Cadelo is local-first: everything you save or export is written directly by your browser. No file is ever uploaded, no account is required, and your drawings stay on your device.
Saving
| Action | How |
|---|---|
| Save | Ctrl+S, or File → Save. New drawings prompt for a name and format. |
| Save As | Ctrl+Shift+S, or File → Save As. Pick a new name, location, and format. |
| Save All | The SAVEALL command saves every open drawing tab. |
Formats for saving: DWG (default) and DXF, both R13–R2018. The save dialog remembers your format choice; change the default in Options → Open and Save.
Autosave & recovery
If the browser tab is closed unexpectedly, Cadelo’s recovery system kicks in on the next launch — you’ll see a recovery report and can save a repaired copy of the drawing. See Troubleshooting for details.
Exporting
File → Export, or Ctrl+E. Choose the format, pick the filename, and the file downloads to your device.
| Format | Extension | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| DWG | .dwg |
Re-save as an older version if a recipient needs it |
| DXF | .dxf |
The open exchange format — best for cross-software sharing |
| SVG | .svg |
Vector, scalable, editable in Illustrator/Inkscape |
.pdf |
Universal — print, submit, share | |
| STL | .stl |
3D printing mesh |
| STEP | .step |
Full solid geometry for CAD interchange |
| OBJ | .obj |
3D mesh for game engines / Blender |
| PNG | .png |
Raster image |
Importing
You can bring files in several ways:
- Open (Ctrl+O) — DWG and DXF
- Drag and drop a
.dwgor.dxffile directly onto the app window - Insert — blocks from other files, xrefs, raster images, and OBJ models via the Insert tab
- Recent Files — your previously opened drawings are listed on the Start tab
Privacy note
Because the app runs entirely in your browser via WebAssembly, opening, saving, and exporting never touch a server. Engineering drawings, floor plans, and patent-pending brackets stay on your machine — that’s the whole point of browser CAD done right.
What’s next?
- Printing & PDF — plot to paper or PDF
- File formats — which format for which job
Next: Continue reading →