Export Chart in Vector Format

  • Thread starter Thread starter Nikolas Argyros
  • Start date Start date
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Nikolas Argyros

That's a tough one!

I am trying to copy a chart from Excel to CorelDraw and
process it but without success.

I know how to export as bmp, tiff, jpg etc, but I don't
want an image. I want the vectors (boxes, lines, curves,
text etc) so that I can process them in a vector
application such as CorelDraw.

I tried to export in wmf and emf (which is something that
Excel does not do by itself - you need to do it through
powerpoint) but these formats are not imported completely
in CorelDraw. Usually I just get a couple of objects (eg.
the background of the chart), without axes, columns, text
etc. Furthermore, if you import an emf or wmf saved chart
back to Powerpoint you notice that the quality is very
poor: the lines and fills don't seem to align, the shaded
fills appear banded etc.

One idea would be to trace the chart from its bitmap
image, but this is very time consuming.

Has anyone done it? Is there a special filter?
 
I think I found a way to get around:
1. Print the chart TO FILE using a color postscript driver.
2. Import the file in a vector application such as
CorelDraw or Illustrator.

My only problem is I have no idea which is a good and
compatible color postscript driver to install.

If you find a suitable one, kindly message back.
 
Niko -

In a later thread I explain copying the chart as a picture (i.e., vector
format) prior to pasting into CorelDraw.

- Jon
 
Dear Jon, Eric and Mike,

Thanks Jon and Eric for the cool tips.
Only problem with Jon's tip is that I still get a SMALL
PART of the vector info into CorelDRAW. However, I tried
pasting into Powerpoint and it worked. So, I guess it has
something to do with the Corel wmf or emf filter.

The workaround through printing in a postscript file works
much better with the tip of Eric for using HP LaserJet
Color 8500 PS, if you finetune the postscript options.

Thanks to all!
Niko
 
Niko -

I don't understand. You originally said you wanted a vector format,
then that the suggestion I put forward retains part of the vector
format. Does a postscript file keep the vector information? I though a
postscript file just stored all the dot info. Or does CorelDraw
digitize the dots and generate its own vector objects? I used a much
earlier version of the Corel drawing suite (ca 1995) which had a
somewhat unsatisfactory utility for this.

- Jon
 
Jon,

In my prev.mail I mixed up 2 separate things and confused
you:

1.The suggestion you put forward about shift-clicking the
menu was the coolest! Although, you can just use "copy"
from Excel and "Paste Special/Enhanced Metafile" in any
application and do exactly the same thing.

2.CorelDRAW has a bug in importing vectors in this wmf
format (either you copy-paste -or- you save as wmf and
import). In both cases you get just a couple of objects
and the rest is lost.

As a workaround, you print a file in PostScript (which is
a VECTOR FORMAT - not a bitmap one) and you import
the .EPS or .PRN file in Corel. Thank God, the eps or prn
filter does not have the same bug!

Thanks for the cool tip and sorry for the confusion.
 
Niko -

Thanks for the clarification. I'd thought that PS was a bitmap type of
format.

- Jon
 
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