Text To Cad
FreeOpen-source AI agent skill library for generating CAD, G-code, and robot files from natural language.
By Tanmay Verma, Founder · Last verified 05 Jul 2026
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Added 7d ago
69/100MonitorIn short
Text To Cad — Open-source AI agent skill library for generating CAD, G-code, and robot files from natural language. Best for Engineers automating CAD generation with AI agents like Claude Code or Codex, Robotics developers creating URDF/SDF descriptions for simulation, Makers generating 3D printable parts from text or image prompts. Free to use.
Is Text To Cad actually worth it?
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Editorial Verdict
Best for
Engineers automating CAD generation with AI agents like Claude Code or CodexRobotics developers creating URDF/SDF descriptions for simulationMakers generating 3D printable parts from text or image promptsDesigners preparing DXF cut layouts for fabrication services like SendCutSend
Not ideal for
Users needing a standalone GUI CAD application with timeline and constraintsBeginners unfamiliar with command-line tools and AI agent workflowsTeams requiring cloud-hosted collaboration or multi-user editingComplex assembly design requiring parametric relationships and simulation
If you're an engineer comfortable with CLI and AI agents, CAD Skills is a free, powerful way to automate CAD generation and robot file creation. It's not a replacement for traditional CAD software but a smart add-on for repetitive tasks. The 7,500+ installs and active development signal a reliable, growing ecosystem. Consider Adam (YC W25) if you prefer a more integrated AI CAD tool.
Skip Text To Cad if Skip CAD Skills if you need a traditional GUI CAD application, are not comfortable with command-line tools and AI agents, or require cloud collaboration and multi-user editing.
Compare with: Text To Cad vs Replit Agent, Text To Cad vs Zhipu GLM, Text To Cad vs MetaGPT
Last verified: July 2026
Viability Score
69/100
MonitorHow likely is Text To Cad to still be operational in 12 months? Based on 4 signals — momentum (how recently it shipped), wrapper dependency, revenue model, and web presence.
momentum
55
funding runway
40
website health
90
wrapper dependency
100
Last calculated: July 2026
How we score →Key Features
- Generate 3D CAD models from text or image prompts
- Export CAD as STEP, STL, 3MF, and GLB
- Create 2D DXF drawings from Python or CAD geometry
- Slice mesh files into FDM G-code using real slicer CLIs
- Generate robot URDF files with links, joints, limits, inertials, and meshes
- Add MoveIt planning groups and collision rules via SRDF
- Create SDF simulator models with frames, physics, sensors, and lights
- Preview CAD, G-code, and robot files in local browser viewer
- Find off-the-shelf STEP parts (screws, bearings, motors, connectors)
- Validate DXF and STEP files before SendCutSend upload
- Dry-run and start Bambu Lab print jobs from validated G-code
- Experimental implicit CAD using GLSL signed-distance fields
- Plugin installs for Claude Code and Codex
- Cross-platform CLI via npx
- Supports model preview and part sourcing
About Text To Cad
FreeIntermediateNo APICLI · Plugin
CAD Skills is an open-source skill library that equips AI agents like Claude Code and Codex to create CAD models, G-code, robot description files, and more from natural language or image prompts. Designed for engineers, makers, and robotics developers, it installs as a plugin via a single CLI command and runs entirely locally on your machine. The library outputs standard STEP files, previews models in a local browser viewer, and supports export to STL, 3MF, and GLB. Version 0.3.8, released July 2026, has been installed over 7,500 times and includes improved CAD generation with expanded plugin install paths for Claude Code and Codex. Key skills include CAD creation, 2D DXF drawing generation, mesh slicing into FDM G-code, URDF/SRDF/SDF robot file generation, part sourcing from a STEP parts database, and validation for SendCutSend. The library also offers an experimental implicit CAD skill using GLSL signed-distance fields. Unlike standalone CAD applications, CAD Skills focuses on agent-driven design—automating repetitive tasks like generating fasteners, converting images to models, and preparing files for fabrication. It requires familiarity with command-line tools and AI agents, making it ideal for developers looking to integrate hardware design into AI workflows. The project is actively maintained on GitHub and fully open source under a permissive license.
Behind the Verdict
CAD Skills fills a unique niche: it’s not a CAD app you open, but a skill library you plug into an AI agent. For developers already using Claude Code or Codex, this turns natural language into STEP files, G-code, or URDFs in seconds. The local-only approach means no data leaves your machine—a plus for sensitive hardware projects. The skill-based architecture lets you pick exactly what you need: CAD creation, DXF export, robot descriptions, or fabrication prep. The experimental implicit CAD skill hints at future generative design capabilities. However, it’s not for everyone. You need command-line comfort and an AI agent installed. There’s no graphical interface beyond the local preview viewer. Complex assemblies with parametric constraints aren’t supported. The project is young (0.3.8) and community-driven, so support is via GitHub issues, not a help desk. If you want a turnkey AI CAD tool, Adam (YC W25) or commercial options may be more appropriate. For power users who want to script their hardware workflow, CAD Skills is a gem.
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Real-world workflow fit
Concrete scenarios for the personas Text To Cad actually fits — and what changes day-one when you adopt it.
Robotics engineer
You need a URDF for a new robot arm with custom links and joints.
Outcome: Describe the arm's kinematics in natural language; CAD Skills generates a URDF with proper joint limits, inertials, and mesh references, ready for simulation in Gazebo or MoveIt.
Maker with a Bambu Lab printer
You found an STL online and want to print it with optimal settings.
Outcome: Use the G-code skill to slice the STL with your printer's profile; validate and send the G-code to your Bambu Lab via the Bambu Lab skill, all from your agent's chat.
Hardware designer preparing files for SendCutSend
You have a DXF and STEP file for a laser-cut prototype.
Outcome: Run the SendCutSend skill to validate the files for cut tolerances and material thickness; fix any issues directly via agent suggestions, then upload confidently.
Use Cases
- Generate a CAD model of a custom bracket from a text description
- Create a URDF robot description from a list of joints and links
- Slice a downloaded STL into G-code for a Bambu Lab printer
- Find and insert a standard M5 screw into a STEP assembly
- Export a 2D DXF profile for laser cutting from parametric Python code
Models Under the Hood
Claude Code (Anthropic)Codex (OpenAI)
as of 2026-07-05
Limitations
- Requires installation of the Skills CLI and an AI agent (Claude Code or Codex).
- Not a standalone application; all functionality is agent-mediated.
- Implicit CAD skill is experimental.
- No official cloud API or hosted version.
as of 2026-07-05
Integrations
Where the pricing makes sense
The company stage and team size where Text To Cad's pricing actually pencils out — and where peers do it cheaper.
CAD Skills is completely free and open source, making it ideal for individual developers and small teams who already pay for AI agent access. For comparable functionality in a commercial tool, you might look at Adam (YC W25), which is also open source but may have different capabilities.
Setup time & first value
How long it actually takes to get something useful out of Text To Cad — broken out by persona, not the marketing-page minute.
If you already have Node.js and an AI agent (Claude Code or Codex), install CAD Skills via `npx skills install earthtojake/text-to-cad` in under 5 minutes. First CAD generation may take 10–15 minutes including learning the agent prompts.
Switching to or from Text To Cad
How to bring data in from common predecessors and how to get it back out — written for the switcher, not the buyer.
Migrating in
- →From manual CAD scripting: Replace Python/OpenSCAD scripts with natural language prompts, gradually adopting CAD Skills skills for recurring tasks.
Migrating out
- ↗To commercial CAD: Export your STEP files to Fusion 360, SolidWorks, or Onshape for further parametric editing.
Resources & Guides
Frequently Asked Questions
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