Image-to-model
Sometimes the fastest input is a picture. This walkthrough turns a photo or hand sketch into an editable parametric model.
Before you start
- A clear reference image
- One or two known dimensions of the object
- 1
Capture a clean reference
Use a straight-on view with good contrast. A square-on photo or a tidy sketch reads far better than an angled, cluttered one.
- 2
Upload and ask
Drop the image into the chat panel and ask HelioCad to build it. The AI reads the picture as design input and rebuilds it as parametric features, not a mesh.
- 3
Anchor the scale
In the same message, give a known dimension — the outer diameter is 40 mm. This anchors the size so the rebuilt solid comes out to scale.
Tip: One real measurement is the difference between a correctly sized part and a good-looking guess.
- 4
Review the rebuild
HelioCad interprets the image and builds a parametric solid. Check it against the reference and note anything to correct.
- 5
Refine by chat
Dial in the result with follow-up prompts just like any other model — adjust dimensions, add features, and clean up details.
What you built
A parametric solid rebuilt from an image and refined to match the real object.
Follow along in HelioCad
Open a workspace and build it as you read. It runs in your browser — no install required.
Start free