> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.luminicad.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Text to CAD

> Create CAD models using natural language descriptions

## How It Works

LuminiCAD converts your text descriptions into precise CAD models. Simply describe what you want to create, and we'll help you build it.

<Note>
  Start with basic shapes and add details gradually. This helps ensure your description is interpreted accurately.
</Note>

## Basic Descriptions

Here are some examples of how to describe common shapes:

<CodeGroup>
  ```text Simple Shapes theme={null}
  "Create a cylinder 50mm in diameter and 100mm tall"
  "Make a rectangular box 100mm wide, 50mm deep, and 75mm high"
  "Draw a sphere with 30mm radius"
  ```

  ```text With Details theme={null}
  "Create a hollow cylinder with 5mm thick walls"
  "Make a box with rounded corners using 2mm fillets"
  "Create a cone that tapers from 50mm to 20mm diameter"
  ```
</CodeGroup>

## Adding Features

You can modify shapes by describing additional features:

<CodeGroup>
  ```text Holes theme={null}
  "Add a 10mm diameter hole through the center"
  "Create 4 equally spaced holes of 6mm diameter"
  "Make a rectangular cutout 20mm by 30mm"
  ```

  ```text Patterns theme={null}
  "Pattern this hole every 45 degrees around the cylinder"
  "Create a 3 by 4 array of 5mm holes"
  "Mirror this feature across the center"
  ```
</CodeGroup>

## Practical Examples

### Example 1: A Simple Bracket

```text theme={null}
"Create an L-shaped bracket 100mm tall and 75mm wide, 
with a thickness of 8mm. Add 10mm mounting holes 
in each end, positioned 15mm from the edges"
```

### Example 2: A Custom Container

```text theme={null}
"Make a cylindrical container 80mm in diameter and 120mm tall. 
Add a screw-top lid with 2mm thread pitch. Include 4 reinforcement 
ribs equally spaced around the outside"
```

## Tips for Better Results

1. **Be Specific**
   * Include measurements when possible
   * Specify orientations (vertical, horizontal)
   * Mention important relationships ("centered", "aligned with")

2. **Build Gradually**
   * Start with the main shape
   * Add features one at a time
   * Review and adjust as needed

3. **Common Terms**
   * "Centered" or "in the middle"
   * "Equally spaced" or "evenly distributed"
   * "Through all" for holes
   * "Symmetric" or "mirrored"

## Advanced Features

### Combining Shapes

```text theme={null}
"Combine a cylinder and a box, with the box centered 
on top of the cylinder. The cylinder should be 50mm 
diameter and 30mm tall, and the box should be 
40mm square and 20mm tall"
```

### Complex Patterns

```text theme={null}
"Create a hexagonal pattern of 5mm holes, with 
15mm spacing between centers, covering an area 
of 100mm by 100mm"
```

<Tip>
  If the result isn't exactly what you wanted, try describing it in a different way or break it down into simpler steps.
</Tip>

## Common Challenges

### Ambiguous Descriptions

<CodeGroup>
  ```text Unclear ❌ theme={null}
  "Make it bigger"
  "Add some holes"
  "Put it on top"
  ```

  ```text Clear ✅ theme={null}
  "Increase the diameter to 75mm"
  "Add three 8mm holes spaced 30mm apart"
  "Position it 50mm above the base surface"
  ```
</CodeGroup>

### Complex Geometry

For complex models, consider:

1. Breaking down into simpler components
2. Using the scripting interface for precise control
3. Combining text commands with manual adjustments

<Note>
  Remember that you can always switch to the scripting interface for more precise control over your design.
</Note>

<Note>
  Like any AI tool, LuminiCAD may sometimes misinterpret complex descriptions. For best results:

  * Break down complex shapes into smaller, simpler parts
  * Build your model step by step
  * Be specific with measurements and relationships
  * Review each step before moving to the next

  The key to success is in how you describe your model. Think of it as a conversation: the clearer and more structured your description, the better the outcome.
</Note>