Cut sheets come from the dimensions, so there is no need to draw each part
Change the cabinet size and every part, groove, hole and the nesting is recalculated instantly, with no need to chase down edits group by group or component by component.
Compare with SketchUp
What's the difference between drawing a cabinet myself in SketchUp and designing it in Prakobd?
Prakobd differs from SketchUp in that it starts from the cabinet dimensions instead of drawing lines. Enter width, depth and height and you get every part with joints, hinge holes, shelf holes, nesting, DXF, SVG and G-code files, a cut list and labels, all in one job. SketchUp is a general-purpose 3D drawing program: it models free-form shapes more freely and can lay out a whole room, but the cut sheets, hardware holes and toolpaths must be made by hand or with extra plugins and CAM software
How is it different?
Joints that cut and assemble
6 joint types, dog-bone or T-bone inside-corner relief, fit values and laser kerf are already in the cut lines, with a fit test kit to cut a trial
Machine files and shop documents in one pack
Layered DXF and SVG, G-code per sheet, PDF/CSV cut list, hardware list, QR labels and assembly steps, all from the same model.
Works alongside 3D software
Download the assembled cabinet as an STL model to open in other 3D software for rendering or placing into a house design
Compared point by point
| Topic | Prakobd | Draw it yourself in SketchUp |
|---|---|---|
| Start a job | Choose from 209 ready-made examples or a template, then enter the size. | Draw from lines and faces, or use components you made or found |
| Parts for cutting | Parts are generated automatically from the cabinet frame, based on the actual measured material thickness | You must draw each part as a group or component yourself and lay it flat to export, or add a plugin |
| Joints and hardware holes | Finger joints, dados, tabs, 35 mm cup hinge holes and a 32 mm hole row, generated to match your choices | Draw the grooves and holes yourself, or use plugins and a hardware library |
| Change the size later | Change a number and the parts, grooves, holes and nesting all follow. | Edit the affected parts yourself, unless the component is preset to resize with the dimensions |
| Nesting and G-code | Nests by true shape, locks the wood grain, generic and LNC ATC G-code | Export the lines to nest and generate toolpaths in CAM software or a plugin. |
| Cut lists and shop documents | The PDF/CSV cut list, QR labels, assembly steps and hardware list are in the production file pack | Done with a cut-list plugin, or laid out in the document by hand |
| Shapes and scope of work | Cabinets, shelves, tables, boxes, displays, stage floors and wall panels from templates. Free-form pieces use Advanced AI Designer. | Model any shape and lay out a whole room or house, with a large library of models and extensions to choose from. More flexible |
| Learning | Enter numbers step by step on the web, nothing to install | Requires learning to draw in 3D and to group objects, but works for every kind of design |
Who it's for
- Shops that draw cabinets in SketchUp and lose time breaking them into parts and making the cut list by hand
- CNC owners who want nesting and G-code straight from the cabinet design
- Craftsmen who don't want to learn 3D software just to make cabinets and shelves
- Whole-room decor or free-form shapes that must be presented as a full space. SketchUp is more flexible. Use them together and let Prakobd produce the cutting files.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use Prakobd together with SketchUp?
Yes. Design the overall room in SketchUp, then make each cabinet in Prakobd to get the cut files, or download the cabinet's STL model to open in other 3D software and place it in the room design
Can I import a SketchUp file into Prakobd?
SketchUp files can't be imported directly yet. Enter the new cabinet dimensions in Prakobd, or save an image of the model and let the AI design from the picture, then edit any value
How far can customer presentation images go?
You get a 3D image, a 6-view PDF drawing, a link for customers to rotate and view, the cabinet placed in a photo of the real room, and AI Realistic render, charged in credits per image. If you must present a whole room with every decorative detail, a general 3D program can go into more detail
Do I have to change the CAM software I already use?
No. When you export, choose the G-code format that matches your controller, such as NcStudio, DSP, Mach3, GRBL, Syntec and LNC ATC. If your machine uses another format, take the layered DXF or SVG and make the toolpaths in your existing CAM software
Read more
- How is drafting a cabinet in AutoCAD different from designing it in Prakobd?AutoCAD draws precisely and freely, but you have to draw the elevations, part drawings and cut list yourself. Enter the cabinet size in Prakobd and get the 3D model, cut sheets, nesting, G-code and cut list in one job.
- Design a whole kitchen as CNC cut filesDesign kitchen cabinets, base units, wall units, corner units and L-shaped kitchens online. Enter the wall sizes to get a 3D model, cut sheets, nesting and CNC files (DXF, SVG, G-code) with hinge holes, drawer-slide holes and a cut list.
- From pitching the client to the cut file, for built-in shops and cabinetmakersBuilt-in furniture shops and cabinetmakers use Prakobd to design kitchen cabinets, wardrobes and full-wall built-ins, getting a 3D design for customer approval, a quote, cut sheets with hardware holes, and CNC files
What's the difference between drawing a cabinet myself in SketchUp and designing it in Prakobd?
Sign up free. Design and view nesting without limit; pay credits when you download production files
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