- CADCraft solutions are a family of 8 open-source CAD/BIM tools for design professionals
- Browser-first access: use the 2D drafting app today, with macOS, Windows, and Linux desktop versions planned
- DWG and DXF support forms the core of the file workflow, plus PDF and SVG output
- Scripting and AI agents can drive CADCraft apps for automation and batch tasks
- Command-line workflow with aliases like L, C, TR, and EX makes migration from AutoCAD-style CAD easier
What CADCraft Solutions Offer
CADCraft is an open-source collection of CAD and BIM tools built for architects, engineers, drafters, estimators, and detailing professionals. The project, hosted at getcadcraft.com with a public GitHub repository, currently presents 8 application directions covering drafting, modeling, documentation, takeoff, civil design, detailing, markup, and parts workflows.
The flagship entry point is the CADCraft 2D drafting app, which runs in an early browser version today. Desktop applications for macOS, Windows, and Linux are planned as the family develops. This browser-first approach means you can evaluate the toolset without installing anything, while the open-source direction points toward community transparency and collaboration over time.
| CADCraft Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Project type | Open source CAD/BIM toolset |
| Apps available | 8 application directions |
| Access mode | Browser early version now, desktop planned |
| Key file formats | DWG, DXF, plus PDF and SVG output |
| Target users | Architects, engineers, drafters, estimators, detailers |
| Code repository | github.com/cadcraft-app/cadcraft |
If you are evaluating CADCraft for the first time, begin with the browser-based 2D drafting app. It demonstrates the command-line workflow, layer handling, and file operations that carry across the rest of the application family.
Core Capabilities and App Family
The CADCraft solutions family is organized around practical 2D drafting and documentation workflows. Rather than bundling everything into a single monolithic program, the project splits functionality across focused apps, each targeting a specific professional role.
2D Drafting
- Command-driven geometry creation
- Lines, circles, and construction tools
- Interactive point selection
- Command and alias entry
Layers and Layouts
- Layer-based organization
- Layout-based sheet presentation
- Controlled drawing visibility
- Structured drafting workflows
Documentation
- Dimension workflows
- Drawing annotations
- Linetypes and lineweights
- Readable drawing presentation
Reusable Content
- Blocks for repeated elements
- Consistent symbol placement
- Reduced repetitive drafting
Scaled Output
- Print-scale preparation
- Layout output
- Consistent sheet presentation
Automation
- Scripting support
- AI-agent-driven operation
- Batch and repetitive task optimization
Beyond drafting, the official site lists application directions for modeling, takeoff, civil design, detailing, markup, and parts. Not every app is equally mature, so treat the browser drafting experience as the reference for what the family delivers today.
The official site emphasizes that CADCraft apps can be driven by scripts or AI agents. This positions CADCraft solutions apart from many traditional CAD packages and makes the Automation category a distinctive long-term strength.
DWG, DXF, and File Format Workflow
File compatibility is the first question most professionals ask before adopting a new CAD tool. CADCraft supports a file-oriented workflow centered on DWG and DXF for CAD drawing exchange, with PDF and SVG for document and graphic output.
| Format | Role | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|
| DWG | CAD drawing format | Working with existing drawings, preserving structured 2D content |
| DXF | CAD data exchange | Interoperability between compatible CAD applications |
| Document output | Review, documentation delivery, printed drawing output | |
| SVG | Scalable vector graphic | Vector output for design tools and graphics workflows |
The standard CADCraft file workflow moves through four stages: import an existing drawing or start fresh, review and modify geometry, organize layers and layouts, then export a separate copy for the next stage. Keeping the original upload separate from the edited result protects your source data.
Import an Existing Drawing
Bring a DWG or DXF drawing into the browser-based CADCraft workspace when you need to review, revise, or continue work started elsewhere.
Review and Modify
Use drawing tools and familiar CAD interaction patterns to inspect geometry and apply changes for the next version.
Manage Layers and Layouts
Organize content into layers and maintain layouts for presentation, sheets, and structured output before exporting.
Export a Separate Copy
Download or export the revised work rather than treating the original upload as the deliverable. Choose DWG, DXF, PDF, or SVG based on the downstream need.
Review the active file operation before ending a browser session. Confirm that required changes are saved or exported, since the browser workflow emphasizes working with files through the web experience rather than a continuously synced local folder.
Command Reference and Shortcuts
CADCraft uses a command-driven workflow. You enter a command or its alias, follow the prompts, and supply points, distances, selections, or options as requested. This structure will feel immediately familiar to anyone with command-line CAD experience.
| Command | Alias | Category | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Line | L | Drawing | Straight segments between selected points |
| Circle | C | Drawing | Circular geometry from center and radius |
| Trim | TR | Modify | Removes geometry at selected boundaries |
| Extend | EX | Modify | Extends geometry to a boundary |
| Offset | O | Modify | Parallel or concentric copy at a set distance |
| Move | M | Modify | Repositions objects between two points |
| Copy | CO | Modify | Duplicates selected objects |
| Layer | Layer tools | Layers | Organizes content into named layers |
| Dimension | Dimension tools | Annotation | Adds measurements and documentation |
| Open/Save | File tools | File | Loads or preserves drawings |
A practical beginner sequence looks like this: enter L for Line, pick points directly in the canvas or type coordinates, press Enter to finish, then add a second element with C for Circle. Use M or CO to reposition or duplicate, TR or EX to clean up intersections, and assign geometry to appropriate layers as the drawing grows.
Users coming from AutoCAD-style command-driven CAD will find that alias muscle memory carries over naturally. CADCraft remains an independent product, but the command-line pattern, aliases, layers, and layouts follow conventions that reduce the learning curve.
Access, Platform Plans, and Community
CADCraft separates what is available now from what is in development. The browser version provides the immediate starting point, while desktop applications are being built with planned support for macOS, Windows, and Linux.
| Stage | Status | What It Means |
|---|---|---|
| Browser version | Available now | Immediate access to the drafting workspace without installation |
| Desktop edition | In development | Brings the CADCraft workflow beyond the browser |
| Early access | Qualification may apply | Selected capabilities ahead of the broader desktop release |
| Platform releases | Planned | macOS, Windows, and Linux support as the family matures |
Public discussion currently centers on GitHub and community threads such as the r/Drafting first-look discussion. The official support page is the entry point for troubleshooting, feature requests, and roadmap questions.
Because the project is open source and actively evolving, verify current app availability and format support on the official site before committing a production workflow. The browser drafting app is the most reliable reference point today.
CADCraft Evaluation Checklist:
- Open the browser drafting app and explore the workspace
- Test a sample DWG or DXF import and export round-trip
- Practice core commands: L, C, TR, EX, O, M, CO
- Organize a test drawing with layers and a layout
- Review the GitHub repository and support channels for updates
FAQ
Q: What are CADCraft solutions?
CADCraft is a family of 8 open-source CAD and BIM applications covering drafting, modeling, documentation, takeoff, civil design, detailing, markup, and parts workflows. The browser-based 2D drafting app is the current flagship entry point.
Q: Does CADCraft support DWG and DXF files?
Yes. DWG and DXF are the key file formats in the CADCraft workflow. You can open existing drawings, edit them, and export results, with PDF and SVG available for document and vector output.
Q: Is CADCraft free to use?
CADCraft is an open-source project, and the browser version is accessible from the official website. Check getcadcraft.com and the GitHub repository for current licensing and access details.
Q: Can I use CADCraft on Windows, macOS, or Linux?
The browser version works today without installation. Native desktop applications for Windows, macOS, and Linux are planned but had not shipped as of October 2026, so verify current status on the official site.
Q: Is CADCraft the same as AutoCAD?
No. CADCraft is an independent application. Its command-line workflow, aliases, layers, and layouts follow familiar CAD conventions, which eases migration, but it should be evaluated as its own product.