I can then provide specific code snippets or architectural advice to help you hit the ground running. Share public link
The is an indispensable tool for forward-thinking timber construction firms. By moving from manual CAD work to automated scripting, you can significantly reduce errors, speed up production, and handle increasingly complex projects. Whether you are using simple Python scripts to automate drawing creation or using Grasshopper for advanced parametric design, the Cadwork API ensures that the software adapts to your needs, not the other way around.
| | Primary Use Case | Key Features | Availability | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Python | Writing user plugins for automation. | Easy to learn, rapidly growing popularity, well-documented. | Fully supported. | | C++ API | For performance-critical, low-level access. | Direct interfacing, high performance. | Still available. | | Lua | Previously used for plugins. | Simpler syntax for basic tasks. | End of Life ; version 2026 no longer supports Lua plugins. | cadwork api
Beams, panels, architectural walls, terrain, and solids.
: Used to create, modify, or query elements like beams and panels. utility_controller I can then provide specific code snippets or
How are companies actually deploying the Cadwork API in production? Here are a few prominent examples:
Standalone Python (like IDLE or VS Code) does not natively understand cadwork commands. Trying to run import cadwork will likely result in a "Module not found" error. To fix this, you must install the cwapi3d package. Whether you are using simple Python scripts to
A new plugin is created by placing a folder (containing your Python script) inside the designated API x64 folder within the user profile’s 3D directory.
The cadwork API's utility extends beyond just its own scripting environment. It serves as the foundation for powerful integrations with other industry-standard design tools, bridging the gap between complex surface modeling and timber construction.
What are you trying to automate (e.g., custom connections, IFC exporting, ERP sync)? What version of cadwork is your team currently running? Share public link
Filter elements (e.g., only container elements) to generate specific exports. 3. User Interaction Control