Show HN: We made Arcad, a parametric CAD in the browser, free and no signup

#1

Post by steinvakt2 » Sun, Aug 02, 2026, 10:15 AM UTC

My friend and I have been working on Arcad for some months now. It's a free browser-based parametric CAD tool aimed at hobbyists and makers.

It has editable feature history, solid modeling powered by OpenCascade, STEP export and touch controls for tablets, although it's primarily made for PC use. Everything runs in the browser and you can try it without creating an account or installing anything.

Currently in beta although we feel like it's ready for a full launch. Any feedback is appreciated!

Link: https://app.arcad.studio Docs: https://www.arcad.studio/docs

Show HN: We made Arcad, a parametric CAD in the browser, free and no signup
app.arcad.studio

Re: Show HN: We made Arcad, a parametric CAD in the browser, free and no signup

#2

Post by bialamusic » Sun, Aug 02, 2026, 10:38 AM UTC

Nice but why in the browser. This is very bad decision - software is not a web page. I should not depend on internet and servers to use my tools, and what I create should stay on my machine only until I decide otherwise. Decisions like this reduce freedom step by step for all humanity!

Re: Show HN: We made Arcad, a parametric CAD in the browser, free and no signup

#3

Post by steinvakt2 » Sun, Aug 02, 2026, 10:43 AM UTC

bialamusic wrote: post #2

Nice but why in the browser. This is very bad decision - software is not a web page. I should not depend on internet and servers to use my tools, and what I create should stay on my machine only until I decide otherwise. Decisions like this reduce freedom step by step for all humanity!

It works offline and the files are stored locally on your own computer. I agree with your sentiment and that's actually why we built it like this. Browser gives multiple device support, faster incremental updates, bug fix etc. And it gives an easy way to share/cooperate/review with other people

Re: Show HN: We made Arcad, a parametric CAD in the browser, free and no signup

#4

Post by esperkin39 » Sun, Aug 02, 2026, 9:37 PM UTC

bialamusic wrote: post #2

Nice but why in the browser. This is very bad decision - software is not a web page. I should not depend on internet and servers to use my tools, and what I create should stay on my machine only until I decide otherwise. Decisions like this reduce freedom step by step for all humanity!

What about it running in the browser prevents it from staying on the machine? It even has a PWA install flow.

Some of us totally disagree with this sentiment, OP. I'm tired of all the "it runs on my machine" that Show HN often brings.

Re: Show HN: We made Arcad, a parametric CAD in the browser, free and no signup

#5

Post by steinvakt2 » Mon, Aug 03, 2026, 3:00 AM UTC

esperkin39 wrote: post #4

bialamusic wrote: post #2

Nice but why in the browser. This is very bad decision - software is not a web page. I should not depend on internet and servers to use my tools, and what I create should stay on my machine only until I decide otherwise. Decisions like this reduce freedom step by step for all humanity!

What about it running in the browser prevents it from staying on the machine? It even has a PWA install flow. Some of us totally disagree with this sentiment, OP. I'm tired of all the "it runs on my machine" that Show HN often brings.

Thanks! Hope you enjoy it!