VIM CAD - Welcome

About VIM CAD

VIM CAD began from a simple frustration with the way architectural drawing is typically done. Most CAD workflows assume you are sitting at a desk, using a mouse, often for long periods of time. That setup does not always match how or where design work for students actually happens.

I wanted a way to draft that was lighter, more portable, and less dependent on a mouse. I travel frequently, and working on a train, in a car, or on a plane makes traditional CAD tools uncomfortable and impractical. Carrying specialized hardware just to draw began to feel unnecessary and limiting.

While studying computer science, I was introduced to Vim-style keyboard workflows, which fundamentally changed how I thought about speed, precision, and navigation in digital environments. Vim showed me that complex tasks can be performed efficiently using only the keyboard, without breaking focus or flow.

VIM CAD is an early exploration of applying those ideas to architectural drawing. It reimagines CAD as a keyboard-first tool that allows designers to draft, edit, and navigate drawings from anywhere, using minimal equipment. This project represents the beginning of a larger vision: a fully developed, market-ready CAD platform that prioritizes mobility, efficiency, and intentional interaction.

⌨️

Vim Commands

Familiar hjkl navigation and command mode

📏

Precise Drawing

Lines, circles, splines with exact measurements

💾

Multiple Formats

Export to JSON, SVG, PDF,and DXF

🗂️

Tab Management

Work on multiple drawings simultaneously

💿

Save Projects

Type :w to save drawings as JSON files

📂

Load Projects

Type :upload to continue saved work

Key Features

Command-line interface inspired by Vim
Draw lines, circles, and smooth splines
Arrow key navigation with continuous movement
Undo/redo with unlimited history
Multi-tab workspace for complex projects
Export to industry-standard formats (SVG, DXF)
Pan and zoom for detailed work
Optional mouse mode for hybrid workflows

Project Management & Workflow

VIM CAD includes a complete project save and load system, allowing you to work on drawings across multiple sessions. Save your projects locally as JSON files and reload them anytime to continue your work.

Save Your Work: While working in the CAD application, type :w to save the current tab as a JSON file. The file will download to your computer with a timestamp.

Upload to Continue: From this home page, type :upload or :u to open your file browser and select a previously saved JSON file.

Resume Drawing: Your project loads automatically into the CAD application with all entities, layers, and settings preserved exactly as you left them.

:upload or :u

Load a saved project from your computer

:draw or :d

Start a new drawing from scratch

Export Options: Once your drawing is complete, export it in multiple formats including SVG for web use, DXF for professional CAD software compatibility, or PDF for high-quality vector prints. Type help inside the application to see all available commands.