Cad Viewer
Start CAD Viewer and return review links when the user names explicit CAD, G-code, or robot description files to inspect before iterating hardware or fabrication workflows.
Overview
cad-viewer is an agent skill most often used in Validate (also Build integrations, Operate iterate) that opens CAD Viewer and returns review links for named CAD, G-code, or robot files.
Install
npx skills add https://github.com/earthtojake/text-to-cad --skill cad-viewerWhat is this skill?
- Opens CAD, G-code, and robot-description files in CAD Viewer on demand
- Default prompt pattern: start viewer and return review links for explicit file paths
- Separate development reference path when user asks to modify or debug CAD Viewer source
- MIT-licensed earthtojake skill with clear production vs source-workspace split
- Explicit-file workflow avoids guessing which asset to load
Adoption & trust: 525 installs on skills.sh; 5.8k GitHub stars.
What problem does it solve?
You have model or machine files on disk but no quick way for your agent to open them in a proper viewer and share a review link.
Who is it for?
Solo builders working through text-to-cad pipelines who need a one-command visual review gate on specific files.
Skip if: Users who only need inline ASCII summaries of G-code, or contributors patching viewer source without separating dev vs review flows.
When should I use this skill?
User asks to open CAD, G-code, or robot files in CAD Viewer, or uses the default prompt to start CAD Viewer with explicit file paths; use development readme only when modifying viewer source.
What do I get? / Deliverables
CAD Viewer runs against the explicit files you listed and you get links to visually confirm geometry, toolpaths, or robot descriptions before the next edit cycle.
- CAD Viewer session started for specified files
- Review links returned to the user
Recommended Skills
Journey fit
Spans multiple journey phases - primary shelf plus alternate fits below.
First canonical shelf is Validate because opening a viewer answers “does this model/path look right?” before heavy Build or Ship commits. Prototype subphase covers inspecting generated meshes, toolpaths, and robot configs without editing the viewer source unless asked.
Where it fits
After text-to-cad exports an STL, open CAD Viewer on that path to confirm dimensions before ordering a print.
Wire the viewer step into your agent pipeline right after the CAM step emits G-code for a first article run.
Re-open the same robot description file after a joint limit change to verify kinematics visually.
How it compares
Local viewer launcher for named files—not a cloud PLM suite or automatic mesh repair service.
Common Questions / FAQ
Who is cad-viewer for?
Indie hardware, robotics, and maker builders using AI coding agents who generate CAD or G-code and want a dedicated desktop viewer step.
When should I use cad-viewer?
In Validate when prototyping a part or path; in Build when integrating export outputs from your CAD agent; in Operate when re-checking files after a production tweak—all with explicit file paths.
Is cad-viewer safe to install?
It may launch local applications and access filesystem paths you provide; check the Security Audits panel on this page and only point it at trusted project files.
SKILL.md
READMESKILL.md - Cad Viewer
interface: display_name: "CAD Viewer" short_description: "Open CAD, G-code, and robot files in Viewer." default_prompt: "Use $cad-viewer to start CAD Viewer and return review links for explicit CAD, G-code, or robot-description files." MIT License Copyright (c) 2026 earthtojake Permission is hereby granted, free of charge, to any person obtaining a copy of this software and associated documentation files (the "Software"), to deal in the Software without restriction, including without limitation the rights to use, copy, modify, merge, publish, distribute, sublicense, and/or sell copies of the Software, and to permit persons to whom the Software is furnished to do so, subject to the following conditions: The above copyright notice and this permission notice shall be included in all copies or substantial portions of the Software. THE SOFTWARE IS PROVIDED "AS IS", WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE AND NONINFRINGEMENT. IN NO EVENT SHALL THE AUTHORS OR COPYRIGHT HOLDERS BE LIABLE FOR ANY CLAIM, DAMAGES OR OTHER LIABILITY, WHETHER IN AN ACTION OF CONTRACT, TORT OR OTHERWISE, ARISING FROM, OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH THE SOFTWARE OR THE USE OR OTHER DEALINGS IN THE SOFTWARE. # CAD Viewer Development Use this reference only when the user asks to modify, debug, or iterate on CAD Viewer source. CAD Viewer source development happens in the root source workspace, not inside this generated skill runtime. If you are not currently working directly in the editable source workspace, ask the user for the correct checkout and run the agent from that repository. Once inside the repository, read root `AGENTS.md` for guidance on modifying and running the Viewer. # MoveIt2 Server Load this only when the user specifically needs CAD Viewer's optional SRDF IK or path-planning controls. Plain SRDF review and normal Viewer links do not require MoveIt2. ## Start Run from the `cad-viewer` skill directory: ```bash npm --prefix scripts/viewer run moveit2:setup npm --prefix scripts/viewer run moveit2:check npm --prefix scripts/viewer run moveit2:serve ``` The server defaults to `ws://127.0.0.1:8765/ws`. CAD Viewer connects to that URL when `VIEWER_MOVEIT2_WS_URL` or the browser `?moveit2Ws=` query points at it. Use the configured ROS 2 / MoveIt2 environment. Do not install ROS 2 or MoveIt2 packages into the repository CAD `.venv`. ## Viewer Controls Open an `.srdf` file, expand the right-side `MoveIt2` sheet, and use: - Status: linked SRDF and MoveIt2 server status. - Target: planning group, end effector, target frame, and X/Y/Z target coordinates. - Solver: IK timeout, attempts, and tolerance. - Planning: pipeline, planner ID, plan time, velocity scale, and acceleration scale. - Actions: select pose from the model, reset to the current pose, solve pose, or plan to pose. Report whether the environment check passed, whether pose solving/planning worked, and any viewer/server error text. # CAD Viewer Features Load this only when a task needs Viewer file-support details or UI control guidance. ## Supported Files - `.step`, `.stp`: STEP/STP review through hidden GLB sidecars; supports assembly trees, part hide/show, inspect/focus, face/edge/vertex/part selection, copied `#...` CAD references, display modes, clip planes, and optional STEP module parameters/animations when a sidecar module exists. - `.stl`, `.3mf`, `.glb`: mesh viewing with orbit/pan/zoom, screenshots, appearance controls, and solid/wireframe display where available. - `.dxf`: read-only flat-pattern viewing, plus plate thickness and bend direction/angle controls when bend preview data is available. - `.gcode`: diagnostic toolpath preview; shows layer-colored extrusion ribbons, optional travel moves, visible-layer and detail controls, feature markers, movement stats, bounds, and parser warnings. It does not reslice, simulate firmware, or replace G-code v