There are many tools on the market that can Trace an image – some better than others, but Trace not only captures the outline of your drawing in seconds, but also finds the centerline of your sketch, providing a clean line that’s optimized for working with laser cutters, vinyl cutters, CNC machines and more.
Unlike a traditional scanning process, Trace uses the camera on your mobile device, allowing you to capture your drawing at any angle without the need to be directly over the image. As long as the Frame is in view, Trace will automatically flatten the image, removing perspective distortion, as well as the distortion introduced by the lens on your phone’s camera. This is what makes Trace so accurate, and gives it the ability to preserve the exact scale of your drawing. Plus, it all happens in a matter of seconds.
Trace removes the need to use a scanner and costly or difficult-to-use software to convert a drawing to vectors. In addition, it has a number of unique features which make it a great fit for digital fabrication and digital designers.
The Trace Frame is lightweight, thin and portable. Slip it into your bag and take it with you on the go.
Along with the Trace Frame, you’ll have access to the Trace web application. And don’t worry, there’s no extra charge or subscription required to use it. Access the app from any browser on your phone or tablet with a rear-facing camera.
In addition to basic capture, you can also utilize Trace’s modify tools to achieve the perfect outcome. Adjust the smoothing of a drawing and even select individual components of the vector path to save and export just what you need.
The biggest hurdle to digital fabrication tools is oftentimes the design itself. Trace creates an SVG, which works with most digital fabrication tools. You can also use it in your digital design workflow with vector based tools like Illustrator, or even better, Shaper Studio.
Once captured, you can also open designs directly in Shaper Studio – our simplified design tool for craftspeople. You can combine your captured drawing with other shapes and text and utilize Studio’s Shapeshifter function for something truly unique.
Draw. Capture. Make
Place the Trace Frame over your sketch and convert it into a scalable vector graphic (SVG), ready for fabrication using the tool of your choice, from laser cutters and vinyl cutters to CNC machines and more.
How it works
Draw on any surface within the frame size.
Capture and convert your drawing to scaled, flattened vectors in the Trace App.
Export the SVG for use with your favorite fabrication tool or graphic design program.
Cut with Origin or other digital fabrication tools.
Centerline or Outline
Trace finds the Centerline of your sketch, providing a clean line that’s optimized for working with laser cutters, vinyl cutters, CNC machines and more.
Sketch Your Way
Trace works best with any dark pen and light paper
Includes
- A frame (338mm x 248mm)
- A technical drawing pen
- Free access to Web App