Beyond simple add-ins
When companies think of CAD programming, they often imagine a button that runs a macro. In reality, CAD APIs give full access to geometry, parameters, assemblies, drawings and metadata. That makes it possible to build serious engineering software products on top of CAD.
Four kinds of engineering software built on CAD APIs
1. Desktop engineering applications
Full add-ins with their own data models, databases and interfaces, for example a plant layout tool inside AutoCAD or a machine configurator inside Inventor or SOLIDWORKS.
2. Standalone applications that drive CAD
Separate programs that open CAD in the background to generate models, drawings or exports, for example a sales configurator that produces approval drawings overnight.
3. Cloud and web services
With Autodesk Platform Services (APS), formerly Forge, you can view models in a browser, extract data, and run AutoCAD, Inventor, Revit or 3ds Max engines in the cloud through Design Automation, without a desktop licence per user. Onshape and 3DEXPERIENCE also offer web APIs.
4. Integrated business systems
Software that links CAD with ERP, PLM, CRM, MES or e-commerce, so engineering data flows automatically into quotes, orders and production.
What CAD APIs let you do
| Capability | Example |
|---|---|
| Read geometry and properties | Calculate weights, extract features for costing |
| Create and modify models | Generate product variants from rules |
| Automate drawings | Create views, dimensions and tables |
| React to events | Run checks on save, update data on change |
| Convert and export | Batch STEP, DXF, PDF, IFC outputs |
| Visualise online | Browser-based 3D viewer for customers |
Designing for the long term
- Keep engineering rules in a shared core library or service.
- Write thin adapters for each CAD platform.
- Expose functionality through your own REST API so web and mobile apps can use it.
- Plan for yearly CAD version updates and automated testing.
Treat the CAD API as a powerful engine, and build your own product around it.
Real examples
- A web configurator where customers design a product and receive a 3D preview and quote instantly.
- A server that converts incoming customer files and checks manufacturability automatically.
- A desktop suite for electrical panel design linked to the company's ERP stock.
Build engineering software with ENGIMANDI
As an official Autodesk Development Partner, ENGIMANDI builds desktop, web and cloud engineering software using CAD APIs. Explore our Autodesk services, web application development and SaaS development.