GitHub vs APPLOAD: Why is our global impact invisible?

[VicoWang]

Hi everyone,

 

Like the vast majority of people in the AEC industry, we are ordinary draftsmen and engineers who sit in front of CAD terminals every single day. Across thousands of drawing offices worldwide, millions of silent professionals get their drawings issued, survive crazy deadlines, and make it home to their families on time because of the incredible, free AutoLISP utilities shared across legendary communities and archives like CADTutor, TheSwamp, Lee Mac Programming, GileCAD, and AfraLISP.

The physical world is quite literally built on the unsung labor of these elite creators.

 

Yet, we noticed a bizarre and unjust technical paradox in the modern software era: A web developer can write a simple script, publish it on GitHub, and instantly get millions of downloads and global acclaim. Meanwhile, the legendary CAD developers who wrote the complex, non-linear algorithms that literally automate the construction of our physical cities often remain hidden from the broader software engineering landscape.

 

While our beloved forums and reference sites have done an incredible, heroic job hosting these tools with thread-specific attachment counters for decades, these invaluable metrics remain scattered across the vast, fragmented sea of historical discussion. We currently lack a unified, global space to aggregate this data and show the software world the true, cumulative scale of AutoLISP’s real-world impact.

 

We think our community's creators deserve to have their collective footprint visible to the world.

 

To give back to the legends who paved our way, we built the Pioneers Index (hosted under the VedaCAD directory). Our starting point is pure, non-commercial community gratitude: to provide a clean, central space where the CAD developers who build our world finally get the recognition and global metrics they deserve.

 

 

We want to make one thing absolutely clear: The Pioneers Index is built entirely on our FREE Tier. The FREE tier is permanently free, designed from day one as our Community Edition. You do not need to buy a PRO subscription, nor do we want you to. The entire ranking and sharing ecosystem is 100% open and free for the community:

 

Claim Your @username: Any developer can sign up for a free community account and secure their unique, permanent creator page (e.g., vedacad.com/@vico ) at zero cost.

 

Dual-Track Sharing (Creators & Curators):
For Creators (Developers): You can publish your individual AutoLISP, FAS, or VLX utilities to generate unique 6-character shortcodes (VCIDs) for instant, manual-free loading.
For Curators (Workflow Architects): Even if you aren't a coder, you can aggregate other creators' public assets into job-oriented toolkits (e.g., steel detailing, structural annotation packs) to generate curated collections (with a B- prefix).
Both individual assets and curated bundles are dynamically ranked on the global Pioneers leaderboard based purely on their natural, cumulative download and installation counts.

 

The B2B Enterprise Footprint Indicator (Enterprise Adoptions): To truly visualize your impact in the professional world, our database tracks a unique metric: Enterprise Adoptions. The leaderboard will display exactly how many companies, design firms, and general contractors have imported your plugin into their workspaces and registered it as an official, locked-in component of their corporate drafting standard.

 

Strict Sovereignty Boundaries: VedaCAD operates purely as a neutral, "As-Is" delivery conduit (Upload as-is, store as-is, download as-is). We will not decompile, modify, or encrypt your work.

 

 

We built this space not to sell a proprietary sandbox, but because we—as a global drafting community—believe that the legends of AutoLISP should never be forgotten.

 

We'd love to invite the developers, curators, and CAD managers here to explore the live index, secure your @username, and share your thoughts on this initiative.

 

Explore the live board here: vedacad.com/pioneers

 

Respect and cheers, Vico & the CAD Community

 

 

---

Note: English is not my native language. I use Google AI to translate and polish my posts to ensure clarity and respect for the community's technical depth.

[BIGAL]

Does this idea not be similar to the Autodesk App store which has been around for a lot of years, some programs are free, some have a cost.

[VicoWang]

4 hours ago, BIGAL said:

Does this idea not be similar to the Autodesk App store which has been around for a lot of years, some programs are free, some have a cost.

 

You are right; the Autodesk App Store is indeed a good choice, especially for certain high-value plugins, which might be the best option. It has a long history, but in 2026, it's as niche as the Blackberry App World was back then. The image is from a post by a guy I saw on LinkedIn, probably a week ago:

 

 

In 2026, If I want to publish any code on GitHub (like github.com/VedaCAD/v-code), I can do so. If I write a Lisp plugin that solves a specific professional problem, I can also publish it in VedaCAD in 1 second and open-source the lsp source code (like [Codebase Packer] VCID: 0FBGZB @ VedaCAD); if I want to keep it closed-source, I can also publish the binary file (such as [Quick Annotator] VCID: 7JAU18 @ VedaCAD). Then let the market test it.

 

It is widely known that Lee Mac has opened up hundreds of plugins, and with the highlight snippets or complete code he writes to assist in solving certain issues on forums from time to time, there could be several hundred or even thousands of plugins. However, there are only 7 plugins that can be publicly searched for on the Autodesk App Store.

 

 

 

You and you all have also made a large number of commendable contributions and algorithmic code, which collectively form the robust foundation of our LISP field (including Net and ObjectARX, etc.). This field of research deals with algorithms based on two-dimensional and three-dimensional spaces, which is orders of magnitude more difficult than centering a webpage DIV. This is something that all of us should remember and be grateful for, yet all of this has been submerged and scattered among millions of posts.

 

VedaCAD that I created merely provides a solution, a method for even the 2006 version of CAD to enjoy modern package management, and records them so that what should be remembered is forever remembered.

 

[Steven P]

Whatever store there is on the internet will suffer similarly from Al generated code, a store where code is uploaded quickly will just become very large, lose its value when there are too many resources to choose all doing something very similar.

 

I think I prefer the forum format (probably always will do), that in creating an answer to the problems asked there is some peer review going on, explanation as what does what and the ability to ask for explanations or how to modify a code supplied to a more unique solution - which is all in itself a great learnign tool

[VicoWang]

1 hour ago, Steven P said:

Whatever store there is on the internet will suffer similarly from Al generated code, a store where code is uploaded quickly will just become very large, lose its value when there are too many resources to choose all doing something very similar.

 

I think I prefer the forum format (probably always will do), that in creating an answer to the problems asked there is some peer review going on, explanation as what does what and the ability to ask for explanations or how to modify a code supplied to a more unique solution - which is all in itself a great learnign tool

 

I very much agree with you that the forum form is an optimal mode of non-immediate and efficient knowledge precipitation (and the best way to reach through search at any time), but it is inevitably fragmented.

 

The solution I provide is not to replace the function of the forum, but to collect everyone's achievements and count them independently. It is just an optional element in the forum flow, such as a card. In my ideal framework, it should run like this:

 

 

1. You (the developer) publish plug-in promotion posts or reply to other people's posts to provide solutions. You describe your algorithm, ideas or solution code in words, and provide such as [VCID]123ABC[/VCID] to attach your plug-in (as optional). Of course, you can also mention The source code or LSP file is available for you to download. You can completely publish it in LSP format for open source.

 

2. Whenever anyone finds the plan you left at that time in any way, they can download LSP or directly use VCID to download your plug-in to obtain the knowledge crystallization you selflessly share.

 

3. Difference: If you use the source code or attachment, if you want to update your plug-in in the future, you must find the original location, and then update the latest version, such as 1.1; if you use VCID, even after 10 years, others will use the you left at the beginning VCID download plug-ins can be downloaded to the latest version, such as version 1.2 (you updated it 3 years ago and did not notify any users).

 

4. Through the VCID protocol, version fragmentation is eliminated, and importantly, anything downloaded through VCID will be collected to vedacad.com/pioneers and the total number will be calculated and ranked. More importantly, our original distribution logic ensures the signature at the time of publication. Anyone who downloads is the original version provided by you, not the secondary modified version of Vico on the basis of Steven P 1.0 (we all know that the original author's signature may be omitted in this process) .

 

It's a pleasure to discuss with you.

 

---

 

The arrival of AI is inevitable, and the market prospects you describe are highly likely to come true. This is also the reason why I want veterans to VCID their achievements, because for the same demand, would you use someone's XXX (VIA AI) or the veterans' XXX? It's an obvious thing, because any software, besides what it can do, also includes the long-tail value that the people behind it can provide. What do you think?

 

Edited Sunday at 09:17 AM by VicoWang

[BIGAL]

I am sure if you ask some one will beat this number I have 3000+ lisps, some are client lisps some are forum, some are a package, some downloaded for future reference.

 

This has 130 lisps behind it. Just one of 3 pop menu's.

 

This is a package

[VicoWang]

5 hours ago, BIGAL said:

I am sure if you ask some one will beat this number I have 3000+ lisps, some are client lisps some are forum, some are a package, some downloaded for future reference.

 

This has 130 lisps behind it. Just one of 3 pop menu's.

 

This is a package

 

Wow, BIGAL. That is an absolute masterpiece of CAD engineering.

 

When I mentioned Lee Mac’s hundreds of plugins, I knew it was just the tip of the iceberg. Your 3,000+ LISP repository, driven by a massive custom CUI drop-down menu, is exactly the kind of industrial-scale ecosystem I was talking about.

 

 

Since this thread is focused on our FREE tier and community tools, I’ll share how VedaCAD handles this massive volume natively:

The very core of VedaCAD is built on a completely decoupled "Demand-Loading Proxy" architecture. Even for free users, loading 130 scripts into the manager won't freeze AutoCAD at startup. The microkernel only registers lightweight proxy hooks in memory. For the UI, the system automatically generates a clean, paginated visual matrix to manage and trigger them, acting as a menu panel out-of-the-box.

 

However, I know veterans want to keep their beloved, highly-customized .cuix interfaces. That's where our PRO tier integration comes in.
Traditionally, migrating a .cuix file means manually fixing Support Paths and APPLOADing all those scripts. In VedaCAD PRO, the system natively supports environment files. It silently mounts your CUIX via _.MENULOAD. Because the core proxy hooks are already sitting in memory, when you click your drop-down menu, the proxy catches it and lazy-loads the actual binary in milliseconds. Hit "Cloud Config Sync", go to a new PC, and your entire top ribbon and 130 scripts are wired up in seconds.

 

Scaled up to the Enterprise tier, an IT Admin can mount this exact setup into a central Foundry and deploy it silently to hundreds of employee terminals simultaneously.

 

Managing 3000+ files manually is a monumental task. Massive respect for keeping that running smoothly for decades!

 

 

--

Additionally, I would like to ask how you manage the versions of each plugin for such a large number of Lisp?

Edited yesterday at 04:31 AM by VicoWang

[BIGAL]

I think your overlooking the AUTOLOAD function, yes in my Autoload.lsp loads on startup there are 37 defuns, most are very small like DTR, RTD, then there are 38 Autoload's the way Autoload works is you type a command and a lisp program is loaded, so you limit how many lisps are loaded on startup, In the pop there is (load "myprogram") "nowrunit" so again only loaded when you need the program.

 

(autoload "COPY0" '("COPY0"))
(autoload "COPYCOMMAND" '("ZZZ"))
(autoload "COVER" '("COVER"))

Edited 12 hours ago by BIGAL

[VicoWang]

25 minutes ago, BIGAL said:

I think your overlooking the AUTOLOAD function, yes in my Autoload.lsp loads on startup there are 37 defuns, most are very small like DTR, RTD, then there are 38 Autoload's the way Autoload works is you type a command and a lisp program is loaded, so you limit how many lisps are loaded on startup, In the pop there is (load "myprogram") nowrunit so again only loaded when you need the program.

 

(autoload "COPY0" '("COPY0"))
(autoload "COPYCOMMAND" '("ZZZ"))
(autoload "COVER" '("COVER"))

 

Spot on. VedaCAD actually uses the exact same demand-load philosophy to keep startup memory at 0%.The fundamental difference isn't memory management, it's Routing.Native AUTOLOAD relies on AutoCAD's Support Search Paths to locate the physical file. If an IT admin or user alters the Support Paths, the command dies silently.

 

VedaCAD uses an independent Mapping Database. It binds your custom alias directly to the absolute physical file, completely bypassing AutoCAD's Support Paths. It eliminates path configurations forever, making multi-device migrations mathematically frictionless.Especially when you deploy a plugin via VCID—everything executes within an isolated local sandbox cache, rendering traditional search paths completely obsolete.

 

Basically, just a modern UI mapping wrapper over a brilliant classic concept.

[indiancad]

 

From my experience, GitHub and APPLOAD really serve two different purposes.
I usually keep my LISP routines on GitHub so I can access and update them easily.
But when I'm actually working in CAD, APPLOAD is still the quickest way to test a routine.
For frequently used routines, I add them to the Startup Suite so they load automatically.
The problem is that a useful LISP can sit on GitHub and still be almost invisible to CAD users.
People usually discover routines through forums, recommendations, or someone sharing the code.
Good documentation and simple examples make a huge difference in whether people actually use them.
I think GitHub is excellent for maintaining the code and tracking improvements.
CAD forums are still important for getting that code in front of people who need it.
Ideally, I'd use GitHub for distribution and version control, and APPLOAD for everyday use.

[VicoWang]

37 minutes ago, indiancad said:

 

From my experience, GitHub and APPLOAD really serve two different purposes.
I usually keep my LISP routines on GitHub so I can access and update them easily.
But when I'm actually working in CAD, APPLOAD is still the quickest way to test a routine.
For frequently used routines, I add them to the Startup Suite so they load automatically.
The problem is that a useful LISP can sit on GitHub and still be almost invisible to CAD users.
People usually discover routines through forums, recommendations, or someone sharing the code.
Good documentation and simple examples make a huge difference in whether people actually use them.
I think GitHub is excellent for maintaining the code and tracking improvements.
CAD forums are still important for getting that code in front of people who need it.
Ideally, I'd use GitHub for distribution and version control, and APPLOAD for everyday use.

 

Hi indiancad,

 

Spot on. GitHub is fantastic for version control, but it lacks a delivery bridge to the CAD environment. In modern software engineering, people use pip install. In CAD, we still rely on the archaic APPLOAD and ZIP extraction.

 

VedaCAD is exactly that missing native package manager. Here is a short clip demonstrating our core concept（Install via VCID and run directly）:

 

 

Instead of the painful APPLOAD grind, you just use a 6-character VCID. Even better, it makes migrating to a new PC completely painless. The system pulls the binary into a local sandbox and maps it instantly.

 

Where this truly changes the game is Fleet Deployment. IT admins no longer need to manually configure 50 different workstations. By pushing enterprise VCID clusters, every terminal instantly achieves absolute consistency, while automatically delivering targeted toolsets based on the employee's squad (e.g., Architecture vs. Structural teams)—all without anyone ever touching a "Support Path".

 

GitHub for the source code + VedaCAD for deployment is definitely the perfect modern combo. Might be worth giving it a spin!

 

 

[BIGAL]

Just a question we had laptops that were used outside no internet access, we had two CAD Icons so they would start the correct profile for "in office" and "out of office", how would your system cope with that ? Would the second profile go looking for the VCID ?

Edited 12 hours ago by BIGAL

[Danielm103]

Not for lisp, but one thing cool about PIP, is it tracks versioning. When you upload a package to PyPi, your package should include a README.MD and a PROJECT.TOML. the toml might look like.

requires-python = ">=3.14.0,<3.15.0"

dependencies = [
    "wxPython>=4.3.1,<4.4",
    "pywin32; sys_platform == 'win32'",
    "debugpy>=1.8.0",
    "pydantic_settings",
]

 

PIP keeps track of every detail for every project and notifies of potential conflicts. Also, it will install dependencies, I.e. Python for AutoCAD requires wxPython, the system will download the modules for you, and also any dependencies wxPython requires.

 

For lisp, something like this would be valuable.

 

dependencies = [
   “LM:ODBX 1.2”
     ...
]

 

Then, have a command in AutoCAD to help manage I.e.

 

Command: PYPIP
[List/Install/Remove/Update] <list>:
Package           Version          Editable project location
----------------- ---------------- -------------------------
annotated-types   0.8.0
appdirs           1.4.4
ast_serialize     0.6.0
asttokens         3.0.2
build             1.5.0
cad-pyrx          3.1.6.5712       M:\Dev\Projects\PyRxGit
cfgv              3.5.0
click             8.4.2
colorama          0.4.6
debugpy           1.8.21

 

all of the packages could be streamed into a .bundle for auto loading 

[VicoWang]

3 hours ago, BIGAL said:

Just a question we had laptops that were used outside no internet access, we had two CAD Icons so they would start the correct profile for "in office" and "out of office", how would your system cope with that ? Would the second profile go looking for the VCID ?

 

I know there are tools out there that try to execute LISP directly from the cloud, but as you implied, that requires a flawless real-time connection. VedaCAD takes the exact opposite approach. Our architecture is fundamentally built around a "Local Sandbox Cache".When you pull a VCID, the physical file is downloaded as-is and vaulted directly onto the engineer's local drive (e.g., %APPDATA%\VedaCAD\...).

 

Here is how the engine handles network drops:

When CAD starts, our microkernel checks the configured heartbeat cycle. If it's within the valid cycle, it skips the network request completely. If the cycle has expired, it sends a lightweight ping to the server to check for version updates or MDM policy changes.

 

If an engineer opens their laptop on a construction site with zero Wi-Fi, that heartbeat ping simply times out. The VedaCAD kernel instantly detects the disconnection and silently transitions into Offline Mode. The engineer keeps drafting seamlessly using their locally cached plugins and menus. No lag, no missing commands, and absolutely zero need to manage a separate "Out of office" profile.

 

Once they reconnect, the background heartbeat simply resumes on the next cycle. In short: The VCID is just a delivery protocol. The actual execution is always local!

To accommodate extended field work while protecting enterprise IP, we built in specific Offline Grace Periods:

• BASE Mode: Air-gapped by default. Works indefinitely without any internet.
• FREE Tier: 3 days of offline grace.
• PRO Tier: 15 days of offline grace.
• TEAM / CORP Tiers: Configured by the CAD Manager  (Max 30 days).

 

Edited 8 hours ago by VicoWang

[VicoWang]

3 hours ago, Danielm103 said:

Not for lisp, but one thing cool about PIP, is it tracks versioning. When you upload a package to PyPi, your package should include a README.MD and a PROJECT.TOML. the toml might look like.

requires-python = ">=3.14.0,<3.15.0"

dependencies = [
    "wxPython>=4.3.1,<4.4",
    "pywin32; sys_platform == 'win32'",
    "debugpy>=1.8.0",
    "pydantic_settings",
]

 

PIP keeps track of every detail for every project and notifies of potential conflicts. Also, it will install dependencies, I.e. Python for AutoCAD requires wxPython, the system will download the modules for you, and also any dependencies wxPython requires.

 

For lisp, something like this would be valuable.

 

dependencies = [
   “LM:ODBX 1.2”
     ...
]

 

Then, have a command in AutoCAD to help manage I.e.

 

Command: PYPIP
[List/Install/Remove/Update] <list>:
Package           Version          Editable project location
----------------- ---------------- -------------------------
annotated-types   0.8.0
appdirs           1.4.4
ast_serialize     0.6.0
asttokens         3.0.2
build             1.5.0
cad-pyrx          3.1.6.5712       M:\Dev\Projects\PyRxGit
cfgv              3.5.0
click             8.4.2
colorama          0.4.6
debugpy           1.8.21

 

all of the packages could be streamed into a .bundle for auto loading 

Hi Daniel,

 

Great to see you bringing pip concepts into this. PyRx is an absolute beast of a project, and you are 100% correct—version tracking and dependency resolution are the holy grails of package management.

 

Since AutoLISP lacks native import statements or .toml manifests, we had to engineer a slightly different approach for VedaCAD to achieve that exact same pip reliability.

Here is how we handle it under the hood:

 

1. Version Tracking & Hot-Swapping (The State Machine)
Instead of a manual CLI command like PYPIP Update, VedaCAD uses a background state machine. During the client heartbeat, it sends a lightweight dictionary of its local plugins and their current versions to the cloud.
The server diffs this against the master database. If a developer has patched a script, the server pushes an assetUpdates beacon back to the client.
Depending on the workspace policy, the client either prompts the user visually, or (for Enforced Enterprise modes) it executes a dual-buffer hot-swap in the background—renaming the old locked .vlxto .bak and injecting the new binary seamlessly.

 

2. Dependency Resolution (The Bundle System)
If your LISP routine strictly depends on "LM:ODBX 1.2", you don't want users hunting for it.
In VedaCAD, the developer creates a "Bundle" (a VCID starting with B-). You package your main script AND the LM:ODBX dependency together. By leaving the command alias blank for the ODBX file, VedaCAD flags it as a "System Library" , which forces it to pre-load silently at startup. Your main script remains demand-loaded.
The end-user simply pulls ONE B- VCID, and the entire dependency tree is resolved locally.

 

While a CLI interface is undeniably cool for developers, we ultimately went with a unified GUI dashboard (Command: VC). We found that CAD Managers deploying tools to 50+ draftsmen needed a visual matrix rather than teaching their team command-line syntax.

 

It's awesome seeing different modern architectures (Python/PIP vs Cloud/LISP) tackling the same legacy CAD headaches!

Edited 8 hours ago by VicoWang

[VicoWang]

Hi everyone,

 

Just a quick follow-up regarding the Pioneer Index and creator profiles.

 

As the VedaCAD ecosystem is starting to grow, I want to strongly recommend that the veteran developers here—and anyone who has shared tools in the past—take two minutes to claim your @username on the platform.

 

Because VedaCAD operates purely as a neutral conduit, account registration is strictly first-come, first-served. We cannot pre-emptively determine who the "real" owner of a community alias is, nor do we have the authority to evict a user or forcefully reassign a handle once it has been claimed by someone else.

 

Since the platform is still in its early stages, right now is the absolute best window to secure your username sovereignty and prevent impersonation.

 

 

I want to be absolutely clear: You do not need to upload any scripts or actively use the platform. You can simply register your standard forum alias to lock it down.

If you prefer to stay completely off the radar, just log in to the Web Portal, go to Settings > Profile, and toggle off "Public Profile". Your @username will be permanently secured to your email, but you will remain 100% invisible on the Pioneer leaderboard and public directories.

 

I just want to make sure the true creators in this community own their rightful identities before someone else grabs them.

 

Cheers,
Vico

[Steven P]

I am getting confused now as to the function of your cloud repository - OK I get a file store, we log in if we want (I don't actually care to create myself another internet profile with another unique password to manage, and another online service), upload files, others can copy and paste as required. In a crowded market, it might be the best solution out there, it might not.

 

But then there is some integration into CAD (Just AutoCAD or others such as BricsCAD?). This part I am not sure about. Does this need software installing to manage this, and if so I believe our IT folks will be giving it a thumbs down till they have assessed suitability, its security, licensing agreements, ongoing costs ad so on.

[VicoWang]

1 hour ago, Steven P said:

I am getting confused now as to the function of your cloud repository - OK I get a file store, we log in if we want (I don't actually care to create myself another internet profile with another unique password to manage, and another online service), upload files, others can copy and paste as required. In a crowded market, it might be the best solution out there, it might not.

 

But then there is some integration into CAD (Just AutoCAD or others such as BricsCAD?). This part I am not sure about. Does this need software installing to manage this, and if so I believe our IT folks will be giving it a thumbs down till they have assessed suitability, its security, licensing agreements, ongoing costs ad so on.

 

Hi Steven,

 

Those are incredibly valid points, and they highlight exactly why we built VedaCAD the way we did. You perfectly described the classic "Enterprise IT Roadblock."

To clear up the confusion, VedaCAD is absolutely not a cloud drive (like Dropbox) where you copy and paste files. It is an infrastructure that pipes routines directly into the CAD environment.

 

Let me address your concerns directly, because reducing deployment friction is actually our core design philosophy:

 

1. No new passwords to remember.
We hate account fatigue as much as you do. VedaCAD operates entirely password-less. You either use one-click OAuth (Google, Microsoft, Autodesk) or a secure Magic Link sent to your email. Enterprise（CORP） users log in directly using SSO(OIDC), and there is no password field stored in our system.

 

2. Zero-Install Footprint (Reducing Deployment Friction).
This is the most important part. There is no .exe or .msi installer, and it does not require Windows Administrator rights. The entire VedaCAD client is just a single 1.6MB pure LISP (.vlx) file.
It operates completely within the standard bounds of AutoCAD. We strictly manage a secure local sandbox inside the user's directory (%APPDATA%)—there is no Windows Registry injection, no background Windows services, and zero OS-level modifications. If your IT department currently allows you to type APPLOAD for normal LISP routines, VedaCAD complies perfectly with those existing security rules. It is designed to save IT from deployment headaches, not to subvert them.

 

3. Multi-Platform Roadmap.
You asked about BricsCAD. Currently, VedaCAD is strictly built for AutoCAD. We intentionally engineered the entire client inside the native AutoCAD 2006 Visual LISP IDE to guarantee absolute backward compatibility. However, because we built it on pure foundational LISP rather than version-specific .NET frameworks, the workload to port it to other platforms is minimal. We are currently laser-focused on perfecting the commercial loop within the AutoCAD ecosystem, but supporting all 4 major platforms (AutoCAD, BricsCAD, ZWCAD, GstarCAD) is definitively on our roadmap.

 

Basically, we built this specifically so engineering teams can seamlessly sync their setups without creating an IT deployment nightmare.

 

Does that help clarify the workflow?

 

 

---

Since you specifically brought up how IT folks assess suitability, security, and licensing, I should add a quick high-level overview of how VedaCAD actually handles corporate deployments under the hood.

 

Beyond the personal tier, our Enterprise architecture is fundamentally divided into two major workflows: Internal Fleet Management and External Supply-Chain Control.

 

1. Internal Fleet Management (The Foundry & Squads)
Instead of emailing ZIP files to employees, CAD Managers upload their standard plugins and configurations into a web-based "Enterprise Foundry." (All uploads of the company's plugins and environment configuration files must be uploaded from the company (CAD Manager)administrator's client.)
From there, admins create internal Squads (e.g., Architecture, Structural) and assign specific toolsets to each group. When an employee logs in, the VedaCAD client silently deploys only their authorized tools into their local sandbox.

• Zero Fragmentation: IT can monitor the "Out of Sync" status of any terminal globally from the dashboard.
• Visual SOPs: Admins can attach Markdown manuals and Demo GIFs to assets. Employees simply click the "SOPs" button inside their CAD client, which uses a secure hardware token to instantly log them into their Web Portal to view the exact workflow guidelines for their assigned tools.

 

2. External Sub-Contractor Control (Project Arks)
This is the killer feature for General Contractors (GCs). Enforcing drafting standards across external vendors is a nightmare.
Instead of sending CAD standards via email, GCs create a "Project Ark" and issue time-limited, "Visas" to external sub-contractors.

• Format Firewall: Arks strictly permit only environment configuration files (.CTB, .DWT, .SHX, etc.). Executable plugins (.DLL, .LSP) are physically blocked to prevent cross-company malware infections.
• Zero-Trust Shredding: When a sub-contractor mounts the Visa, their CAD environment temporarily mirrors the GC's standards. If the Visa expires or is revoked by the GC, the VedaCAD kernel physically shreds those proprietary standards from the sub-contractor's local hard drive.

 

3. IT Compliance & Data Sovereignty (Add-ons: BYOS & EDR)
To pass the strict security audits of large institutions, our Enterprise tier supports BYOS (Bring Your Own Storage). You can route 100% of your physical CAD assets directly to your company's private AWS S3 bucket—we never touch your binaries. We also offer native EDR Gateway integration, allowing your corporate SecOps sandbox to automatically intercept and quarantine any unverified payloads before they reach the draftsperson's machine.

 

In short, it’s designed to give IT absolute control over data sovereignty and access, while giving CAD Managers a frictionless way to enforce standards.

 

Edited 2 hours ago by VicoWang

[Steven P]

 ? Suggests another profile, sign in, password to manage.

 

 

So for my simple understanding, it is a fancy DCL popup that links to the company or online file store?

 

(and do remember, I am not a cloud architect, I draw stuff for a living and create LISPs to make that easier)

Edited 1 hour ago by Steven P

[VicoWang]

14 minutes ago, Steven P said:

 ? Suggests another profile, sign in, password to manage.

 

 

So for my simple understanding, it is a fancy DCL popup that links to the company or online file store?

 

I completely understand why seeing a "Sign In" button triggers the password fatigue alarm!

 

But if you actually click that button, it redirects you to our Web Portal (app.vedacad.com — I’ve attached a screenshot for you). You won't find a "Create Password" field anywhere in our system. It operates entirely via one-click OAuth, secure Magic Links sent to your email, or Enterprise SSO (OIDC) for corporate users. no new passwords.

As for your summary: "a fancy DCL popup that links to an online file store"—from a draftsperson's perspective, I take that as a huge compliment! It should feel that incredibly simple. The ultimate goal is zero friction.

 

But under the hood, that "fancy DCL" is just the visual shell for a robust LISP microkernel. Here is what it's actually doing in the background:

 

• Isolated Sandbox & Proxying: It doesn't just download files; it vaults them in a secure local sandbox (%APPDATA%) and dynamically generates demand-load proxy hooks in memory, keeping your CAD startup footprint at 0%.
• Environment Injection: It natively reads and injects configuration files (.CTB, .DWT, .SHX, .CUIX) directly into AutoCAD's Preferences and Support Paths, silently aligning the drafting standards without the user lifting a finger.
• Lock-Bypass Hot-Swapping: It handles Windows file locks natively. If a developer pushes an update, the kernel re-routes the running binary (via .bak renaming) to silently hot-swap the .vlx or .dll while the user is actively drafting.
• Zero-Trust MDM: For enterprise deployments, it constantly listens for kill-switch directives to physically shred revoked assets (like expired sub-contractor standards) from the local hard drive.

 

So yes, it looks like a simple popup, but it hides an entire IT deployment and environment governance engine behind it.