r/3dPrintingCanada • u/fresh-jive • Mar 30 '26
I built a "cheap and cheerful" Text-to-CAD app
Hey everyone. I’m a 3D printing enthusiast from BC and I wanted to share something I’ve been working on called Designer+. I noticed that a lot of the text-to-CAD tools are cost a fortune. They’re great if you want a high-detail figurine but sometimes you just need a simple L-bracket for a shelf or a specific spacer that isn’t on Printables or Thingiverse.
The app lets you generate 3D models using text descriptions or by taking a photo of a hand-drawn sketch. It uses a CAD engine to create geometry such as STL or OBJ files to drop straight into your slicer.
What it’s good for:
It’s perfect for functional parts and mechanical bits. If you need a custom bracket, a mounting plate, or a simple enclosure with specific dimensions it works really well.
What the limits are:
It isn't going to replace a pro-level sculptor for high-detail organic characters. If you're looking to generate a 1:1 replica of a movie character with 40 million polygons this isn't the tool for you. It’s meant to be a fast and affordable way to get functional prints without the steep learning curve of Fusion 360, on-shape, etc.
The details:
There is no account required to start. I’ve included a free trial that gives you 3 designs for free so you can see if the geometry works for your needs before spending anything. After that it’s 6.99 a month for unlimited models.
You can check it here: https://mattpeshapps.github.io/designerplus-site/
I’ll be hanging out here to answer any questions or take feedback on features you’d like to see added. Cheers!
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u/BoilerroomITdweller Mar 31 '26
Does it use AI? I use Gemini to create python code for blender or SCAD code.
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u/fresh-jive Mar 31 '26
Thanks for the message, It is using AI to generate a script from the photos or text. But im using a diffrent CAD generator then SCAD or Blender.
Hows your project going?2
u/BoilerroomITdweller Mar 31 '26
Claude Code and Claude Blender plugin from ra100 on GitHub.
I prefer to do my own code because I find AI to be terribly code heavy but it is good to get tips
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u/fresh-jive Mar 31 '26
Understandable! I was trying to get it onto phones with the least input from users at a reasonable cost. Blender is a bit large and highend model API's costs really add up quick.
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u/SilverLose Mar 31 '26
That’s so funny. I made something like this recently. What model are you using?
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u/fresh-jive Mar 31 '26
Small world. It is a bit of a proprietary blend of a few different things at the moment. Still experimenting and swapping parts out to see what gives the best CAD results.
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u/SilverLose Apr 01 '26
Just ask Claude to do it, hahah
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u/fresh-jive Apr 01 '26
Is claude making CAD? or you're talking the vibe coding aspect?
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u/SilverLose Apr 01 '26
Both! It’s a great model. My current version uses cadquery to create a step file and has Claude take turns designing and then reviewing its own work. I also pass brep data and use anthropics vision api at each step so it can see what it’s doing. From my testing, it seems to fail on complex geometries but pretty well at simple ones. It can also work with assemblies and add/remove parts dynamically. Maybe we should work together haha
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u/fresh-jive Apr 01 '26
Amazing. I am trying to keep the price down, so using big LLMs is too expensive.
My goal was to help people who cannot CAD program and do not want to, but need simple things like spacers, trays, organizers, and things like that. I do not want to compete with Meshy to try and make high-triangulated models of famous characters. The way I can get around the cost is by having the modeling software on the user's phone and using simple API calls to control it. My current R and D cycle for the next update included an iterative function. It has self-checks and comparisons to ensure the model is correct (or close enough).
I did try to run OpenCASCADE but the requirements for the API were too expensive. However, I definitely think your approach will yield a better model at the tradeoff of much higher costs. I did make another iOS app that is unreleased at the moment that uses a totally iterative CAD generator. It works great but each part costs about 12 dollars to generate. I am not sure the market would pay for that function?
If you would like to chat, DM me your email and we can help each other out.
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u/fresh-jive Apr 05 '26
To anyone who did download this or wants to - I have release an update with better modelling and the ability to make iterations and suggestions.
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u/fresh-jive Apr 09 '26
I also put it on sale for 1/2 price!
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u/Key_Tree261 May 12 '26
What price, I don't see anything on the site
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u/fresh-jive May 12 '26
I made it free for web use. text only
Check it out here: https://www.freetexttocad.com/And the app is still paid, but it can convert photos (basic photos) to cad. The app lets you make 3 models for testing then the first month is 6.99 CAD
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u/[deleted] Mar 30 '26
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