Documentation

How FreeTextToCAD Works

Everything you need to get from text to 3D model

Quick Start

Using FreeTextToCAD takes about 30 seconds to get your first model:

Open the CAD Generator
Type a description of your part with dimensions (e.g., 40×20×5mm bracket with a 4mm hole in the center)
Click Generate 3D Model or press ⌘ + Enter
Wait 5–15 seconds for the AI to generate and render your model
Click Looks good to accept, or give feedback to refine
Click Export STL / OBJ to download

Writing Good Prompts

The quality of your model depends heavily on your prompt. Here are the key principles:

Always include dimensions

The AI defaults to generic sizes when you don't specify. Always give dimensions in millimeters:

✅ A 60×40×8mm rectangular plate with four 3mm mounting holes, one in each corner 5mm from the edge
❌ A rectangular plate with mounting holes

Name the shape type

Start with the geometric primitive: box, cylinder, bracket, tube, L-bracket, wedge, ring, etc. This helps the AI choose the right modeling approach.

Describe features in build order

Think like a machinist: describe the base shape first, then what gets cut away or added:

Start with a 50mm cylinder, 10mm tall. Cut a 30mm cylinder through the center to make it hollow. Add a 3mm flange around the top edge.

Everything builds in your browser. The first model you make downloads the modeling engine once (~60 MB), then it's cached for instant builds after that.

After it builds

Once a model appears, you can:

Suggest a change: describe what to adjust (e.g., "make the hole bigger", "add a fillet to the top edges", "5mm taller") and the model updates in place.
Export: download the model as STL or OBJ.
Generate a new model: start over with a fresh prompt.

Exporting Your Model

Click Export STL / OBJ once your model looks right. You can export as:

STL (binary): Most common for 3D printing. Works with Cura, PrusaSlicer, Bambu Studio, etc.
OBJ: Better for CAD software and renderers. Includes face normals.

STEP / IGES / BREP export is not currently supported — exports are mesh-based (STL / OBJ). If you need to take a model into Fusion 360, SolidWorks, or another parametric tool today, import the STL and rebuild from there.

Rate Limits

To keep the service free for everyone, we apply the following limits per device:

5 requests per 10 minutes
20 requests per 24 hours

Each generation attempt (including auto-repairs) counts as one request. If you hit a limit, the app will tell you how long to wait.

Supported Model Types

FreeTextToCAD works best for:

Mechanical parts: brackets, mounts, enclosures, adapters, clips
Simple consumer objects: stands, holders, organizers
Geometric shapes with extrusions, booleans, and holes
Rotationally symmetric parts (vases, cups, pulleys)

It is less suitable for:

Highly organic, freeform shapes (characters, sculptures)
Complex assemblies with many moving parts
Very high-detail surface geometry

Troubleshooting

My model looks wrong

Use the Give feedback button and describe what's wrong specifically: "The hole is too small", "The walls are too thin", "The proportions look off". Typed feedback is processed with context from your current model.

Generation fails repeatedly

Try simplifying your prompt. Remove fillets and rounds, reduce the number of features, and be more explicit about dimensions. Complex multi-part assemblies are hard for the AI to get right on the first try.

Export produces empty/corrupt file

This can happen after a failed generation. Try regenerating with a slightly different prompt. If it persists, contact us at mattpeshapps@gmail.com.