Bevell

Product Introduction

1. Definition: Bevell is a browser-based Computer-Aided Design (CAD) conversion and vectorization platform. It is a specialized software-as-a-service (SaaS) tool that transforms raster images and documents into clean, editable vector CAD files.
2. Core Value Proposition: Bevell exists to eliminate the tedious, manual process of redrawing parts and sketches in CAD software. Its primary value is converting photos, hand-drawn sketches, scanned blueprints, and PDFs into production-ready DXF and true-scale SVG files for cutting, milling, 3D printing, and laser engraving workflows, saving engineers, makers, and designers significant time.

Main Features

1. Intelligent Centerline Tracing: Unlike standard image tracing that creates double-line outlines, Bevell's core algorithm traces down the center of strokes. This results in single-line entities (lines, arcs, circles) that are immediately usable in CAD and CAM software without manual cleanup, directly outputting to standard DXF format.
2. True-Scale Calibration from a Single Dimension: The platform allows users to input one known reference dimension from the source image. Bevell then scales the entire vector output proportionally, ensuring the DXF or SVG file imports at its correct real-world size into software like Fusion 360, SolidWorks, or LightBurn, eliminating post-import rescaling.
3. Bevell Sketchpad (Beta - AI-Powered Editor): This integrated editing environment allows for post-conversion refinement. Users can apply geometric constraints, driving dimensions, and use magnetic guides. It includes AI features (using credits) for conceptual redraws and lettering cleanup, enabling controlled edits before final export.
4. Multi-Format Input Handling: Bevell accepts a wide range of source files: JPEG/PNG photos of objects, sketches, TIFF/PDF scanned drawings, and multi-page PDFs. It processes complex scanned blueprints by tracing individual strokes, preserving details like door swings and dimension lines, with optional OCR to convert lettering into editable CAD text entities.

Problems Solved

1. Pain Point: The manual, time-consuming redrawing (or "tracing over") of physical parts, sketches, or legacy paper drawings into digital CAD formats. Traditional methods are error-prone and require skilled CAD operator time.
2. Target Audience: Mechanical engineers, product designers, CNC machinists, laser cutting/engraving service providers, woodworkers, makers, architects dealing with legacy plans, and PCB designers needing outline extraction.
3. Use Cases: Reverse-engineering a physical part by photographing it; digitizing a hand-drawn concept sketch for CAD refinement; converting a scanned archival blueprint into an editable CAD file for renovation; extracting a clean DXF from a supplier's PDF for laser cutting; turning a logo image into a cuttable SVG.

Unique Advantages

1. Differentiation: Compared to generic vectorization tools (e.g., Adobe Illustrator Image Trace) or online converters, Bevell is engineered specifically for CAD/CAM manufacturing. It outputs clean geometry (true arcs, single lines) in standard DXF, not just visual SVG. Unlike some competitors, it offers precise scale calibration and is built for technical use, not graphic design.
2. Key Innovation: Its "centerline tracing" technology is fundamental. By reconstructing the intended path of a stroke rather than its visual outline, it bypasses the double-line problem inherent in other converters. This, combined with real-world scaling and arc detection, produces a file that behaves like natively drawn CAD geometry.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What file formats does Bevell output, and what software can open them? Bevell outputs industry-standard DXF (Drawing Exchange Format) and true-scale SVG (Scalable Vector Graphics). These files are universally compatible and can be opened directly in CAD software like Autodesk Fusion 360, AutoCAD, SolidWorks, Onshape, Rhino, FreeCAD, and CAM/CNC software like LightBurn, VCarve, and Mach3.
2. How accurate is the scale conversion in Bevell? The scale accuracy is dependent on the reference dimension you provide. Once you input a single known measurement from the original image, Bevell algorithmically scales the entire vector output proportionally. The resulting DXF/SVG will be dimensionally correct, allowing for precise manufacturing and measurement within your target software.
3. Is my design data secure when using Bevell? File processing occurs on Bevell's servers. According to their policy, standard tracing modes ("Direct trace," "Outline") do not use external AI. However, specific AI-powered features (like AI Redraw or Logo refinement) send the selected image data to OpenAI's API. Manual edits in Sketchpad do not utilize external AI models.
4. What is the difference between the free and paid plans? Converting and previewing files is completely free and unlimited. Payment is required to download the final DXF/SVG file. The free plan includes 3 downloads upon sign-up. Paid options include a pay-as-you-go model (£1.99/file), a 5-pack (£5.99), or a monthly Unlimited subscription (£9.99/month) which includes unlimited downloads and full access to the Sketchpad beta editor.
5. Can Bevell convert a scanned PDF blueprint with text into editable CAD text? Yes, Bevell can process multi-page PDFs and scanned blueprints. It has an experimental Optical Character Recognition (OCR) feature. When enabled, this function attempts to convert detected lettering and labels into editable CAD text entities within the output DXF, rather than leaving them as traced outlines.