text-to-cad (CAD Skills)
Agent skills framework that gives AI coding agents parametric CAD superpowers through the build123d Python library.
What it does and how it connects
text-to-cad is a plugin that gives AI agents local workflows for generating 3D models as STEP, GLB, STL, or 3MF files. It also runs design for manufacturing checks, generates engineering drawings, and connects to 3D printing, sheet metal, and CNC fabrication services.
The agent writes each model as a Python script with build123d, built on Open CASCADE, and running the script builds the model with text-to-cad's server into an .xbf document plus the declared STEP, GLB, STL, or 3MF files. The server keeps each model's work in memory, so an edit rebuilds only what changed, and the CAD viewer follows every rebuild in the agent app or browser.
It is supported by all popular agents that support plugins or the skills framework, including Claude Code, Codex, Cursor, Gemini, and Grok. Installation is one script that sets up text-to-cad in every agent app on the computer, registers the cad command, and moves CAD's server to the new release.
Alternatives
Compare side by side- CADAM
An open source text-to-CAD web application that generates 3D models from natural language, powered by OpenSCAD running in the browser.
- cad-agent
An AI-driven CAD modeling agent with a visual feedback loop built on build123d and MCP for 3D-printable parts.
- CQAsk
An open source LLM-powered CAD generation tool that produces 3D models from natural language using CadQuery.
- openscad-agent
A Claude Code-powered agent environment that generates 3D-printable designs by writing OpenSCAD code from natural language.
- freecad-ai
A FreeCAD workbench with a chat interface that builds and edits 3D models from natural language through 50 structured tools and 24 LLM providers.
Recurring errors it addresses
Error Index entries this tool is built to reduce or work around.
Sources
Not verified
- Pricing: none stated on the repo.
- Real user voices (recent issues are empty plugin requests, not reports on using the tool).
- A named individual builder beyond the repository owner handle earthtojake
Last verified November 6, 2026. Listings are informational. The evidence score measures public, verifiable evidence and is not an endorsement or a compatibility claim.