text-to-cad

text-to-cad is an open-source plugin and skill library that gives AI agents local workflows for generating 3D models as STEP, GLB, STL or 3MF files. It also performs design-for-manufacturing checks, generates engineering drawings, and connects to 3D printing, sheet metal and CNC fabrication services. It is released under the MIT License, and the latest listed release is v0.7.14.

What It Is

text-to-cad extends agent apps that support plugins or the skills framework, including Claude Code, Codex, Cursor, Gemini and Grok. Instead of a standalone CAD application, it adds focused skills that an agent calls to create and edit CAD models from plain-language or image requests. STEP is the main output, with export options to STL, 3MF and GLB. CAD runs locally through uv, and the plugin also provides a local viewer server (cadgen mcp) for reviewing models.

Skills Library

The library covers several adjacent workflows:

• Modeling and parts: CAD creation and editing, plus step.parts for finding off-the-shelf STEP parts such as screws, bearings, motors and connectors.
• Drawings: dimensioned PDF engineering drawings with views, hidden lines, dimensions, hole callouts and a title block, plus 2D DXF drawings for profiles, templates, gaskets and cut layouts.
• Robotics and simulation: URDF robot structure files, SRDF MoveIt planning groups and collision rules, and SDF simulator models and worlds.
• Manufacturing checks: SendCutSend file checks, DfAM printability measurements (wall thickness, overhangs, support volume, build orientation), and DFM reviews for sheet metal, CNC machining or injection molding with measured evidence and cited rules.
• Printing: G-code slicing with OrcaSlicer using your own printer presets, and sending prints to Bambu Lab printers through Bambu Connect or Bambu Studio.

Install Path

Users can ask their agent to install it from the GitHub repository, or run per-agent commands for Claude Code, Codex (0.142.0 or newer), Cursor, Grok Build and Gemini. Claude Desktop is supported through an MCP server config. Agents without plugin support can install the skills alone with the Skills CLI (npx skills add). uv must be installed, and the runtime downloads on first start.

Tradeoffs to Know

On Windows 11, Smart App Control can block the unsigned native OCP module used by the CAD kernel; the README suggests turning it off or running the CAD skills under WSL. Anonymous usage analytics are off until the user allows them, and an update check can be disabled with CADGEN_UPDATE_CHECK=0.