text-to-cad cover with blue lettering and a planetary gear CAD assembly.
Project screenshotsAbout this Skill
Use the hosted step.parts API to find purchasable components by model, standard, dimensions or aliases. The bundled Python downloader searches the catalog, saves selected STEP files and checks the supplied SHA-256. Results retain the part ID and source URLs.
Why we picked it
Start here when an assembly needs a real screw, bearing, motor or connector instead of an approximate placeholder.
What it helps with
- Find a catalog component for an assembly and preserve its model and download provenance.
How to use this Skill
Search by specification
Query the part model or standard with dimensions. Retry documented aliases before declaring a catalog miss.
Resolve the candidate
Compare the returned IDs, names and dimensions. Resolve ambiguous choices before selecting a part.
Download and verify
When a local file is requested, use its returned stepUrl and verify the supplied checksum; retain the source links.
Try a first task
Send a concrete brief
Provide the real input files and replace example dimensions or machine details with your own.
Find an M3 × 12 socket-head cap screw STEP model, compare the dimensions, and download one verified match into this project.
Install the shared library
Use the official text-to-cad plugin for your agent, or install the complete Skill folders with the Skills CLI below. Choose one route in each app, then restart it. The plugin includes a CAD server; Skills-only installations use a browser viewer. Keep the bundled references and scripts with each entrypoint.
| Command | What it helps with |
|---|---|
npx skills add earthtojake/text-to-cad#latest | Install the released Skill library; the CLI asks which agents and installation scope to use. |
Scope and limits
Catalog availability and file downloads depend on the live service. An unreachable API is not evidence that a part does not exist.
Before you use it
- Needs Python, the bundled downloader and network access to api.step.parts and the returned asset URLs.
Supported agents
Frequently asked questions
Do I install this as a separate product?
This is one task in the shared text-to-cad library. Use the official plugin or the complete Skill installation, then select this workflow for the task.
Is the Skill free?
The upstream code is MIT-licensed. Your agent provider, hardware, materials and any fabrication service can have separate costs.
Sources & references
Original sources are linked below. Practical starting points are editorial suggestions from SkillHey.
