CADmium: A local-first CAD program built for the browser (mattferraro.dev)

Article summary

The article discusses the development of CADmium, a local-first CAD program built for the browser, and its goals to create a user-friendly and open-source alternative to existing CAD software. The project aims to address the limitations of current CAD programs, such as complexity and cost, by using a modern tech stack and a simple file format. The article also highlights the challenges of building a CAD program, including 2D constraint solving, B-rep kernel development, and user interface design. The project is currently in its early stages and is seeking help from the community.

Main themes

• CAD software development
• Open-source alternatives
• User interface design
• 2D constraint solving
• B-rep kernel development
• Local-first applications

What commenters say

• Onshape is a great CAD tool, but its free version is limited and its paid version is expensive, making it inaccessible to hobbyists and small businesses.
• Open-source CAD software often struggles with usability and user experience, making it difficult for new users to learn and use.
• The use of JSON as a file format for CADmium may not be the best choice due to its lack of typing and potential limitations.
• FreeCAD is a powerful but complex and difficult-to-use CAD software that can be frustrating for new users, but has a dedicated community and is improving with time.
• The order of operations in CAD software can matter significantly, and a well-designed workflow is essential for efficient and effective use.
• Ondsel is a custom build of FreeCAD with improved user experience and additional features, but its differences from mainstream FreeCAD are not yet fully clear.
• The development of open-source CAD software is important for making CAD accessible to a wider range of users and promoting innovation in the field.