Understand the difference between Text-to-CAD and Text-to-Mesh. Where AI mesh generators output a finished triangle mesh, OwlCAD can generate a real parametric feature tree that exports as an editable STEP solid.
Text-to-mesh generators produce a finished triangle mesh (GLB/OBJ) — good for visual props, but there are no dimensions left to edit. OwlCAD Text-to-CAD generates a real parametric feature history instead: editable sketch dimensions, hole diameters, and boolean operations you can re-dimension like traditional CAD. OwlCAD offers both modes, so you can pick per job.
Generate true CAD solids with editable dimensions, a live feature tree, and B-rep STEP export.
Instead of a locked mesh shell, OwlCAD generates a node tree with live numerical parameters. Change a hole radius or plate thickness at any time.
Parametric models export as true analytic STEP geometry for SolidWorks, Fusion 360, Onshape, or FreeCAD — exact cylinders and planes, not a triangle shell.
Combine generated models with basic primitives, add variable edge fillets, extrude custom sketch cutouts, and verify 3D print readiness.
Describe a part in plain English, inspect its parametric feature tree, and export print-ready STL, 3MF, or STEP.
Text-to-mesh generators produce a finished triangle mesh (GLB/OBJ) — good for visual props, but there are no dimensions left to edit. OwlCAD Text-to-CAD generates a real parametric feature history instead: editable sketch dimensions, hole diameters, and boolean operations you can re-dimension like traditional CAD. OwlCAD offers both modes, so you can pick per job.
Models from the parametric AI generator are built from analytic solids, so they export as true B-rep STEP with exact cylinders and planes for mechanical CAD. Sculpted meshes (image-to-3D and mesh models) export as a faceted STEP solid instead — valid and openable, but without analytic surfaces to edit.
Yes. Every generated model opens in OwlCAD’s full editor where you can tweak parameters, add edge fillets, sketch new cutouts, or refine features using standard CAD tools.
Free accounts include manual modeling, sketching, booleans, and file export. AI generation is included with OwlCAD Pro, which provides a monthly allotment of generation credits — or you can connect your own provider API key and generate without spending credits.