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Getting Started with CADFaber

CADFaber is a free, browser-based 3D CAD tool designed for makers, hobbyists, and anyone who wants to create 3D-printable designs without installing software or creating an account. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to start designing.

What is CADFaber?

CADFaber is a web application that runs entirely in your browser. Unlike traditional CAD software like Fusion 360 or SolidWorks, you don't need to download anything. And unlike cloud-based tools like TinkerCAD, your designs never leave your device. Everything is processed locally using WebGL and WebAssembly technology.

The name "CADFaber" combines CAD (Computer-Aided Design) with "Faber" — the Latin word for craftsman or maker. It's built for people who want to create functional 3D objects, whether that's a custom phone stand, a replacement part for a household appliance, or an artistic vase.

Two Ways to Design: Visual Builder and Code Editor

CADFaber offers two complementary approaches to 3D design, and you can switch between them at any time using the mode tabs in the toolbar.

Visual Builder Mode

The Visual Builder is similar to TinkerCAD. You work by dragging pre-built shapes onto a workplane and combining them. The sidebar on the left contains a shape library with 30 shapes across six categories, from basic primitives to functional and decorative parts.

Each shape can be customized using the Properties Panel on the right. Select a shape to see its parameters — for example, a Cube has Width, Height, and Depth sliders. Changes are applied instantly in the 3D viewport, so you can see the result in real time.

Code Editor Mode

The Code Editor uses JSCAD (JavaScript CAD), a programming language specifically designed for parametric 3D modeling. If you know basic JavaScript, you can create complex, parametric models that are impossible to build with drag-and-drop alone.

The editor features syntax highlighting, auto-completion for JSCAD functions, and a built-in parameter system. You can define sliders that let you adjust your model without touching the code — perfect for sharing customizable designs with others.

Creating Your First Shape

Let's create your first 3D model. Open the CADFaber Editor and follow these steps:

  1. Open the Shape Library:In the sidebar on the left, you'll see the "Shapes" section with expandable groups (Basic, Extended, Special).
  2. Add a Cube: Click the Cube icon in the Basic group. A blue cube will appear on the workplane in the center of the viewport.
  3. Select it: The cube should already be selected (shown in the Scene Tree). If not, click on it in the viewport or the Scene Tree.
  4. Customize: In the Properties Panel on the right, adjust the Width, Height, and Depth sliders. You can also change the color using the color picker.
  5. Navigate the viewport: Left-click and drag to rotate the view. Right-click and drag to pan. Scroll to zoom in and out.

Combining Shapes with Boolean Operations

Real-world designs are rarely made from single shapes. CADFaber supports three boolean (CSG) operations that let you combine shapes:

  • Union: Merges two shapes into one solid object. Think of it as welding two pieces together.
  • Subtract:Cuts one shape out of another. This is how you create holes, pockets, and cutouts. The first selected object is the "base" and the second is the "cutter".
  • Intersect: Keeps only the part where both shapes overlap. Useful for creating complex shapes from simple overlapping primitives.

To perform a boolean operation, select two objects (hold Ctrl/Cmd and click), then click the Union, Subtract, or Intersect button in the toolbar. The operation is computed using Manifold 3D, a high-performance WebAssembly library that ensures the result is always a valid, printable mesh.

The "Hole" Shortcut

If you're familiar with TinkerCAD's "Hole" feature, CADFaber has it too. Select any object and toggle the "Hole" switch in the Properties Panel. The object turns translucent red, indicating it will be subtracted from other objects when you group them. This is a visual workflow that makes it easy to see where material will be removed.

Working with the Workplane

The workplane is the virtual surface on which you build. By default, it's a 200mm × 200mm grid with lines every 10mm. You can customize it:

  • Size:Adjust from 50mm to 500mm to match your printer's build volume.
  • Grid Size: From 1mm to 50mm. Smaller grids give more precision.
  • Snap to Grid: When enabled, objects snap to grid intersections for precise alignment.
  • Theme: Choose from Light, Dark, Blueprint, Wood, or Transparent styles.
  • Units: Switch between mm, cm, and inches. All dimensions update automatically.

Using Measurements and Dimensions

When you select an object, CADFaber automatically shows dimension labels (Width × Height × Depth) as 3D text in the viewport. The StatusBar at the bottom also shows the exact dimensions and volume of the selected object.

For precise distance measurements between two points, activate the Measure Tool by pressing M or clicking the ruler icon in the toolbar. Then click two points on your model to see the distance.

Exporting for 3D Printing

When your design is ready, export it as an STL file — the standard format for 3D printing:

  1. Click the Export button in the toolbar or press Ctrl+E.
  2. Choose "STL Binary" as the format (smaller file size).
  3. Select "All Objects" or "Selected Only".
  4. Enter a filename and click "Download".

The downloaded STL file can be opened directly in any slicer software like Cura, PrusaSlicer, or BambuStudio. From there, you slice it for your specific printer and start printing.

Print Analysis

Before exporting, use the Print Analysis tool to check if your model is ready for printing. Click the printer icon in the toolbar to run the analysis. It checks for:

  • Watertightness:Is the mesh closed? Open meshes can't be printed.
  • Thin walls: Areas thinner than 1.2mm may be too fragile.
  • Flat base: A flat bottom surface ensures good bed adhesion.
  • Overhangs: Faces angled more than 45° from vertical need support material.

The analysis also estimates filament cost based on volume, infill percentage, and your filament price per kilogram.

Keyboard Shortcuts

CADFaber has extensive keyboard shortcuts to speed up your workflow. Press ? to see the full list. Here are the most important ones:

  • Ctrl+Z / Ctrl+Y — Undo / Redo
  • Ctrl+D — Duplicate selected object
  • Delete — Delete selected object
  • F — Fit view to selection
  • 1-7 — Camera presets (Front, Back, etc.)
  • Ctrl+S — Save project
  • Ctrl+E — Export dialog

Saving Your Work

CADFaber auto-saves your project to your browser's local storage every 30 seconds. You can also manually save with Ctrl+S, which downloads a .cadfaber.json file as a backup. To open a saved project, simply drag the file into the editor viewport or use the Projects dialog (folder icon in the toolbar).

Next Steps

Now that you know the basics, try these tutorials:

Open CADFaber Editor — Start designing for free, right in your browser.