Every document comes from a single model
Elevations, part drawings, cut lists and cut files are all generated from the same model. Change a dimension once and every document updates, so drawings and cut files always match
Compare with AutoCAD
How is drafting a cabinet in AutoCAD different from designing it in Prakobd?
Prakobd differs from drawing in AutoCAD in that it builds the design from the cabinet dimensions, so you don't draw lines yourself. Enter the dimensions and you get a 3D image, a 6-view PDF drawing, one cut sheet drawing per page, a cut list, nesting, and DXF, SVG and G-code files that all match each other. AutoCAD is a general CAD program that can draw any shape precisely. It suits construction drawings and designs that must be handed over as DWG, but every part, every hole and the cut list must be drawn by hand or built with blocks and scripts
How is it different?
Automatic joints and hardware holes
Finger joints, dados, tabs, 35 mm cup hinge holes, drawer slide holes and a 32 mm shelf hole row, with inside-corner bit allowance
DXF that opens in CAD
Layered DXF: CUT-OUT, CUT-IN, POCKET by depth, and DRILL by hole size. Open it to check or keep editing in CAD or CAM software.
Built-in nesting and G-code
Nest parts onto sheets by true shape, see the number of sheets, and get G-code for your controller, such as NcStudio, DSP, Mach3, GRBL, Syntec and LNC ATC
Compared point by point
| Topic | Prakobd | Drafting in AutoCAD |
|---|---|---|
| How to create a design | Enter the dimensions and choose a structure, and the program generates the parts | Draw every piece line by line yourself, or use blocks and scripts your shop has prepared. |
| 3D view | Available instantly from the dimensions. Open doors and drawers, and explode the parts to inspect them | Needs a separate 3D model, or a 2D-only drawing |
| Change the size later | Change a number and the elevations, cut sheets and cut files all update. | Edit each affected elevation and part drawing one sheet at a time, unless you use resizable blocks |
| Cut list and hardware | The PDF/CSV cut list and hardware purchase list are generated from the model | Count quantities by hand, or extract the data from blocks with attributes set up |
| Nesting and G-code | Built in. See the nesting for free before downloading | Use a CAM program or a separate nesting program |
| Shapes it can draw | Based on templates and examples. Free-form pieces use Advanced AI Designer. | Draw any shape in full detail, line by line. More flexible for one-off work. |
| Construction drawings and handover files | Focused on furniture designs and production files. Exports DXF, SVG, PDF. | Suited to construction drawings, interior design drawings and exchanging DWG files with architects or contractors. |
| Getting started | Use it on the web, with no installation, entering numbers step by step | Install the program and learn CAD commands |
Who it's for
- Shops that draw cabinets in AutoCAD and must redraw the part drawings and cut list for every job
- Craftsmen who want 3D views for the client without building a separate model
- CNC owners who want cut files that always match the design
- For construction drawings, whole-project interior drawings, or special shapes that must be drafted line by line, AutoCAD is the better fit
Frequently asked questions
Can I open Prakobd files in AutoCAD?
Yes. The DXF has layers split by cut, groove and drill, and opens in common CAD and CAM software. Layer names with decimals use _ instead of the dot, for example POCKET-7_5 means a groove 7.5 mm deep
Can I import a DWG drawing into Prakobd?
DWG files can't be imported directly as cabinets yet. Enter the cabinet dimensions from your drawing into Prakobd, or photograph a sketch and let the AI design from it, then edit any value
Can I send the design to customers for approval?
Yes. The assembly PDF has 6 views, a 3D image and an exploded view, with your shop name, phone number and logo printed in the title block of every sheet, and you can issue PDF quotations for free
Can it make shapes the templates don't have?
Partly. You can add cutouts and rounded corners, and bring in SVG shapes to cut as patterns. For fully free-form parts, use Advanced AI Designer, which builds a sheet of any shape in the program
Read more
- What's the difference between drawing a cabinet myself in SketchUp and designing it in Prakobd?SketchUp draws 3D models freely, but you have to make cut sheets, hardware holes and CNC files yourself or with a plugin. Prakobd generates cut sheets, nesting, G-code and the cut list from the cabinet size in one job.
- Hiring a drafter and take-off person vs designing it yourself in Prakobd: what's the difference?A drafter can think with you and inspect the site, but every revision means waiting. With Prakobd the shop enters sizes itself and instantly gets the 3D model, cut sheets, cut list and CNC files, and can revise as many times as needed on its own.
- From job size to ready-to-run G-code, for CNC router ownersCNC router owners use Prakobd to design cabinets, shelves, desks and grooved wall panels. You get nesting by true shape, G-code for your controller (NcStudio, DSP, Mach3, GRBL, Syntec and LNC ATC) and layered DXF SVG for cutting, grooving and drilling
How is drafting a cabinet in AutoCAD different from designing it in Prakobd?
Sign up free. Design and view nesting without limit; pay credits when you download production files
Start designing for free