Preparing Your CAD Request
A clear CAD request helps SYNCCAD understand exactly what you need before production begins.
Whether you want to create a CAD file, convert an existing file, or modify a design, providing the right references and instructions can make the scope easier to review.
This guide shows what to include in your CAD request.
Preparing Your CAD Request
Start with a short and specific description of the task.
Explain whether you want to:
- Create a new CAD drawing
- Create a 3D CAD model
- Convert a CAD file
- Create CAD from a sketch
- Create CAD from an image or drawing
- Modify an existing CAD file
- Prepare a simple mechanical part
- Prepare CAD for a specific workflow
Avoid descriptions that are too general.
Less Clear
“Please make this CAD.”
Clearer
“Create a 2D DXF profile from the attached dimensioned drawing.”
A specific request makes the intended result easier to understand.
Upload the files or references that show what needs to be prepared.
Depending on the task, this could include:
- Existing CAD files
- Technical drawings
- PDFs
- Sketches
- Images
- Photographs
- Dimensioned references
- Marked-up drawings
- Previous revisions
If you have an existing CAD file, provide the relevant source file rather than relying only on screenshots.
Dimensions are especially important when the source is a sketch, image, photograph, or incomplete drawing.
Useful dimensions may include:
- Overall length
- Overall width
- Height
- Thickness
- Hole diameter
- Hole location
- Hole spacing
- Slot dimensions
- Radius
- Angle
- Internal dimensions
- Mounting dimensions
Include the units whenever possible.
For example:
Overall width: 120 mm
Overall height: 80 mm
Thickness: 5 mm
Mounting holes: Ø8 mm
Always identify the units when they are important to the CAD task.
Common examples include:
- mm
- inches
- cm
Do not assume that a dimension will be interpreted correctly if the unit is not clear.
For example:
100 mm
is much clearer than:
100
If you are modifying an existing CAD file, clearly identify the required changes.
Include:
- What feature changes
- Where the feature is located
- Old value
- New value
- Whether surrounding geometry should remain unchanged
Example
Change the four mounting holes from Ø6 mm to Ø8 mm. Keep the existing hole center locations unchanged.
This is much easier to review than:
“Make the holes bigger.”
A marked-up drawing can make a revision request much easier to understand.
You can use:
- Arrows
- Circles
- Notes
- Revision clouds
- Highlighted areas
- Updated dimensions
For example:
Ø6 mm → Ø8 mm
or:
Move hole 5 mm toward center
The markup should clearly identify the affected geometry.
Tell SYNCCAD what file format you need when you know it.
Examples include:
- STEP
- STL
- DXF
- DWG
- Other agreed formats
The appropriate output format depends on the intended workflow.
If you are unsure, explain how you plan to use the file so the required format can be reviewed.
Sometimes one file is not enough to understand the requested CAD work.
Additional references may include:
- Related drawings
- Existing CAD versions
- Assembly references
- Mounting patterns
- Enclosure dimensions
- Component interfaces
- Previous revisions
- Reference photographs
If multiple files are provided, clearly identify which file is the primary source.
Sometimes one file is not enough to understand the requested CAD work.
Additional references may include:
- Related drawings
- Existing CAD versions
- Assembly references
- Mounting patterns
- Enclosure dimensions
- Component interfaces
- Previous revisions
- Reference photographs
If multiple files are provided, clearly identify which file is the primary source.
Tell SYNCCAD what the final result should represent.
For example:
Prepare a STEP model of the mounting plate with the revised hole pattern.
or:
Prepare a DXF containing the complete closed cutting profile.
The more clearly the expected result is described, the easier it is to review the request.
Example:
Good CAD Request
Here is an example of a well-prepared request:
Task: Modify an existing mounting plate.
Source: Mounting_Plate_Rev_B.step
Change: Increase the four mounting holes from Ø6 mm to Ø8 mm.
Location: Keep the existing hole center locations.
Units: mm
Reference: Attached marked-up drawing.
Output: STEP
Additional note: Keep all other geometry unchanged.
This request clearly defines the source, change, dimensions, units, reference, output, and additional requirements.
Example: Request From a Sketch
If you are creating CAD from a sketch, provide:
- Clear sketch
- Known dimensions
- Units
- Important angles
- Hole sizes
- Hole locations
- Thickness
- Multiple views if necessary
- Any additional design references
For example:
Create a simple 3D model from the attached sketch. Overall size is 100 × 60 mm, thickness is 5 mm, and the two mounting holes are Ø8 mm. Output required: STEP.
Example: Request From an Image
An image can be useful as a CAD reference, but an image alone may not provide enough information to determine exact geometry.
When using an image, provide:
- Clear image
- Known dimensions
- Straight-on views where possible
- Multiple views when necessary
- Additional drawings or sketches
- Important feature dimensions
For example:
Use the attached image as the shape reference. Overall width is 150 mm and overall height is 80 mm. Thickness is 4 mm. Prepare a 2D DXF profile.
Common Problems to Avoid
Make It Like the Picture
An image may show the general appearance but not exact dimensions or hidden geometry.
Provide dimensions and additional references where possible.
Multiple Conflicting Files
If several drawings or CAD files contain different information, identify which one should take priority.
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Missing Units
A dimension without a unit can create ambiguity.
Always identify the unit.
Unclear Revisions
Avoid instructions such as:
“Update the latest version.”
Identify the exact file and changes instead.
Missing Output Format
If you need a specific format, state it in the request.
Unmarked Changes
When modifying an existing file, clearly identify which features need to change.
CAD Request Checklist
Before submitting your request, check:
- Task is clearly described
- Source/reference files are included
- Important dimensions are provided
- Units are identified
- Required changes are clearly described
- Changes are marked when useful
- Current revision is identified
- Related references are included
- Output format is specified
- Intended result is clear
What Happens After Submission?
Once your request is submitted, SYNCCAD reviews the available information.
The general process is:
Submit Request → Scope Review → Confirm Scope & Price → Payment → CAD Preparation → Delivery
For eligible Simple CAD Jobs:
$48 · 48 Hours
The 48-hour delivery period begins after payment has been received and all required references and information are complete.
If important information is missing, clarification may be required before production begins.
The actual scope depends on:
- Geometry
- Complexity
- References
- Required modifications
- Output requirements
- Other project-specific requirements
SYNCCAD may request additional information or provide a different quote when a request falls outside the Simple CAD Job scope.
Important Scope Notes
Providing a clear request does not mean every request automatically qualifies as a Simple CAD Job.
Important Limitations
SYNCCAD prepares CAD files based on the confirmed scope and customer-provided references.
The service does not constitute independent engineering validation.
SYNCCAD does not guarantee:
- Structural performance
- Safety
- Material suitability
- Final tolerances
- Manufacturability
- CNC machining results
- Laser cutting results
- 3D printing results
- Assembly performance
- Final product performance
Customers remain responsible for reviewing the delivered CAD files and confirming final manufacturing requirements with their chosen manufacturer or qualified specialist.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Depending on the task, a drawing, sketch, image, or other suitable reference may be sufficient.
If dimensions are relevant to the requested CAD work, yes. Dimensions are especially important when the source does not contain reliable dimensional information.
Yes. A photograph can be used as a reference, but additional dimensions or views may be required.
Explain how you intend to use the CAD file. The appropriate output format can then be reviewed as part of the request.
Yes. Clearly identify the primary source and explain how the additional files relate to the request.
No. The scope must first be reviewed and confirmed. Production begins after payment and completion of the required references and information.
Ready to Submit Your CAD Request?
Prepare your references, dimensions, instructions, and required output format.
Simple CAD Jobs · $48 · 48 Hours
For eligible Simple CAD Jobs, the 48-hour delivery period starts after payment has been received and all required references and information are complete.