Parametric 2D CAD Detail Visualizer (DaC)
The VS Code extension for Drawings as Code (DaC). Renders parametric construction details as interactive, blueprint-style drawings directly within your IDE.
Designed for structural engineers, draftsmen, and software agents, this extension bridges the gap between structured JSON engineering schemas and visual validation.
Key Features
- 🚀 Real-time Vector Rendering: Instantly compiles parametric configurations into blueprint-style SVG vectors inside a split-screen Webview panel.
- 🖱️ Interactive SVG Selection: Click directly on any element in the blueprint canvas (like concrete foundations or wood sill plates) to focus it and inspect its properties.
- 🔄 Bidirectional Parameter Sync: Adjust parameters via form controls (sliders, checkbox toggles, numbers) in the sidebar, and watch the editor's active JSON buffer update and save in real-time.
- 📐 Annotative Scaling: Supports model space vs. paper space separation. Structural geometry scales dynamically while dimensions, labels, and hatch patterns maintain constant legibility on screen.
- 🔍 Infinite Vector Zoom & Pan: Scroll-to-zoom and click-drag to pan around complex details with infinite SVG crispness.
Getting Started
- Open any parametric detail specification file (e.g.,
detail-prototype.json) conforming to the dac/v1 schema.
- Click the DAC: Open Preview button in the editor title bar menu (top-right of the editor pane).
- Alternatively, right-click the JSON file in the explorer context menu and select DAC: Open Preview.
- Edit the parameter values in the sidebar form or click on the SVG elements to inspect details.
File Schema Support
This extension activates and renders files containing the dac/v1 version tag:
{
"version": "dac/v1",
"scale": "1/2\" = 1'-0\"",
"parameters": {
"sillPlateOffset": {
"type": "Number",
"default": 1.5,
"min": -8,
"max": 8,
"label": "Offset (in)"
}
},
"geometry": [
{
"type": "AEC::Shape::Rectangle",
"componentId": "sill_plate_1",
"componentType": "Timber Sill Plate",
"x": "240 + {parameters.sillPlateOffset}",
"y": 182,
"width": 140,
"height": 38
}
]
}
Requirements
- VS Code: Version
1.80.0 or higher (also supports compatible forks like Cursor and Antigravity).
- Node.js: Version
18.x or higher (for local development/compilation).
