noBS CAD

What noBS CAD is

noBS CAD, now called Limo CAD, is open-source parametric CAD software for mechanical parts, assemblies, and drawings. It runs locally on Windows, macOS Apple silicon, and Ubuntu Linux, without an account, subscription, or cloud CAD service. The Free plan costs nothing, and there is no paid tier or feature gating. The project is licensed under GNU LGPL 2.1 or later.

Constrained sketches drive editable solid features: changing a dimension rebuilds the downstream features. Users can reuse parts in assemblies, define joints, and check motion and interference. The application imports and exports STEP, STL, 3MF, and DXF files, while its own project files use the .nbcad format; drawing sheets can be exported to DXF or printed to PDF. A built-in local stdio MCP server lets compatible agents build and edit models, inspect assemblies, and replay demonstrations. It also supports 3Dconnexion SpaceMouse devices, and an optional browser-development driver bridge loads only when enabled. The project describes the software as pre-alpha, advises keeping backups, and says Windows SmartScreen may warn while code signing is in progress. Its CAM is early-stage and not production-safe; strength analysis is a future capability.

Who it suits

noBS CAD suits people who want local, open-source parametric tools for mechanical parts, assemblies, and drawings on Windows, macOS Apple silicon, or Ubuntu Linux. It may also suit users interested in compatible-agent editing or contributing through GitHub Discussions, provided they are comfortable with pre-alpha software.

Limits

The project describes its CAM as early-stage and not production-safe. Strength analysis is a future capability.

Getting started

1. Visit https://jackcontrols.github.io/noBS-CAD/.
2. Choose the build for Windows, macOS Apple silicon, or Ubuntu Linux.
3. Run the app locally; no account or subscription is required.
4. Create a project using the .nbcad format.
5. Use GitHub Discussions for questions or ideas, or contribute to the project.

Verdict

Pick noBS CAD if you want local, free parametric CAD for mechanical parts, assemblies, or drawings and can work with pre-alpha software. Look elsewhere for production-safe CAM or strength analysis, which the project does not currently describe as available capabilities.