What is the difference between live view and rendering in IronCAD?

With live rendering, you can see what materials, colors and lighting look like directly in IronCAD. Rendering goes a step further and provides photorealistic images or animations.

What is 3D CAD rendering?

3D CAD rendering means converting a digital design into a realistic image or animation. This allows you to present your design convincingly even before production begins.

Do I need additional software to render in IronCAD?

No, IronCAD has a powerful live view. For added realism, you can use the KeyShot plug-in to create high-quality renders and animations.

Who is 3D CAD rendering interesting for?

Rendering is useful in a variety of industries, including interior design, architecture, booth construction, product development and mechanical engineering. Wherever images count, a render makes all the difference.

Can I also use renders for marketing and sales?

Yes. Renderings are ideal for brochures, websites, social media and presentations. They help convince customers faster and reinforce your brand with professional imagery.

IronCAD API

Extend and automate functionalities

What is the IronCAD API?

The IronCAD API (Application Programming Interface) allows developers to extend and automate IronCAD’s functionality. It is built on a COM architecture, making objects, methods and properties accessible through programming languages such as C# and C++.

With the IronCAD API, you can:

Build your own applications that run directly in IronCAD
Automating repetitive tasks
Integrating IronCAD into broader software solutions

Laptop with IronCAD of a bar created by 3D CAD rendering.

What can Add-ins do?

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Integration

Responding to events such as opening or saving files

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Customize toolbars

Add buttons and menus with their own icons and logic

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Automation

Streamline processes and simplify standard tasks

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Permanently active

Automatic loading on startup of IronCAD

Installation and management of Add-ins

Register DLL – using regsvr32.exe from C:WindowsSystem32 register the Add-in.
Start IronCAD – open IronCAD after registration is complete.
Manage via Add-in Manager – go to Tools > Add-in Applications.
Activate – check the desired Add-in and click OK.

After these steps, the Add-in is active and will be automatically loaded on future sessions.

Display of IronCAD's TriBall positioning tool.

For developers: expand and integrate

The IronCAD API is of particular interest to developers who want to connect IronCAD to other systems or business processes. Consider:

Integration with PDM/PLM systems
Linking with product configurators
Specific automations for internal work processes

For documentation and support, there is a dedicated email address: apisupport@ironcad.com

Name conventions in the API

To understand how the IronCAD API is structured, the system uses clear conventions:

Z → concrete classes with the real functionality
IZ → interfaces that only describe the structure
eZ → enumerations and auxiliary functions, often used as parameters

This format helps developers navigate the API structure more quickly.

Render of a luxury bar with refined details created in IronCAD 3D software.

Frequently asked questions about 3D CAD rendering

Still unsure how rendering works or what you can do with it? This FAQ provides quick insight.

Conclusion

The IronCAD API takes CAD design to the next level through automation, customization and integration. From adding simple functions to building complex Add-ins, the possibilities are endless.

Trial version IronCAD