CAD Automation Skill Pack
Control AutoCAD, SolidWorks, Fusion 360, and FreeCAD via Claude Code skills.
Why CADStack?
The problem: CAD tools require precise commands. Want a 10mm hole? You need to know the exact API call, parameter order, and coordinate system.
The solution: Describe what you want in natural language. CADStack generates the CAD script, validates it for safety, executes it, and verifies the output.
Traditional CAD: CADStack:
───────────────────────────────── ─────────────────────────────────
1. Open CAD software 1. /cad "bracket with 4 holes"
2. Create sketch → Generated script
3. Draw rectangle → Safety validated
4. Add dimensions → Executed
5. Extrude → Dimensions verified
6. Create hole sketch 2. ✓ Done
7. Draw circle
8. Cut extrude
9. Repeat 3 more times
10. Export STEP
What makes CADStack different:
- Safety-first: Every script reviewed before execution
- Multi-backend: Same commands work across FreeCAD, AutoCAD, SolidWorks, Fusion 360
- Verification built-in:
/cad-qaconfirms dimensions match your intent - Headless mode: FreeCAD works without opening a GUI
Available Skills
| Skill | Description |
|---|---|
/cad | Primary skill — Execute CAD commands: create, modify, export parts |
/cad-plan | Plan complex multi-step CAD operations before execution |
/cad-review | Review generated CAD scripts for safety/correctness |
/cad-qa | Verify exported files, check dimensions, validate geometry |
/cad-config | Set up and configure CAD backend connections |
Which Skill to Use?
┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ CADSTACK DECISION TREE │
├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ │
│ START │
│ │ │
│ ▼ │
│ "Is this your first time?" ──YES──► /cad-config │
│ │ (detect & configure) │
│ NO │
│ │ │
│ ▼ │
│ "Simple operation?" ──YES──► /cad │
│ (single part, 1-3 steps) (create, modify, export) │
│ │ │
│ NO │
│ │ │
│ ▼ │
│ "Multi-step or assembly?" ──► /cad-plan ──► /cad │
│ (plan first) (execute) │
│ │
│ AFTER /cad: │
│ • Need to verify output? ──► /cad-qa │
│ • Review script safety? ──► /cad-review │
│ │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
Quick reference:
- Just want to make a part? →
/cad - Building something complex? →
/cad-planthen/cad - Not sure it worked? →
/cad-qa - Setting up for the first time? →
/cad-config
Supported Platforms
- FreeCAD (Recommended) - Pure Python, headless mode, no license required
- AutoCAD - Requires AutoCAD running, uses COM automation
- SolidWorks - Requires SolidWorks running, uses COM automation
- Fusion 360 - Requires Fusion 360 running with bridge add-in
Quick Start
# Install cadstack
git clone https://github.com/user/cadstack.git ~/.claude/skills/cadstack
cd ~/.claude/skills/cadstack && ./setup
Then in Claude Code:
/cad "Create a 100x50x20mm box with 5mm filleted edges"
First Run Experience
If this is your first time using cadstack, follow this sequence:
Step 1: Verify setup
┌─────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ /cad-config │
│ │
│ ✓ FreeCAD: available │
│ ✓ Output dir: ~/.claude/.../output │
│ ✓ Default format: STEP │
└─────────────────────────────────────────┘
Step 2: Hello World (builds confidence)
┌─────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ /cad "create a 10mm cube" │
│ │
│ ✓ Created: output/cube.step (2.1 KB) │
│ Dimensions: 10 × 10 × 10 mm │
└─────────────────────────────────────────┘
Step 3: Your first real part
┌─────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ /cad "create a 50×30×5mm plate with │
│ four 5mm holes at corners" │
└─────────────────────────────────────────┘
User Journey Storyboard
| Step | User Action | User Feels | Skill Supports It |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Install cadstack | Uncertain: "Will this work?" | /cad-config verifies setup |
| 2 | Create first cube | Relieved: "It works!" | Simple 10mm cube example |
| 3 | Create real part | Curious: "What else can I do?" | Examples in /cad skill |
| 4 | Complex operation | Confident but cautious | /cad-plan for structure |
| 5 | Verify output | Certain: "It's correct" | /cad-qa confirms dimensions |
| 6 | Error occurs | Frustrated | Minimal error → recovery command |
| 7 | Fix and retry | Satisfied | Clear path forward |
Architecture
cadstack/
├── SKILL.md # This file
├── setup # Installation script
├── skills/ # Skill definitions
│ ├── cad.md
│ ├── cad-plan.md
│ ├── cad-review.md
│ ├── cad-qa.md
│ └── cad-config.md
├── lib/ # Core library
│ ├── cad_executor.py # Script executor
│ ├── backends/ # Platform backends
│ └── utils/ # Helpers
└── templates/ # Script templates
Configuration
Add to your project's CLAUDE.md:
## cadstack
Available skills: /cad, /cad-plan, /cad-review, /cad-qa, /cad-config
Supported platforms: FreeCAD, AutoCAD, SolidWorks, Fusion 360
Default platform: freecad