1. Introduction

ClassiCad™ is a professional web-based 3D platform for classical architecture. The software provides an extensive library of historically accurate classical orders derived from architectural treatises primarily of the 16th–18th centuries, along with advanced visualization, export, and analytical tools for designers, students, and researchers.

 

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2. 3D Viewport

2.1 Visualization Modes

• Toggle between 3D perspective and 2D orthographic elevations (Front/Back, Sides, Top/Bottom).
• Real-time WebGL rendering optimised for architectural geometry.
• Camera Controls: Orbit, Pan, Zoom (mouse and touch).
• Fit to Screen: Automatically frames the selected model.

2.2 Camera & Projection Controls

• Projection Modes
  • 3D Perspective
  • 2D Orthogonal 
  • Front Elevation
  • Back Elevation
  • Left Elevation
  • Right Elevation
  • Top View
  • Bottom View
• Manual Navigation (Orbit, Pan, Zoom)

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3. Right-Hand Properties Panel

3.1 Model Selection

3.1.1 Architectural Style Filter

• Filter architects by style (Greek, Roman, Renaissance, Baroque, Neoclassical)
• “All Styles” option reveals full list.

3.1.2 Architect Selection

• Chronological list with the date for each architects’ first publication (e.g. James Gibbs, 1732).
• Auto-filters orders based on the chosen architect.
• Architect Information button provides a brief biography of each architect.

• Includes (examples):

  • Vignola (1562)
  • Palladio (1570)
  • Scamozzi (1615)
  • Perrault (1683)
  • Gibbs (1732)
  • Chambers (1759)
  • And many others

3.1.3 Order Selection

Choose from the five classical Orders:

• Tuscan
• Doric
• Ionic
• Corinthian
• Composite

**Availability varies by architect/treatise.

3.2 Display Mode System

3.2.1 Primary Categories

• Complete Order
• Column
• Pilaster
• Entablature
• Raking Cornice
• Pedestal

3.2.2 Variants (dependent)

• Column: Smooth, Fluted, Engaged 50%, Engaged 75%, Square, Square w/ Entasis
• Pilaster: 25% projection, 12.5% projection (fluted or unfluted)
• Entablature: External return, Internal return, Section
• Raking: 18.5°, 20.5°, 22.5°, 27.5°
• Pedestals: Complete, Engaged 25%, 50%, 12.5% options

**Availability varies by architect/treatise.

 

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4. Scaling & Dimensions

4.1 Column Diameter (Base Module)

• Ability to scale model by factor using:
• Slider: 0.01 → X units
• Or precision numeric input
• Diameter used as proportional module for the entire order

4.2 Automatic Dimensions

• Total height for each component of the Order, such as entablature, capital, base, column etc. Numbers are displayed as ratios of D (Diameter) and cm/m/in
• All dimensions remain proportional to the chosen treatise.

4.3 Diameter Calculator

• At the base of the viewport is a “Calculator.” Users can enter a required size for a structure i.e. a column, entablature or pedestal where known heights of a desired element are then used to calculate the base diameter for the specific components/Order selected. Helpful for matching site constraints or existing architecture

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5. Lighting Controls and Background

5.1 Lighting

• Ambient intensity
• Sun intensity
• Shadow contrast

5.2 Grid Options

• Toggle on/off grid

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6. Top Toolbar

6.1 Export Options

Image Formats

• PNG
• JPEG (Standard / High / Ultra)

3D Formats

• OBJ
• STL
• DAE
• GLB
• DXF
• IFC

Tier Access

• Free: PNG, JPEG
• Foundation: PNG, JPEG, OBJ, STL
• Professional: All formats
• Enterprise: All formats

6.2 View Tools

• Projection shortcuts (2D mode): Front, Back, Top Bottom, Left, Right
• Fit to Screen (Reset Camera to original loading position)

 

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7. Authentication & User Management

7.1 Account Types

Free Tier

• Full access to view all 3D models
• Full viewing tools
• Basic exports only (PNG, JPEG, no 3D Formats)

Foundation Tier ($9/month or $90/year)

• Everything in Free
• 5 model downloads/month
• Export: PNG, JPEG, STL, OBJ
• Email support

Professional Tier  ($29/month or $290/year)

• Everything in Free and Foundation
• 20 model downloads/month
• All export formats (PNG, JPEG, STL, OBJ, DAE, GLB, DXF, IFC)
• Priority support

7.2 Account Features

• Secure email/password login
• Password reset
• Profile editing
• Stripe billing portal
• Download usage tracker

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8. Browser Compatibility

• Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge
• Desktop optimized. Features limited on mobile.
• WE HIGHLY ADVISE USE OF DESKTOP VERSION ON PC OR LAPTOP
• Dark and Light modes available

 

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9. Workflow Guides

9.1 Basic Viewing Workflow

• Select style
• Choose architect
• Select order
• Set diameter
• Choose display mode
• Navigate with camera

9.2 Export Workflow

• Configure model
• Export → select format
• Download
• Import to BIM/CAD Software

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10. Support & Updates

10.1 Support

• In-app support
• Priority email support for paid tiers

10.2 Updates

• Regular model additions
• Users can request 3D formats that are not presently available
• UI improvements
• Performance refinements

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11. Licensing

12.1 Model Usage

• Based on public-domain treatises
• Commercial use permitted (per subscription tier)
• Attribution encouraged

12.2 Subscription Terms

• Monthly/annual billing
• Cancel anytime
• Monthly download resets
• Full access for Professional tier

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