HootCAD 🦉

Design CAD models with code. Preview in real-time. Export to production.

HootCAD brings scriptable CAD workflows to VS Code and Cursor. Write JSCAD scripts, see instant 3D previews, and export to formats ready for manufacturing.

Works seamlessly in both VS Code and Cursor IDE

Why HootCAD?

Traditional CAD tools treat designs as opaque binary files. HootCAD embraces a different philosophy: design is code, code is design. This means:

• ✅ Version control your designs with meaningful diffs
• ✅ Parametric designs that adapt to your specifications
• ✅ Code review CAD models like software
• ✅ Collaborate with teammates using standard dev workflows
• ✅ AI-assisted design with MCP integration for coding agents

Core Features

🎨 Live 3D Preview - Instant WebGL rendering of JSCAD scripts with interactive camera controls

📦 Multi-Format Export - Export to STL, OBJ, AMF, DXF, SVG, and more for 3D printing or manufacturing

🤖 MCP Server - Optional Model Context Protocol server for AI coding agents (safe math evaluation, CAD guidance)

⚡ Smart Resolution - Automatically finds your JSCAD entrypoint (package.json, index.jscad, or active file)

Installation

Install directly from the VS Code Marketplace:

1. Open VS Code or Cursor
2. Press Ctrl+Shift+P (Cmd+Shift+P on Mac)
3. Type "Extensions: Install Extensions"
4. Search for "HootCAD"
5. Click Install

Or install with one click from the marketplace page.

Quick Start

Create your first CAD model in 60 seconds:

1. Create a new file cube.jscad:

   const { cube } = require('@jscad/modeling').primitives
   
   const main = () => cube({ size: 10 })
   
   module.exports = { main }
   

2. Open Command Palette (Ctrl+Shift+P / Cmd+Shift+P)

3. Run HootCAD: Open Preview

4. Interact with your 3D model:

   • Drag to rotate
   • Scroll to zoom

5. Export to STL, OBJ, or other formats via HootCAD: Export

💡 Check the examples directory for more sample models.

Available Commands

AI Agent Integration (Optional)

HootCAD includes an optional Model Context Protocol (MCP) server for AI coding agents like GitHub Copilot and Cursor:

🤖 CAD Guidance - Get expert design advice for JSCAD, manufacturability, and spatial reasoning

🧮 Safe Math - Evaluate dimensional calculations without arbitrary code execution

🔒 Security-First - No filesystem access, no eval, no code execution - just safe math operations

Enable via HootCAD: Enable MCP Server command when prompted. The extension provides setup instructions for your coding agent.

Support & Contributing

• Report Issues: GitHub Issues
• Source Code: github.com/owlprecision/hootcad
• Contributing: See CONTRIBUTING.md

License

MIT License - see LICENSE file for details