format and makes the logo easily scalable.
FontForge: free, but a little bit difficult to use for a first time user (or for seldom use).

I tried FontForge and made myself a font with the symbols to test it out.
This part worked fine.

I now have a font with the symbols for 01234 characters.
I can use the font in word/notepad and it all look great at 120pt size etc..
But if i use that font in Altium it looks pretty terrible,  like Altium has 'simplified' the font.
Any ideas?

[Psi]

Nevermind,  I had the Altium text set to BOLD     

Looks good now

[enz]

Glad I could help

[T3sl4co1l]

Also, Tools/Convert/Outline to Region?  Forget when that was introduced, but it's in 16 at least.  There's also a script that converts BMP to Region somehow.

Tim