CADRarvot

CADRarvot is an open-source software platform for computer-aided design and augmented reality, intended to bridge traditional CAD workflows with real-time AR visualization. It provides parametric modeling, a modular plugin system, and an integrated AR/VR viewer that can overlay digital models onto physical environments.

Originating as a student‑led project in northern Europe in 2012, CADRarvot was released publicly in 2014 and rapidly adopted by universities and design studios. A community foundation assumed stewardship in 2016, coordinating releases and governance. The platform has seen major releases roughly every 2–3 years, with version 3.x introducing collaborative cloud workspaces and improved interoperability with industry‑standard formats.

Key features include cross‑platform support (Windows, macOS, Linux), support for STEP, IGES, OBJ, and STL formats, a scripting interface using Python and JavaScript, and a node‑based parameter editor. It emphasizes interoperability, allowing export to common formats and integration with external simulation tools.

CADRarvot is used in education to teach digital fabrication, in architectural practice for concept visualization, and in product design for rapid prototyping. It has influenced discussions on open standards and data portability in CAD workflows.

CADRarvot is distributed under an open‑source license with a community council and technical steering committee. Contributions are coordinated through a public repository and mailing lists. Critics note performance issues with very large assemblies and a learning curve for users accustomed to commercial CAD packages, though proponents credit its openness and extensibility.