text-to-cad
A library of agent skills for CAD, CAE and CAM: generate and edit models, export STEP, STL, 3MF, robot description files and mesh slicing to g-code
Medium risk
We rate an entry medium when the tool runs code, makes network calls or reads project files. Check what exactly it does before installing.
Why this level
- Runs generated Python code and external slicers on the machine
- Optionally reaches hardware and fabrication services: Bambu Lab printing, SendCutSend uploads
Install
Manual install
npx skills add earthtojake/text-to-cadThe preferred path, installs individual skills for supported agents. The same command updates and adds new skills.
This is third-party code. Review the repository files before installing.
What it does
text-to-cad installs a set of skills that give the agent workflows around CAD, fabrication and robot description files based on local project files. The cad skill creates and edits parametric models from a text or image request and exports STEP, STL, 3MF and GLB through the cadgen kernel built on build123d. Other skills cover 2D DXF drawings, finding off-the-shelf STEP parts such as screws, bearings and motors, local browser preview, printability checks per process (DfAM), slicing meshes into FDM g-code with real slicers, checking files before upload to SendCutSend and starting print jobs on Bambu Lab. Separate skills handle the robot files URDF, SRDF and SDF for simulation and MoveIt2. Skills install per agent via the Skills CLI or as native plugins.
Who it is for. For engineers, makers and roboticists who want an agent to build CAD models and robot description files right in their project.
Good fit when
- You need to generate or edit a part or assembly and export STEP, STL or 3MF
- You need 2D DXF drawings or off-the-shelf STEP parts
- You need robot description files URDF, SRDF, SDF or mesh slicing to g-code
Not a fit when
- You need an interactive manual CAD editor rather than code-driven generation
- You lack Python 3.11+ or cannot install the OCP kernel, for example on Windows 11 with Smart App Control and no workaround
Example request
Design a bracket for a NEMA 17 motor and export STEP and STLLimitations
The skills need Python 3.11+, and each skill pins its cadgen release in requirements.txt. The CAD kernel is OCP, the OpenCascade binding, and rendering needs Chromium via Playwright. On Windows 11 Smart App Control blocks the unsigned OCP native module, so run the CAD skills under WSL or turn that protection off. Some skills call external slicers or reach hardware and services (Bambu Lab printers, SendCutSend uploads), which you set up yourself. The models directory of fixtures arrives as git LFS pointers and is not needed to use the skills.
How to disable. Remove a skill with npx skills remove <skill>, or uninstall the plugin via /plugin in Claude Code, and likewise in Codex via codex plugin.
Security check
- Runs generated Python code and external slicers on the machine
- Optionally reaches hardware and fabrication services: Bambu Lab printing, SendCutSend uploads
README in short
The README presents text-to-cad as a library of agent skills for generating, inspecting, sourcing, slicing and handing off CAD models and robot description files from local files. A table lists the skills: cad, viewer, STEP part sourcing, DXF, URDF, SRDF, SDF, SendCutSend check, DfAM, g-code and Bambu Lab. The main install path is npx skills add, with native plugins for Codex, Claude Code and Grok Build. It also covers the Python and OCP kernel requirements and the Windows 11 Smart App Control issue. MIT licensed.
SKILL.md
--- name: cad description: Create/edit parametric CAD models, organize CAD projects, export STEP/STL/3MF/GLB files, resolve prompt references, and measure geometry with cadgen. --- # CAD modeling and inspection Provenance: maintained in [earthtojake/text-to-cad](https://github.com/earthtojake/text-to-cad). Use the installed local skill files for the current interface. ## Start with the task Read only the references needed for the request. | Task | First action | Reference | | --- | --- | --- | | **Create or edit a part or assembly** | Find the existing Python model, or create a decorated model below; edit source and run `python <model>.py`. | [Model contract](references/step-generation.md), [shape construction](references/build123d-modeling.md); [positioning](references/positioning.md) for assemblies | | **Organize a CAD project** | Follow its existing layout; for a new multi-model project use `src/`, format output folders, and a model catalog. | [Project layout](references/project-layout.md), [minimal starters](references/project-template.md) | | **Export STL, 3MF or GLB** | Add a mesh decorator for a maintained output, or run the format's `build INPUT.step OUT` command for a one-off export. | [Mesh exports](references/supported-exports.md) |
FAQ
How do I update?
Run npx skills add earthtojake/text-to-cad again: it re-fetches the package and adds new skills. npx skills update only refreshes already installed ones and skips new skills.
Which agents are supported?
The Skills CLI installs skills for supported agents, and native plugins exist for Claude Code, Codex from version 0.142.0 and Grok Build.
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Reference MCP servers
Model Context Protocol servers
Official reference MCP servers: Filesystem, Fetch, Git, Memory, Sequential Thinking, Time and Everything