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Cad Tools

by Mezaphor·Workflow

Images © Mezaphor. Used for product review; image policy.

Why we like it

Cad Tools stands out in the Superhive library for focusing on the specific frustrations of CAD-to-Blender workflows, from hidden objects to material clutter, while remaining usable with regular Blender files.

What is Cad Tools?

Cad Tools is a Blender addon aimed at professionals and hobbyists working with imported CAD geometry. It gathers several cleanup and organization functions into one toolkit accessible from a dedicated panel in the 3D View sidebar.

The addon can automatically locate and reveal objects that are hidden in the viewport but still set to render, and detect objects of similar dimensions using an adjustable tolerance slider — useful for finding repeated components such as rivets or bolts. Objects selected this way are automatically assigned a metallic material for easy visualization. For material handling, Cad Tools removes unused material slots from selected objects with a single click, and the latest version adds a button to delete all materials of all selected objects.

Object separation by loose parts can be run without entering edit mode, which the developer notes is essential for high-poly objects merged during import. Cad Tools is compatible with Blender 2.80 and above, and the addon is also described as useful with regular files, not only CAD imports.

Who is Cad Tools best for?

Cad Tools is best for blender users cleaning up and organizing imported CAD files, including architects, engineers preparing models for 3D printing, and designers handling manufacturer-supplied CAD data.

How much does Cad Tools cost?

Cad Tools is completely free to download and use.

Key features

  • Automatically locates and reveals objects hidden in the viewport but set to render
  • Similar-size detection with an adjustable tolerance slider, assigning selected objects a metallic material for visualization
  • Removes unused material slots from selected objects with a single click
  • New button to delete all materials of all selected objects
  • Separates selected objects by loose parts without entering edit mode
  • Accessed from a dedicated panel in the 3D View sidebar

Tags

#CAD#Blender#cleanup#workflow#materials#3D printing#object management#Mezaphor

Frequently asked questions

Which Blender versions does Cad Tools support?

Cad Tools is compatible with Blender 2.80 and above. The listed versions run from the 2.8 series through 2.9x and 3.x up to the 4.x releases, including 4.0, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3 and 4.4, as well as 3.0 through 3.6. This broad range means the addon covers both older and current Blender installations. Because it integrates through a dedicated panel in the 3D View sidebar, you access its tools directly within Blender rather than as a separate application.

Can Cad Tools separate high-poly objects without edit mode?

Cad Tools separates selected objects by loose parts without going into edit mode, which the developer notes is essential for high-poly objects. This is aimed at components that were merged together during CAD import, letting you split them back into their individual parts. Handling separation outside edit mode is the main reason this feature is called out for heavy geometry. You trigger it on your selection and the addon breaks the objects apart by their loose parts.

Does Cad Tools only work with imported CAD files?

Cad Tools is designed specifically for imported CAD geometry and the common challenges that come with it, such as messy imports and cleanup. However, the developer states it is also genuinely useful with regular files, not just CAD data. Functions like finding hidden objects, detecting similarly sized objects, and removing unused material slots apply to any Blender scene where that kind of cleanup or organization is needed, so the toolkit is not limited strictly to CAD workflows.

Is Cad Tools free?

Cad Tools is listed as free here in our catalog. Licensing and pricing can change over time, so for the current terms and to download the addon, check the developer's page from Mezaphor. That page is also where you can confirm the latest version, which recently added a button to delete all materials of all selected objects, and review any documentation before installing it into your Blender setup.

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