- CADCraft software is an open-source CAD and BIM toolset running today in the browser
- Eight apps cover drafting, modeling, takeoff, civil design, detailing, markup, and parts
- DWG and DXF are the key file formats for opening, editing, and exporting drawings
- Command-driven workflow with aliases like L, C, TR, and EX feels familiar to CAD users
- Desktop versions for macOS, Windows, and Linux are planned alongside browser access
What CADCraft Software Is
CADCraft software is an open-source collection of CAD and BIM tools aimed at architects, engineers, drafters, estimators, and detail designers. The project is developed in the open on GitHub and presented at the official website, where the browser edition is available as an early access experience. Rather than a single monolithic application, CADCraft is a family of eight apps, each targeting a specific professional workflow.
2D Drafting
- Command-line driven drawing
- Lines, circles, basic geometry
- Layers and layouts
BIM & Modeling
- Building information workflows
- Structured model content
- Documentation support
Automation
- Scripting and batch tasks
- AI-agent-driven operations
- Repeatable workflows
| App Direction | Primary Audience | Typical Output |
|---|---|---|
| Drafting | Drafters, architects | 2D technical drawings |
| Documentation | Architects, engineers | Annotated sheet sets |
| Takeoff | Estimators | Quantity and area data |
| Civil Design | Civil engineers | Site and infrastructure plans |
| Detailing | Detail designers | Fabrication details |
| Markup | Reviewers | Redlined drawings |
| Parts | Fabricators | Part and component files |
| Modeling | Designers | Structured 2D/3D content |
No desktop installation is required to try CADCraft. The browser edition on getcadcraft.com is the fastest way to evaluate the workflow before desktop releases arrive for macOS, Windows, and Linux.
Core Features and File Formats
CADCraft's drafting app is organized around practical 2D workflows: geometry creation, drawing organization, reusable content, layout preparation, and scaled output. File support centers on DWG and DXF for CAD exchange, with PDF and SVG playing roles in documentation and vector output.
| Format | Type | Workflow Stage | Best Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| DWG | CAD drawing format | Open, edit, save, export | Preserving structured 2D drafting content |
| DXF | CAD exchange format | Open, edit, save, export | Interoperability between applications |
| Document output | Export | Review, sharing, and printing | |
| SVG | Scalable vector | Export | Vector workflows in design tools |
| Feature | Category | What It Does |
|---|---|---|
| 2D Drafting | Drawing | Create and edit geometry via commands and aliases |
| Layers | Organization | Separate content for easier editing and review |
| Linetypes & Lineweights | Display | Distinguish drawing information visually |
| Blocks | Reusable Content | Keep repeated elements consistent |
| Layouts | Presentation | Arrange model content onto sheets |
| Scaled Printing | Output | Prepare scale-aware plots and exports |
In the browser workflow, always save or export your result before closing the session. Treat the original uploaded file as the source, not the deliverable — export a separate copy for sharing or archiving.
Getting Started: Step-by-Step
Follow this sequence to go from a blank workspace to a saved drawing.
Open CADCraft in the Browser
Launch the browser application from the official site and choose an existing drawing or start a new session. Wait for the workspace and command interface to load.
Learn the Workspace
Identify the canvas for geometry, the command line for input, and the drawing-management areas. Review the active drawing state before each new operation.
Use the Command Line
Enter a command or alias such as L for Line, pick points in the canvas or type coordinates, and press Enter to complete or repeat a command.
Draw and Edit
Create basic shapes with Line and Circle, then refine with Move, Copy, Trim, Extend, and Offset. Assign geometry to appropriate layers.
Review and Export
Inspect the result at a useful zoom level, confirm layers and dimensions, then save or export in the format your downstream workflow needs.
Aliases like L, C, TR, EX, O, M, and CO let experienced CAD users work almost entirely from the keyboard, reducing toolbar navigation dramatically.
Command Reference
These core commands cover the majority of everyday 2D drafting work in CADCraft.
| Command | Alias | Category | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Line | L | Drawing | Straight segments between points |
| Circle | C | Drawing | Circular geometry from center and radius |
| Trim | TR | Modify | Remove geometry at boundaries |
| Extend | EX | Modify | Extend geometry to a boundary |
| Offset | O | Modify | Parallel or concentric copies |
| Move | M | Modify | Reposition objects by base point |
| Copy | CO | Modify | Duplicate selected objects |
| Layer | Tools | Layers | Organize content into named layers |
| Dimension | Tools | Annotation | Add measurements and documentation |
If you know command-driven CAD, CADCraft's command line, aliases, layers, and layouts will feel familiar. Note that CADCraft is an independent product — it is not made by or affiliated with Autodesk.
Your First Drawing Checklist:
- Open the browser workspace and load or start a drawing
- Complete a shape using Line and Circle commands
- Clean up geometry with Trim and Extend
- Assign objects to named layers
- Add at least one dimension
- Export a copy in DWG, DXF, PDF, or SVG
Roadmap and Access
CADCraft separates what is available now from what is in development. The browser edition is live; desktop applications are being built with planned support across macOS, Windows, and Linux, and early-access opportunities may apply for selected desktop capabilities.
| Stage | Status | What It Means |
|---|---|---|
| Browser edition | Available now | Immediate access without installation |
| Desktop apps | In development | Complementary native workflow |
| Early access | Qualification may apply | Preview selected desktop features |
| Platform releases | Planned | macOS, Windows, and Linux support |
Follow development on GitHub and use the official support page for help, feature requests, and open-source announcements.
FAQ
Q: Is CADCraft software free to use?
CADCraft is an open-source CAD/BIM project. The browser edition can be launched directly from the official website without installing a desktop program, and the project's direction and code are discussed publicly on GitHub.
Q: Can CADCraft open 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 save or export results, which makes migrating existing 2D files into the browser workflow straightforward.
Q: Do I need to install anything to try CADCraft?
No. The browser edition is the current entry point. Desktop versions for macOS, Windows, and Linux are planned, but today you can start drawing immediately from a modern web browser.
Q: Will my AutoCAD skills transfer to CADCraft?
Largely, yes. CADCraft uses a command-driven workflow with familiar aliases like L, C, TR, and EX, plus layers and layouts. However, CADCraft is an independent application and should be learned as its own product.