What Is Text-to-CAD? Design 3D Parts by Talking to Claude Code and Codex

You describe the part in plain words; with Text-to-CAD your coding agent (Claude Code, Codex, Cursor, Gemini, Grok Build) writes it as a Python script, an engine on your computer turns the script into a STEP, STL, 3MF or GLB file and shows the model on screen. The same package also produces manufacturability checks, a dimensioned technical drawing PDF and G-code for 3D printers. An open-source plugin, free (MIT); the agent's plan is separate. By default it sends usage statistics and crash reports tagged with a random installation ID (no files, paths, content or prompts); this can be turned off.

What it does: Turns the part you describe into a 3D CAD file
Type: Plugin (12 skills + local MCP server)
Made by: Community (earthtojake, MIT)
Output: STEP, STL, 3MF, GLB, PDF drawing, G-code
Where: Claude Code, Codex, Cursor, Gemini, Claude Desktop
Watch out: Telemetry on by default; Windows 11 Smart App Control blocks it
Cost: Plugin is free; agent plan is separate

What does Text-to-CAD do?

Drawing a bracket, an enclosure, a connector or a sheet-cutting template normally means learning a CAD program or hiring a designer. Text-to-CAD hands that step to your coding agent: you describe the dimensions and the function, the agent designs the part and produces the file that goes to manufacturing. With every change request the model is rebuilt and the on-screen view updates.

Design 3D parts by talkingWhat you get: Python model script and STEP/STL/3MF/GLB filesNeeds a separate setup Dimensioned technical drawing PDFWhat you get: PDF on an ISO drawing sheetNeeds a separate setup Manufacturability check (DFM)What you get: Findings report based on measurements and rulesNeeds a separate setup

The part is not a "drawing" but a script whose dimensions can be changed (a parametric model): when you say "make the holes 6 mm", the agent changes that number in the script and the model is rebuilt from scratch. The agent can also start from an image.

Who it's for: small businesses developing products, 3D printing and fabrication shops, engineers building prototypes. Someone without CAD skills can describe a part, but they or an expert should check the dimensions and strength before sending the file to manufacturing.

How does Text-to-CAD work?

You describe the partDimensions, material thickness, holes; an image if you like

The agent writes the scriptPython with build123d (Open CASCADE kernel)

The engine builds the modelcadgen: STEP, STL, 3MF, GLB

You see it in the viewerIn the agent app or in the browser

Everything runs on your own computer; model files stay in the project folder.

build123d is an open-source library that defines CAD models in Python code; cadgen is this plugin's engine. The engine keeps each model's work in memory, so an edit rebuilds only the part that changed. Claude Desktop and Claude Code environments that support the app view show the model as a card in the chat (rotatable in Claude Desktop); Claude Code in the terminal gives a browser link. Gemini and Grok Build show tool results as text, so they give a viewer link. In the Codex app, a CAD section opens in the sidebar and a CAD tab next to each conversation.

What's in the package?

The plugin carries 12 skills and one local MCP server (cad, the cadgen engine and viewer); no hooks or subagents.

Skill	When it kicks in
CAD	Creating, editing and exporting parts or assemblies; opening and inspecting files
step.parts	Finding the STEP file of an off-the-shelf part such as a screw, bearing, motor or connector
Engineering Drawing	Dimensioned technical drawing PDF
DXF	2D profiles, templates, gaskets, cut layouts
DFM	Manufacturability review for sheet metal, CNC and injection molding
DfAM Check	Wall thickness, overhangs, support volume and print orientation in 3D printing
G-code	Slicing with OrcaSlicer
Bambu Labs	Opening the file in Bambu Connect or Bambu Studio
SendCutSend	DXF and STEP pre-check before a SendCutSend order
URDF, SRDF, SDF	Robot description files and simulation worlds

SendCutSend and Bambu Lab are services based outside Turkey; these skills don't place orders or run the printer, they prepare and check the file. Whether the services ship to Turkey depends on their own terms.

How do you install Text-to-CAD?

First, uv must be installed (check with uv --version; if it's missing, install it from uv's own installation page). After installing, restart the app: the first launch downloads the engine and needs an internet connection. Don't install both the plugin and the separate skills in the same app; every skill will appear twice.

The route the README recommends: send your agent this message and let it do the installation itself.

Send to the agent› Install text-to-cad from https://github.com/earthtojake/text-to-cad

Install (README)

› claude plugin marketplace add earthtojake/text-to-cad#latest
claude plugin install text-to-cad@earthtojake

The README command installs the latest branch; pinning to a release tag isn't covered in the README. Using Claude Code's repo#ref format, you can pin the version by writing #v0.8.2 instead of #latest. To update, run claude plugin marketplace update earthtojake and claude plugin update text-to-cad@earthtojake, then restart Claude Code.

In the Codex plugin directory, choose "Open in desktop app" on the text-to-cad page. To install manually:

Install manually (README)

› codex plugin marketplace add earthtojake/text-to-cad --ref latest
codex plugin add text-to-cad@earthtojake

Cursor also loads the plugin installed for Claude Code; if that's installed, skip this step.

Install (README)› git clone --depth 1 --branch latest https://github.com/earthtojake/text-to-cad ~/.cursor/plugins/local/text-to-cad

After cloning, restart Cursor. Teams can import the repository under Dashboard › "Plugins & MCPs" › "Team Marketplaces".

Install (README)› gemini extensions install https://github.com/earthtojake/text-to-cad --ref latest --consent --auto-update

--auto-update updates the extension automatically; --consent accepts the security prompt.

Add the server to the config file via Settings then Developer then Edit Config, then restart the app. If uvx can't be found, write its full path.

claude_desktop_config.json (README)

› {
  "mcpServers": {
    "cad": {
      "command": "uvx",
      "args": ["--no-config", "--managed-python", "--python", "3.13", "--from", "cadgen==0.8.2", "cadgen", "mcp"],
      "env": {"CADGEN_INSTALL_CHANNEL": "claude-desktop"}
    }
  }
}

Skills only (README)› npx skills add earthtojake/text-to-cad#latest

For agents without plugin support. This route has no CAD server; models open in the viewer in your browser.

Grok Build also loads the plugin installed for Claude Code; if that's installed, skip this step.

Install (README)

› grok plugin install earthtojake/text-to-cad@latest --trust
grok plugin enable text-to-cad

Because Grok shows tool results as text, it gives a viewer link when you ask for the model.

How do you use Text-to-CAD? Example prompts

After installing, you talk to the agent as usual; when you ask for CAD work, the relevant skill kicks in on its own. State dimensions in millimeters, the material thickness and the hole positions clearly.

1. Design a part"Design an L bracket for a shelf from 3 mm sheet: legs 40 and 60 mm, width 30 mm, two 5 mm diameter holes in each leg. Show the model, then export it as STEP and STL."What you get: the part's Python script in the project folder; the model opens in the viewer (a card in the chat in Claude Code, a browser link in the terminal); when you ask for an export, STEP and STL files are written to the folder.

2. Fix and rebuild"Make the holes 6 mm and add a 2 mm chamfer to the edges."The agent changes the value in the script; the engine rebuilds only the part that changed and the view updates.

3. Prepare for manufacturing"Check whether this part can be bent as sheet metal, then produce its dimensioned technical drawing as a PDF."What you get: a measurement-based findings report on bends, bend relief and flat pattern (with the rule behind each finding stated); then a single PDF with views, dimensions, hole notes and a title block. The skill describes itself as a guided review, not a manufacturing certification; the supplier's specification comes first.

4. Prepare for a 3D printer"Slice this STL with my printer's OrcaSlicer profile and export G-code."OrcaSlicer must be installed. The G-code skill never connects to the printer; with a Bambu Lab printer the file opens in Bambu Connect, and you choose the printer and start the print.

Source: the cad, dfm, engineering-drawing, gcode and bambu-labs SKILL.md files (v0.8.2); October 29, 2026. The example outputs are described as far as the skill definitions describe them.

Which files does Text-to-CAD create and read?

Format	Used for
STEP	Standard solid model between CAD programs and CNC/sheet-cutting suppliers
STL, 3MF	Mesh file for 3D printing
GLB	Display on the web and in the viewer
XBF	cadgen's own document: parts, names, colors, materials, joints
DXF	2D profiles, gaskets, cut layouts (DXF skill)
G-code	Sliced, printer-ready print file
URDF, SRDF, SDF	Robot structure and simulation files

PDFDimensioned technical drawing (ISO sheet)

You can have existing XBF, STEP, STL, 3MF and GLB files opened in the viewer and inspected, and bring a supplier's STEP file into your model.

Which agents does it work with?

Claude CodeYes	Plugin; the model appears as a viewer card in the chat, a browser link in the terminal.
CodexYes	Plugin directory or manual install; CAD tab in the app.
CursorYes	Local plugin folder; also reads the Claude Code plugin if it's installed.
Gemini CLIYes	As an extension; the viewer link comes as text.
Grok BuildYes	Reads the Claude plugin manifest; the viewer link comes as text.
Claude DesktopYes	MCP server only (via the config file); the model appears as a card in the chat.
Other agentsPartly	Skills only via npx skills; no server, viewer in the browser.

CAD in a coding agentDesigning, viewing and exporting 3D parts by talking to the agent.Terminal, Code editor, Desktop · uv installed; the agent's own plan · details

Pre-manufacturing checks and drawingsManufacturability checks, technical drawing PDF, G-code, service pre-checks.Terminal, Code editor, Desktop · Same setup; OrcaSlicer for G-code, Bambu Connect for Bambu · details

Requirements: Python 3.11 or later (the commands use the uv-managed Python 3.13). On Windows 11, if Smart App Control is on, the CAD kernel won't load; see the troubleshooting table below.

What does it access, and what does it send out?

Reads

It can read any CAD file whose path you give it and folder listings (usually the project folder); its scope isn't limited to the project folder. Don't share viewer links: according to SECURITY.md, anyone holding the token, a same-day link or the session cookie can read CAD files on your machine by path. If you ask, it reads the step.parts parts catalog and the SendCutSend ordering guide from the internet.

Writes

Scripts, STEP/STL/3MF/GLB files, the PDF drawing and G-code to the project folder. The engine's own state folder and the uv cache also take up disk space.

Telemetry

On by default and tagged with a random installation ID: version, operating system, agent app, tool call counts, fixed error classes; the server derives the country from the IP address
File names, paths, content and prompts are not sent
To turn it off (README): uvx --no-config --managed-python --python 3.13 --from cadgen==0.8.2 cadgen telemetry off

Network

A download from PyPI on first launch; a version check at most once a day (CADGEN_UPDATE_CHECK=0 turns it off). When you search for an off-the-shelf part, your search terms go to step.parts. It also works offline.

According to the privacy policy, the services are operated by Thompson Labs LLC; telemetry is kept in PostHog for one year and the IP address is not stored with telemetry.

The model scripts the agent writes are Python code that runs with your user permissions, and the engine runs outside the agent's sandbox; don't run a model script you got from someone else without looking at its contents.

Source: README (Telemetry) and SECURITY.md, v0.8.2; October 29, 2026. This is not a security audit or certification.

Is Text-to-CAD free?

Yes. The plugin and engine are open source under the MIT license; the official site says "100% open source and free". What you pay for is separate: the subscription or API fees of the agent you use (Claude Code, Codex, Cursor, Gemini) and the orders you place with manufacturing services (printing, cutting, CNC). Since the agent writes the model, long design sessions use up the agent's usage allowance.

Allowed

Using it in commercial projects
Modifying and distributing the code (MIT, copyright notice retained)

Common problems and fixes

What happens	What to do
"DLL load failed while importing OCP" on Windows 11	Smart App Control is blocking an unsigned module. Run it under WSL or turn off Smart App Control (turning it back on afterwards requires reinstalling Windows). `cadgen doctor` names this situation explicitly.
Claude Desktop can't find uvx	In the config, write the full path instead of `uvx` (the output of `which uvx`).
Every skill appears twice	Both the plugin and the skills are installed in the same app; remove one.
No tools after installation	Restart the app; the first launch downloads the engine and needs internet.
An old (0.7) project doesn't work in 0.8	Have the agent apply the 0.7 → 0.8 migration guide in the repository.

Updating and uninstalling

The easiest way is to tell the agent "update text-to-cad". In a copy you installed yourself, a blue update button appears in the viewer when a new version comes out; copies installed from the plugin directory are updated by the marketplace.

Uninstall

› claude plugin uninstall text-to-cad@earthtojake
claude plugin marketplace remove earthtojake

Uninstall

› codex plugin remove text-to-cad@earthtojake
codex plugin marketplace remove earthtojake

Uninstall› gemini extensions uninstall text-to-cad

Old cadgen versions stay in the uv cache; uv cache prune deletes them.

Frequently asked questions

What is Text-to-CAD?

An open-source CAD plugin added to your coding agent. You describe the part, the agent writes it as a Python script, a local engine turns it into a STEP, STL, 3MF or GLB file and shows the model on screen.

How do I install Text-to-CAD in Claude Code?

uv must be installed. Then you run claude plugin marketplace add earthtojake/text-to-cad#latest and claude plugin install text-to-cad@earthtojake and restart Claude Code.

Is Text-to-CAD free?

Yes, the plugin is open source and MIT licensed. The subscription or API fees of the agent you use and manufacturing services are paid separately.

Which files does it create?

STEP, STL, 3MF and GLB model files, its own XBF document, DXF, a dimensioned technical drawing PDF and G-code for 3D printers.

Can I use it without knowing CAD?

You can describe the part. Installing uv and, for most agents, the plugin requires a terminal; in Codex there is the plugin directory or the option of having the agent install it. You need to check the output's dimensions before manufacturing. The manufacturability check is a guided review, not a certification.

Is it the same as Zoo's Text-to-CAD?

No. This guide covers the open-source earthtojake/text-to-cad plugin; Zoo's product of the same name, which shows up in searches, is a separate service.

Does it send my data?

Your model files stay on your computer. By default, usage counts and crash reports tagged with a random installation ID are sent; file names, paths, content and prompts are not. It is turned off with the cadgen telemetry off command.

Related guides

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Sources

Not clear in the official sources: Model quality with prompts written in Turkish · pinning to the release tag (#v0.8.2) isn't covered in the README · whether manufacturing services ship to Turkey (the services' own terms) · the language of the viewer interface. Each is covered in the relevant section, along with what you can do.