Working with Designs
Save, import, export, and manage your CADit designs with cloud storage, local files, and 3D printing formats.
Working with designs
CADit provides multiple ways to save, share, and export your designs. Whether you want to store your work in the cloud, download files for backup, import existing designs, or export for 3D printing, this section covers all design management features.
Saving designs
CADit offers three ways to save your work:
- Cloud save: Store designs on CADit's servers for access from any device (requires account)
- Local save: Store designs in your browser's storage for offline access
- Download as file: Export a
.caditfile to your computer for backup or transfer
CADit auto-saves locally every 10 minutes, but saving to cloud or downloading a backup before major changes is recommended.
Learn more about saving designs
Importing files
Bring external content into your designs:
- CADit files: Open previously downloaded
.caditfiles - Images: Import photos as tracing guides using Photo Guide
- SVG files: Import vector graphics as editable shapes
Learn more about importing files
Exporting for 3D printing
Export your designs in formats compatible with 3D printers and slicing software:
- STL: Standard format supported by all slicers and printers. Use for single-color prints.
- 3MF: Modern format that preserves colors and materials. Use for multi-color prints or when your slicer supports it.
Learn more about exporting for printing
Colors and materials
Assign colors to shapes in your design. Colors serve two purposes:
- Visual organization: Different colors help distinguish shapes on the canvas and in the 3D preview
- Multi-material printing: When exporting to 3MF, colors map to different materials or filaments in your slicer
Change colors using the color picker in the context menu when a shape is selected.
Learn more about colors and materials
Sharing designs
Share your designs with others:
- Design Library: Publish designs for other CADit users to discover and use
- Direct links: Share a link to your design for others to view or remix
- File sharing: Download and send
.caditfiles directly
Learn more about sharing designs
Related topics
- Getting Started for an introduction to CADit
- Design Library for browsing and publishing community designs