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Hey HN — I’m Anthony, building WebCad, a free browser-based CAD tool with AI to speed up the repetitive stuff.

What it is

CAD in the browser (no installs, no GPU workstation)

AI-assisted modeling helpers (fast iterations, repetitive edits, quick starting geometry)

Export STEP (.stp) so you can open the result in SolidWorks / Fusion 360 / Inventor / etc.

Why we made it A lot of people (students, makers, contractors) don’t have access to “proper” CAD licenses or they’re stuck on locked-down computers. We wanted something you can open anywhere and still get a clean STEP output.

It’s free We’re currently pushing free access to maximize feedback + user acquisition.

If you try it, I’d love blunt feedback:

What’s the first feature that would make you switch from your current CAD?

What’s the #1 workflow you wish AI handled (constraints, feature patterns, hole/thread rules, etc.)?

Link: https://app.webcad.ca/


Hi HN — I’m the founder of WebCad.

WebCad is CAD that runs in the browser (no install), with AI-assisted edits for repetitive changes, and exports clean STEP so you can open the result in SolidWorks / Fusion 360 / Inventor, etc.

Why I built it: a lot of students and makers are stuck on lab PCs / low-spec laptops or just don’t want heavy installs for quick iterations. The goal is “fast prototyping + fast edits”, not replacing full pro CAD workflows.

Would love feedback on: 1) What’s the minimum feature set you’d need to consider using browser CAD? 2) What AI edits would actually save time (vs feeling gimmicky)? 3) Any STEP compatibility issues you’d want tested?

App: https://app.webcad.ca/ Happy to answer anything.


Hi HN, I’m building WebCad, a CAD tool that runs entirely in the browser. You can generate/edit parts with AI and export a clean STEP (.stp) for SolidWorks/Fusion/Inventor, etc.

Why it’s useful:

Works on any laptop / school computer (no installs, no licenses)

Fast iteration: prompt → geometry → tweak → export

Great for engineering students + rapid prototyping

Free to try up to 10 AI generated prompts

https://app.webcad.ca/


Hi HN - I’m building WebCad, a browser-based CAD tool where you can generate a 3D part with AI, tweak it in the browser, and export a STEP (.stp) that works in SolidWorks / Fusion 360 / Inventor, etc.

Why I built it: CAD installs/licensing/lab computers are friction. I wanted something that works on any laptop (or school computer) instantly.

What it does today:

Runs entirely in the browser (no installs)

Uses Manifold (WASM) for hot-loop rendering and OpenCascade (WASM Worker) for B-Rep export. Custom DAG solver for parametric updates.

AI-assisted geometry generation + AI sketch help

Edit/adjust in-browser

Instant STEP exports

Pricing:

Free to try

$2.99 one-time STEP export

$24.99/mo unlimited exports + advanced tools No contracts - cancel anytime.

Site: https://webcad.ca/

I’d love feedback on:

What’s the “must-have” feature for browser CAD?

What would make you trust a STEP export from a browser tool?

Any workflows you’d want supported (3D printing, student labs, quick prototyping)?


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