Question 1

How is Vellum different from other PDF markup software?

Accepted Answer

Most PDF markup tools treat a technical drawing like a flat image. Annotations float on top of the page, measurements depend on manual calibration, and zooming in far enough reveals pixels instead of geometry. Vellum is built with a different emphasis: vector-first markup, geometry-aware snapping, scale-aware drafting, and clean export back into PDF and DXF workflows.

Because Vellum understands the linework underneath, markups can snap to real geometry, dimensions can be taken with confidence, and drafted ideas stay precise at any zoom level. That makes it practical to sketch an alternative, test a layout, or redline a detail directly on the drawing itself.

Vellum is designed for the moments between drawing review and production, when teams need to think through an idea, communicate a precise design decision, and move it back into their CAD workflow without losing fidelity along the way.

Question 2

What are the benefits of using Vellum for drawing review?

Accepted Answer

Vellum helps AEC professionals review, measure, draft, and share ideas directly on technical drawings. Because Vellum is built around vector geometry, linework stays crisp at any zoom level, annotations can be placed with greater precision, and markups can preserve intent through export.

Teams can use Vellum to explore alternatives, check dimensions, prepare redlines, clarify design intent, and move decisions forward without immediately returning to CAD or another production tool.

Question 3

Is Vellum engineering or design software?

Accepted Answer

Vellum is not intended to replace CAD, BIM, or full design production platforms. It is a precision markup and drafting workspace for reviewing drawings, exploring ideas, and communicating design intent.

CAD and BIM are where drawings and models are produced. Vellum is where drawings are reviewed, questioned, clarified, and improved.

Question 4

Does Vellum preserve original PDF geometry?

Accepted Answer

Vellum is built around preserving drawing geometry wherever possible. Its vector-first rendering approach is designed to keep linework crisp, measurable, and useful instead of treating drawings like flattened images.

This matters when teams zoom into details, snap to linework, draft to scale, and export markups back into downstream workflows.

Question 5

Can Vellum export to PDF and DXF?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Vellum is designed to support high-fidelity export to PDF and DXF so markups and drafted geometry can move back into professional workflows.

The goal is to preserve geometry without unnecessary rasterization, so what you draw remains useful after export.

Question 6

Will Vellum annotations work with Bluebeam, Acrobat, or other PDF viewers?

Accepted Answer

Vellum is designed to export standard PDF outputs so drawings and markups can be reviewed in common PDF tools, including Bluebeam and Acrobat.

Some advanced Vellum-specific geometry or drafting behavior may not remain editable in every third-party viewer, but exported PDFs are intended to preserve the visual and communication intent of the markup.

Question 7

Can teams collaborate in Vellum?

Accepted Answer

Vellum is being built as a cloud-native drawing review workspace. The goal is to make it easier for teams to review drawings, share markups, coordinate comments, and move design decisions forward from anywhere.

Collaboration features are being introduced progressively during public beta.

Question 8

Is Vellum secure for project drawings?

Accepted Answer

Vellum is being developed with professional project workflows in mind, including controlled access, secure sharing, and responsible data handling. As Vellum grows, security, permissions, auditability, and enterprise adoption requirements will continue to be core areas of investment.

If your organization has specific security requirements, we welcome early conversations with your IT or security team.

Turn complex plans into
clear decisions.Review. Develop. Resolve
with confidence.

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Geometry-Aware Snapping

Scale-Aware Drafting

True Vector Rendering

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Start with the details that matter.

One drawing, everywhere work happens.

Because your decisions become real-world outcomes

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Frequently Asked Questions

Turn complex plans into clear decisions.Review. Develop. Resolve with confidence.