# Device modeler

Turn measurements of a device you own, or a part you design, into a 3D model and catalog data with its ports.

Source: https://rack-maker.cbnsndwch.dev/docs/modeler

## What it makes

The device modeler turns measurements into a catalog entry that any project can use:

- a **3D model file** (GLB), built from your numbers, with a generated finish per area and no photos or logos on it;
- **catalog data**: the size, the weight, how it mounts, and every port as data (its kind, face and position), so projects can show and check it.

It makes two kinds of thing:

- **Devices**: things with ports that you plug in, such as a router, a switch, a mini PC, a NAS or a hub.
- **Parts**: things that hold or mount devices, such as a shelf, a tray, a bracket, a panel, a plate or a spacer.

Your measurements are published with the entry, so anyone can reopen them in the modeler and publish a correction later.

## Starting

- **A new device or part:** open [the catalog](https://rack-maker.cbnsndwch.dev/catalog) and choose **Model a device**, or go straight to [/catalog/model](https://rack-maker.cbnsndwch.dev/catalog/model).
- **Measurements you already published, or someone else's:** on the entry's page, choose **Edit measurements**. Your changes become a new revision of your own entry, or a copy in your namespace that credits the original. See [Entries and revisions](https://rack-maker.cbnsndwch.dev/docs/catalog/entries-and-revisions).
- **A draft of yours:** it opens at `/catalog/model/<namespace>/<slug>/<rev>`.

You can use the modeler without an account. Your work is then kept in this browser only. Sign in to save it to your account, keep datasheets with it, use live sync and publish it. See [Accounts](https://rack-maker.cbnsndwch.dev/docs/getting-started/accounts).

## The workspace

The page has two halves:

- **The steps**, on the left: **Device or part**, **Name**, **Shape and size**, **Faces and ports**, **Finishes** and **Review**. You can open any step at any time. See [The steps](https://rack-maker.cbnsndwch.dev/docs/modeler/steps).
- **Model**, on the right: the 3D model, built live as you type. Drag to turn it, and click a face to edit it in **Faces and ports**.

Above the steps are **Undo**, **Redo** and **Save draft**. Every change saves by itself: to your account when you are signed in, otherwise in this browser. The status next to the step title says which (for example "saved to your account · draft ana/nas-box rev 1"). **Save draft** saves right away.

![The device modeler on the Faces and ports step of an Edge Router: the steps and the rear face with its ports and a traced drawing on the left, and the 3D model on the right](https://rack-maker.cbnsndwch.dev/docs/shots/modeler/workspace-light.webp)

*The modeler: the steps on the left, the model in 3D beside them.*

[Start the modeler tour](https://rack-maker.cbnsndwch.dev/catalog/model#tour), or press **?** in the modeler.

## Good sources of numbers

Use your own measurements and the maker's published numbers. Other people's models and photos can tell you which features exist, but don't copy their sizes. No logos or trademarks go on the model.

Mark where each number comes from (**measured**, **datasheet** or **estimate**) with the small menu next to it. The review counts them, and estimated values are flagged.

## In this section

- [The steps](https://rack-maker.cbnsndwch.dev/docs/modeler/steps): Each step in order, and what you enter in it.
- [Tracing photos and drawings](https://rack-maker.cbnsndwch.dev/docs/modeler/tracing): Place ports on a straight-on photo or a datasheet drawing. Photos stay on your devices.
- [Datasheets](https://rack-maker.cbnsndwch.dev/docs/modeler/datasheets): Read a datasheet PDF for suggestions, and keep a private copy with the device.
- [Shapes and parts](https://rack-maker.cbnsndwch.dev/docs/modeler/shapes-and-parts): Body shapes beyond the box, part categories, rails and decks.
- [Publishing](https://rack-maker.cbnsndwch.dev/docs/modeler/publishing): The review checklist, publishing or submitting for review, and the model file.
- [Live sync](https://rack-maker.cbnsndwch.dev/docs/modeler/live-sync): Your browsers and your AI agent see the same draft as it changes.

Lots of ports to place? Your own AI agent can measure them from your photos. See [Using AI agents](https://rack-maker.cbnsndwch.dev/docs/agents).