imCAD connects AI and SOLIDWORKS: understanding your request and planning is the "AI brain", modeling in SOLIDWORKS is imCAD. For now, the AI brain is your own account.
Two options
- Claude (by Anthropic), running through Claude Code.
- ChatGPT (by OpenAI), running through Codex.
Both can do everything imCAD does: parts, assemblies, drawings, background tasks. If you already pay for one of them, just use that.
Which plan you need
- Claude: the Pro or Max plan.
- ChatGPT: Plus or above (Plus, Pro, Business).
You pay for the AI directly to Anthropic or OpenAI, not through imCAD. Usage limits follow your AI plan.
Install and sign in
- When running the imCAD installer, tick Install Claude Code and / or Install Codex CLI.
- Open the app, go to Settings › AI brain, click Sign in.
- Your browser opens Anthropic or OpenAI for you to confirm. Then it shows Ready.
Your AI account password is entered on Anthropic's / OpenAI's own page; imCAD never receives or stores it.
What if you have both
Install both and pick the brain you want right in the app. Handy when one account hits its usage limit.
No AI account
imCAD API is in development: buy credits and go, no separate AI account needed. Follow the Blog to hear when it is ready.