Text-to-CAD

Text-to-CAD by Zoo.dev is an innovative tool that transforms natural language prompts into editable computer-aided design (CAD) models. It aims to streamline the CAD modeling process for engineers and product designers by leveraging machine learning to generate precise 3D models from simple text descriptions.

Built into the Zoo Design Studio platform, Text-to-CAD offers users the ability to create manufacturing-ready, editable B-Rep geometry that can be used directly in simulations, CNC milling, or 3D printing workflows.

Detailed User Report

From what I’ve gathered, users find Text-to-CAD exceptionally useful for fast prototyping, especially in mechanical design contexts where precision matters. Many appreciate how detailed prompts lead to highly accurate and editable models, which can significantly speed up their design process. The ability to receive real, watertight B-Rep CAD models in formats like STEP or STL directly from text commands seems to impress engineers and product developers alike.

"AI review" team

However, some users point out that vague prompts lead to less reliable outputs and complex parts still require manual refinement. The learning curve involves understanding CAD terminology to get the best results, but once familiar, the tool facilitates smooth iteration and reduces tedious drafting time. It is especially praised for mechanical components like gears and valves where specificity drives quality output.

Comprehensive Description

Text-to-CAD is a machine learning-powered CAD design assistant integrated into Zoo Design Studio. It allows users to create precise 3D CAD models simply by describing the object they want in natural language. Instead of manually creating sketches and extrusions, designers input detailed text prompts such as “engine valve, 120 mm long, 30 mm head, 6 mm stem,” and the system generates a fully editable B-Rep model ready for downstream CAD processes.

Its primary purpose is to accelerate the product development cycle for mechanical engineers, product designers, and manufacturing professionals by automating the initial and iterative phases of CAD modeling. Instead of spending hours on CAD software, users spend minutes inputting text prompts and refining models generated by Text-to-CAD.

Technically, the system parses the prompt to identify geometric parameters and constraints, then generates KCL code—a parametric CAD scripting language—which is validated and refined using Zoo’s proprietary geometry engine. The output is an engineering-grade solid model that is watertight, editable, and suitable for manufacturing tasks like CNC milling or 3D printing.

In practice, users can toggle between traditional CAD editing and the text-generated model, enabling a seamless workflow that leverages both manual design expertise and machine learning-driven automation. The tool supports import and export in professional CAD formats such as STEP and STL and integrates well with platforms like SolidWorks, Fusion 360, and Blender through plugins and APIs.

In the market, Text-to-CAD competes with other AI-driven CAD tools like AdamCAD and DraftAid. However, Zoo.dev’s offering stands out due to its focus on mechanical prototyping, precise parametric outputs, and the flexibility offered by its API integrations and open-source extensions. It is positioned as a productivity enhancer for individual engineers and enterprise teams alike, with scalability from hobbyists to professional manufacturing environments.

Technical Specifications

Key Features

• Generate editable parametric CAD models directly from natural language text prompts.
• Supports export to engineering-grade formats including STEP and STL for manufacturing-ready outputs.
• Integrated within a full-featured CAD environment (Zoo Design Studio) combining ML and manual editing.
• Proprietary ML-ephant engine tuned for real-world manufacturing needs like CNC milling and 3D printing.
• REST API access enabling custom workflow automation and integration with existing design pipelines.
• Blender addon providing seamless integration for 3D artists and modelers.
• Fine-tuning option for enterprise users to train the ML model on proprietary CAD data (upcoming).
• Open-source components for community development and customization.
• Real-time prompt parsing and KCL code generation for parametric design flexibility.
• Supports creating complex mechanical assemblies from single or multi-part textual descriptions.
• Enterprise-grade account management including security features and Single Sign-On (SSO).

Pricing and Plans

Each second of processing uses 1 credit, valued approximately at $0.0083. Monthly and annual billing options are available, with a 20% discount for annual plans. Payment methods primarily include credit cards, and users may upgrade or downgrade plans freely without data loss.

Pros and Cons

• Accurately generates editable, watertight B-Rep CAD models from detailed text prompts.
• Streamlines prototyping and accelerates product design workflows.
• Supports industry-standard CAD export formats suitable for manufacturing.
• API and plugin integrations allow flexible adoption in diverse workflows.
• Free access with substantial credit allocation encourages exploration.
• Machine learning tuned specifically for mechanical and manufacturing precision.
• Open-source elements provide community opportunities for customization.
• Ongoing frequent updates and feature expansions improve functionality.

• Performance dips or inaccuracies occur with vague or underspecified prompts.
• More complex multi-part assemblies still require manual editing and expertise.
• Learning curve demands some familiarity with CAD and parametric terms.
• Pricing beyond free tier can add up depending on usage intensity.
• Enterprise-grade features like model fine-tuning are upcoming, not yet available.
• Limited to Zoo Design Studio and supported platforms—less compatibility outside ecosystem.

Real-World Use Cases

Text-to-CAD has found its strongest user base among mechanical engineers, product designers, and manufacturing professionals who benefit from rapid prototyping. For instance, an engineer can describe intricate components like valves, gears, or brackets in precise terms and get a ready-to-edit CAD file in minutes, bypassing traditional CAD drafting phases.

Design teams use it to accelerate iteration cycles by quickly generating multiple design variants through simple text edits, enabling faster decision-making and reducing time to market. In educational environments, it serves as a tool for students and instructors to explore parametric design concepts without deep CAD expertise upfront.

Some companies have integrated Zoo’s Text-to-CAD API into their existing design pipelines to automate preliminary design tasks and bridge the gap between concept and detailed modeling. The Blender addon opens doors for 3D artists engaging with CAD data, enriching creative workflows. Users also report successful use in 3D printing, where watertight B-Rep models ensure printability and structural integrity.

Although best suited for mechanical single-part prototyping, ongoing roadmap promises enhancements like image-to-CAD and assembly generation, which will broaden use cases across industrial design and complex manufacturing sectors.

User Experience and Interface

Users generally find the interface intuitive when operating within Zoo Design Studio, praising the natural language input system that feels conversational and straightforward. Many note that the ability to switch seamlessly between text commands and traditional CAD editing adds significant workflow flexibility.

The Blender addon also receives positive comments for fitting smoothly into familiar pipelines without disrupting existing workflows. However, beginners to CAD may need some time to gain fluency in prompt language to maximize output quality.

On desktop, the experience is fluid with responsive model generation, though performance depends on prompt complexity. Mobile use is limited as the tool is primarily desktop and integrated within specific applications. Overall, the user interface balances simplicity with power, making advanced CAD functionality more accessible.

Comparison with Alternatives

Q&A Section

Q: Can Text-to-CAD generate complex multi-part assemblies?

A: Currently, it works best with single parts and simple assemblies. More complex multi-part generation is planned for future updates.

Q: What CAD formats does Text-to-CAD support?

A: It supports standard formats including STEP, STL, and GLTF, which are compatible with most CAD software.

Q: Is there an API for integrating Text-to-CAD into other software?

A: Yes, Zoo.dev provides REST APIs with official clients for multiple programming languages.

Q: How much does Text-to-CAD cost?

A: There is a free tier with 1,205 credits per month. Additional credits and unlimited usage are available via paid subscription plans.

Q: Does it require prior CAD experience?

A: Familiarity with CAD terminology helps but the tool is designed to be accessible by entering natural language prompts.

Q: Can I use Text-to-CAD in Blender?

A: Yes, there is a Blender add-on that integrates Text-to-CAD functionality for 3D modelers and artists.

Q: How precise are the generated models?

A: Models are parametric, watertight B-Rep geometry suitable for manufacturing and simulation, though specificity of prompts affects accuracy.

Q: Does Text-to-CAD support manufacturing workflows like CNC milling?

A: Yes, the generated models are engineered for real-world manufacturing processes including CNC and 3D printing.

Performance Metrics

Scoring

Overall Score and Final Thoughts

Overall Score: 4.11. Text-to-CAD by Zoo.dev is a cutting-edge tool that has successfully brought AI-driven parametric CAD modeling closer to practical real-world engineering needs. Its strength lies in generating precise, editable models rapidly from natural language, which significantly lowers the barrier to entry for CAD design while speeding up prototyping workflows. Although some limitations exist around prompt specificity and complex assemblies, the ongoing improvements and flexible platform integrations reflect a mature and innovative product. Value-wise, it offers a compelling freemium model that scales to professional use with paid plans. For mechanical engineers and product designers, Text-to-CAD stands out as a powerful assistant that merges machine learning with traditional CAD capabilities in a seamless and user-friendly way.