{
 "schema_version": 1,
 "generated": "2026-10-26",
 "url": "https://dedupedai.com/best-ai-repos-for/3d-and-cad/",
 "task": "3D modeling and CAD with AI",
 "question": "What is the best open-source repo for 3D modeling or CAD with AI?",
 "answer": "The best open-source AI repos for 3D modeling and CAD with AI right now are MCP for Blender, Text to Cad and Solidcraft. MCP for Blender lets any LLM drive Blender; text-to-cad and SolidCraft are built for parametric CAD parts; nurb focuses on 3D printable parts.",
 "md": "https://dedupedai.com/best-ai-repos-for/3d-and-cad/index.md",
 "repos": [
  {
   "repo": "ahujasid/mcp-for-blender",
   "title": "MCP for Blender",
   "url": "https://dedupedai.com/use-cases/ahujasid-mcp-for-blender/",
   "github": "https://github.com/ahujasid/mcp-for-blender",
   "what": "MCP for Blender (formerly blender-mcp) connects Blender to any LLM through the Model Context Protocol. A Blender addon runs a socket server and an MCP server connects it to Claude Desktop, Claude Code, Codex, Cursor, VS Code and others, so the AI can create and modify objects, apply materials, check its work with multi-angle views and renders, run Blender Python and pull in Poly Haven, Sketchfab and Poly Pizza assets or AI-generated 3D models.",
   "who": "3D artists, game developers and hobbyists who want to build and edit Blender scenes by describing them in plain language.",
   "stars": 32422,
   "language": "Python",
   "requirements": [
    "Blender",
    "uv (the setup installs it if needed; use the official installer, not pip install uv)",
    "An MCP client such as Claude Desktop, Claude Code, Codex or Cursor",
    "Optional: API access for AI model generators, or the Premium plan"
   ],
   "uc_count": 3,
   "use_cases": [
    {
     "title": "Build a 3D scene in Blender from a text prompt",
     "url": "https://dedupedai.com/use-cases/ahujasid-mcp-for-blender/build-a-blender-scene-from-a-prompt/"
    },
    {
     "title": "Connect Claude Code or Codex to Blender manually",
     "url": "https://dedupedai.com/use-cases/ahujasid-mcp-for-blender/add-mcp-for-blender-to-claude-code/"
    },
    {
     "title": "Populate a scene with Poly Haven and Sketchfab assets",
     "url": "https://dedupedai.com/use-cases/ahujasid-mcp-for-blender/populate-a-scene-with-free-assets/"
    }
   ],
   "best": {
    "title": "Build a 3D scene in Blender from a text prompt",
    "url": "https://dedupedai.com/use-cases/ahujasid-mcp-for-blender/build-a-blender-scene-from-a-prompt/",
    "difficulty": "Beginner",
    "time": "20 minutes",
    "agents": [
     "claude-code",
     "codex",
     "cursor"
    ],
    "steps": [
     "On macOS or Linux run curl -LsSf https://www.mcp-for-blender.com/install.sh | sh (or uvx mcp-for-blender setup if you already have uv)",
     "Pick the MCP clients to set up; it adds a blender entry and saves a .bak of each config",
     "Fully quit and reopen your AI app, then open Blender; the addon starts its server",
     "Ask the AI to build a scene, for example a low-poly campsite at dusk",
     "Ask for multi-angle views or a render to check the result"
    ],
    "md": "https://dedupedai.com/use-cases/ahujasid-mcp-for-blender/build-a-blender-scene-from-a-prompt/index.md"
   }
  },
  {
   "repo": "earthtojake/text-to-cad",
   "title": "Text to Cad",
   "url": "https://dedupedai.com/use-cases/earthtojake-text-to-cad/",
   "github": "https://github.com/earthtojake/text-to-cad",
   "what": "text-to-cad is a plugin and skill set that lets AI agents generate 3D CAD models from text and run related manufacturing and drawing workflows locally.",
   "who": "Engineers, makers and designers who use Claude Code, Codex, Cursor, Gemini or Grok and need CAD files for printing, machining or drawings.",
   "stars": 22459,
   "language": "Python",
   "requirements": [
    "uv installed (check with uv --version)",
    "One supported agent app: Claude Code, Codex, Cursor, Gemini or Grok",
    "A network connection for the first start, which downloads CAD's runtime"
   ],
   "uc_count": 4,
   "use_cases": [
    {
     "title": "Generate a 3D CAD model from a text description",
     "url": "https://dedupedai.com/use-cases/earthtojake-text-to-cad/generate-cad-model-from-text/"
    },
    {
     "title": "Check a generated part for manufacturing problems",
     "url": "https://dedupedai.com/use-cases/earthtojake-text-to-cad/run-design-for-manufacturing-checks/"
    },
    {
     "title": "Create an engineering drawing from a CAD model",
     "url": "https://dedupedai.com/use-cases/earthtojake-text-to-cad/create-engineering-drawings-from-models/"
    }
   ],
   "best": {
    "title": "Generate a 3D CAD model from a text description",
    "url": "https://dedupedai.com/use-cases/earthtojake-text-to-cad/generate-cad-model-from-text/",
    "difficulty": "Intermediate",
    "time": "30 minutes",
    "agents": [
     "claude-code",
     "codex",
     "cursor",
     "gemini-cli"
    ],
    "steps": [
     "Run uv --version to confirm uv is installed.",
     "In Claude Code, run claude plugin marketplace add earthtojake/text-to-cad#latest, then claude plugin install text-to-cad@earthtojake.",
     "Restart the app and wait for the first start to finish downloading CAD's runtime.",
     "Ask the agent to build the part you describe and export it as STEP, GLB, STL or 3MF.",
     "Open the returned model in the CAD Viewer and check its dimensions against your description."
    ],
    "md": "https://dedupedai.com/use-cases/earthtojake-text-to-cad/generate-cad-model-from-text/index.md"
   }
  },
  {
   "repo": "tangency-labs/solidcraft",
   "title": "Solidcraft",
   "url": "https://dedupedai.com/use-cases/tangency-labs-solidcraft/",
   "github": "https://github.com/tangency-labs/solidcraft",
   "what": "SolidCraft is an open-source parametric 3D CAD application written in pure Rust, with desktop, browser, headless CLI and MCP server versions.",
   "who": "Mechanical designers, makers and engineers who want parametric 3D models, plus people who want AI agents to model parts through MCP.",
   "stars": 9095,
   "language": "Rust",
   "requirements": [
    "Windows, macOS or Linux desktop, or a web browser for the browser app",
    "Rust toolchain and the repo cloned from github.com/tangency-labs/solidcraft for the cargo commands",
    "Claude Code installed for the MCP registration step"
   ],
   "uc_count": 6,
   "use_cases": [
    {
     "title": "Have an AI agent model a CAD part through SolidCraft MCP",
     "url": "https://dedupedai.com/use-cases/tangency-labs-solidcraft/agent-models-part-via-mcp/"
    },
    {
     "title": "Run a JSON script to export a bracket as STEP",
     "url": "https://dedupedai.com/use-cases/tangency-labs-solidcraft/run-bracket-script-to-step/"
    },
    {
     "title": "Design an enclosure whose height updates from Parameters",
     "url": "https://dedupedai.com/use-cases/tangency-labs-solidcraft/enclosure-rebuilds-from-parameters/"
    }
   ],
   "best": {
    "title": "Have an AI agent model a CAD part through SolidCraft MCP",
    "url": "https://dedupedai.com/use-cases/tangency-labs-solidcraft/agent-models-part-via-mcp/",
    "difficulty": "Intermediate",
    "time": "30 minutes",
    "agents": [
     "claude-code"
    ],
    "steps": [
     "Install SolidCraft from the downloads (Windows, macOS, Linux) or try it in the browser",
     "Register the server: claude mcp add solidcraft -- solidcraft-cli mcp",
     "Open the desktop app first if you want to watch; with --connect the server drives the running app, otherwise it runs headless",
     "Ask Claude Code for the part with named dimensions, then check the timeline and Parameters"
    ],
    "md": "https://dedupedai.com/use-cases/tangency-labs-solidcraft/agent-models-part-via-mcp/index.md"
   }
  },
  {
   "repo": "Shpigford/nurb",
   "title": "Nurb",
   "url": "https://dedupedai.com/use-cases/shpigford-nurb/",
   "github": "https://github.com/Shpigford/nurb",
   "what": "nurb is an agentic CAD tool that lets an AI model 3D printable parts, check them for print problems, and show them in a live viewer.",
   "who": "Makers and hobbyists with a 3D printer, and developers who want AI agents to design and check printable parts through a CLI.",
   "stars": 614,
   "language": "Python",
   "requirements": [
    "An AI subscription you already pay for, such as one that works with your agent or terminal",
    "A Mac (the app is provided for Apple silicon and Intel) or a terminal with uv or pip available",
    "A 3D printer and a slicer such as OrcaSlicer or Bambu Studio, if you want print time and filament estimates"
   ],
   "uc_count": 5,
   "use_cases": [
    {
     "title": "Design a printable hose adapter from a text description",
     "url": "https://dedupedai.com/use-cases/shpigford-nurb/design-printable-adapter-from-text/"
    },
    {
     "title": "Catch print problems before the printer runs",
     "url": "https://dedupedai.com/use-cases/shpigford-nurb/catch-print-problems-before-printing/"
    },
    {
     "title": "Estimate print time and filament cost before printing",
     "url": "https://dedupedai.com/use-cases/shpigford-nurb/estimate-print-time-and-filament-cost/"
    }
   ],
   "best": {
    "title": "Design a printable hose adapter from a text description",
    "url": "https://dedupedai.com/use-cases/shpigford-nurb/design-printable-adapter-from-text/",
    "difficulty": "Beginner",
    "time": "30 minutes",
    "agents": [],
    "steps": [
     "Install Nurb with curl -fsSL https://nurb.dev/install.sh | sh, or download the Mac app from the README install section.",
     "Open the Nurb app, or start your AI agent in a terminal.",
     "Tell the AI what you need, for example: Make an adapter that connects my shop vac hose to the dust port on my table saw.",
     "Wait while the AI models the part, runs the printability checks, and opens the live viewer.",
     "Drag the sliders if you want changes, then click 3mf and print."
    ],
    "md": "https://dedupedai.com/use-cases/shpigford-nurb/design-printable-adapter-from-text/index.md"
   }
  },
  {
   "repo": "Bingeljell/image-to-3dlab",
   "title": "AssetFurnace",
   "url": "https://dedupedai.com/use-cases/bingeljell-image-to-3dlab/",
   "github": "https://github.com/Bingeljell/image-to-3dlab",
   "what": "AssetFurnace is a free, open-source studio that turns a sentence or picture into a textured, rigged, animated 3D game character or prop set, run locally on Apple Silicon or NVIDIA hardware.",
   "who": "Indie game developers and 3D artists who want to make game-ready characters and props on their own machine without uploads or credits.",
   "stars": 974,
   "language": "Python",
   "requirements": [
    "An Apple Silicon Mac or an NVIDIA PC (Linux or Windows per the README), or a Linux AMD card with ROCm for the Pixal3D route",
    "Terminal access to run the install line",
    "Free disk space for model weights, for example 8.4 GB for Pixal3D and 6.6 GB for Front + back",
    "Full Xcode on a Mac if you build Pixal3D locally"
   ],
   "uc_count": 4,
   "use_cases": [
    {
     "title": "Turn a picture into a rigged, animated game character",
     "url": "https://dedupedai.com/use-cases/bingeljell-image-to-3dlab/rigged-animated-character-from-picture/"
    },
    {
     "title": "Make nine game-ready props from one prompt",
     "url": "https://dedupedai.com/use-cases/bingeljell-image-to-3dlab/nine-game-props-from-one-prompt/"
    },
    {
     "title": "Keep logos and text sharp on a low-poly model",
     "url": "https://dedupedai.com/use-cases/bingeljell-image-to-3dlab/keep-text-and-logos-sharp-on-low-poly/"
    }
   ],
   "best": {
    "title": "Turn a picture into a rigged, animated game character",
    "url": "https://dedupedai.com/use-cases/bingeljell-image-to-3dlab/rigged-animated-character-from-picture/",
    "difficulty": "Intermediate",
    "time": "60 minutes",
    "agents": [],
    "steps": [
     "Run curl -fsSL https://assetfurnace.com/install.sh | bash in a terminal and wait for the studio to open in your browser.",
     "In Setup & Status, choose the model weights you want, check the size and licence shown, and approve the download.",
     "In the studio, drop a picture of a humanoid, or press + Create and type a sentence, then press Create to run the steps.",
     "Press Rig so SkinTokens fits a skeleton and skin weights to the character.",
     "Pick one of the 21 moves, such as walk or run, then download the animated GLB for your engine."
    ],
    "md": "https://dedupedai.com/use-cases/bingeljell-image-to-3dlab/rigged-animated-character-from-picture/index.md"
   }
  },
  {
   "repo": "Kai-Jungsthoefel/SOMA",
   "title": "SOMA",
   "url": "https://dedupedai.com/use-cases/kai-jungsthoefel-soma/",
   "github": "https://github.com/Kai-Jungsthoefel/SOMA",
   "what": "SOMA is a desktop app for designing parametric 3D models in CadQuery Python code, built together with a CLI coding agent of your choice.",
   "who": "Makers and tinkerers who need a case, bracket or mount for a project, and developers who want an agent to write CadQuery models.",
   "stars": 212,
   "language": "TypeScript",
   "requirements": [
    "Windows, Linux, or macOS (Apple Silicon) with a SOMA package downloaded from somacad.app/download or the releases page",
    "A CLI agent such as Claude Code, OpenCode, Codex CLI or Gemini CLI, installed and logged in by you",
    "About 1 GB of free disk space for the installed app"
   ],
   "uc_count": 5,
   "use_cases": [
    {
     "title": "Design a printable case from a plain description",
     "url": "https://dedupedai.com/use-cases/kai-jungsthoefel-soma/design-printable-case-from-description/"
    },
    {
     "title": "Make a model's dimensions adjustable without code",
     "url": "https://dedupedai.com/use-cases/kai-jungsthoefel-soma/make-model-dimensions-adjustable/"
    },
    {
     "title": "Check a part for overhangs and thin walls",
     "url": "https://dedupedai.com/use-cases/kai-jungsthoefel-soma/check-part-for-printing-issues/"
    }
   ],
   "best": {
    "title": "Design a printable case from a plain description",
    "url": "https://dedupedai.com/use-cases/kai-jungsthoefel-soma/design-printable-case-from-description/",
    "difficulty": "Intermediate",
    "time": "1 hour",
    "agents": [],
    "steps": [
     "Download the SOMA package for your system from somacad.app/download and install it.",
     "Install and log in to a CLI agent such as Claude Code, Codex CLI or Gemini CLI.",
     "Start SOMA, click New model, then start your agent with the + above the terminal.",
     "Describe the part, its size and the printing material, then click parts or measure in the view and send feedback to the agent.",
     "Export the finished model from the menu as STL or 3MF."
    ],
    "md": "https://dedupedai.com/use-cases/kai-jungsthoefel-soma/design-printable-case-from-description/index.md"
   }
  },
  {
   "repo": "viettranx/3dviz-pro-max",
   "title": "3dviz Pro Max",
   "url": "https://dedupedai.com/use-cases/viettranx-3dviz-pro-max/",
   "github": "https://github.com/viettranx/3dviz-pro-max",
   "what": "A standalone agent skill, for Claude Code and Codex, that helps an agent turn a creative idea into a Three.js or Blender 3D scene and check the rendered frames.",
   "who": "Creative coders, educators and designers who have an idea for an explorable 3D scene and use Claude Code or Codex to build it.",
   "stars": 906,
   "language": "JavaScript",
   "requirements": [
    "Claude Code or Codex installed, with the ability to load a skill folder",
    "A local checkout of the viettranx/3dviz-pro-max repository",
    "Your agent's project stack for building Three.js scenes (the skill uses the existing project stack)",
    "Optional: Playwright, needed only for the capture helper"
   ],
   "uc_count": 4,
   "use_cases": [
    {
     "title": "Build an explorable 3D scene from a one-line idea",
     "url": "https://dedupedai.com/use-cases/viettranx-3dviz-pro-max/build-explorable-3d-scene-from-idea/"
    },
    {
     "title": "Make an interactive product assembly for design review",
     "url": "https://dedupedai.com/use-cases/viettranx-3dviz-pro-max/visualize-mechanical-assembly-for-review/"
    },
    {
     "title": "Create an interactive lesson on eigenvectors or Bloch spheres",
     "url": "https://dedupedai.com/use-cases/viettranx-3dviz-pro-max/teach-linear-algebra-with-live-visuals/"
    }
   ],
   "best": {
    "title": "Build an explorable 3D scene from a one-line idea",
    "url": "https://dedupedai.com/use-cases/viettranx-3dviz-pro-max/build-explorable-3d-scene-from-idea/",
    "difficulty": "Intermediate",
    "time": "1 hour",
    "agents": [
     "claude-code",
     "codex"
    ],
    "steps": [
     "Clone the repository: git clone https://github.com/viettranx/3dviz-pro-max.git",
     "Copy the whole skills/3dviz-pro-max/ folder into your agent's skill directory, for example ~/.claude/skills/, and start a new session.",
     "Name the skill in your first prompt so the agent loads it.",
     "Give the agent the starting sentence and let it pick the representation and refine the scene from observed results.",
     "Review the scene in the browser and ask for changes to the art direction or motion."
    ],
    "md": "https://dedupedai.com/use-cases/viettranx-3dviz-pro-max/build-explorable-3d-scene-from-idea/index.md"
   }
  }
 ]
}