Everything in CAD Translator
Built for CAD professionals who need fast, accurate layer standard lookups — on-site or off-grid.
Full-Text Layer Search
Find any layer by code or plain English
Type a layer code fragment like V-PROP or a plain-English term like
"centerline" — CAD Translator searches the full layer database in real time and returns
a scored, ranked list. Exact code matches always surface first, followed by partial
matches, then plain-English matches.
500+ Built-In Layers
Complete NCS database plus energy and international extensions
CAD Translator ships with the full NCS (National CAD Standard) layer database, including every discipline's major and minor group codes. Each entry includes:
- Plain-English layman term (e.g., "Three-phase power circuit")
- Long description explaining when and how the layer is used
- Full code breakdown: Discipline / Major Group / Minor Group / Status
- Applicable standard (NCS, IEC, NEC, or Custom)
Energy Discipline Layers
BESS, solar/PV, wind, and generator layers for energy design projects where standard NCS coverage is sparse.
IEC 81346
Equipment reference designations: =G generators, =M motors, =T transformers, =U drives.
NEC Panel Naming
Panel and circuit naming per Articles 690 (PV), 706 (BESS), 712 (DC Microgrids), 700 (Emergency), and 701 (Standby).
Custom Definitions
Add, override, and organize your own layer codes
Every firm has project-specific or proprietary layer codes that don't appear in any standard. Custom Definitions lets you add them to CAD Translator so they appear in search results alongside the built-in library.
- Add standalone custom codes with full descriptions
- Override any built-in NCS layer with your firm's version — shown with a "CUSTOM" badge
- Custom and overridden layers appear in all search results
- Copy any layer code to clipboard with one tap
Definition Packs
Bundle and share layer sets with your team
Group custom definitions into named, versioned packs — perfect for firm-wide standards, project-specific layer sets, or client deliverable packages. Packs include author information and version notes.
- Create any number of named packs
- Add version numbers and author info to each pack
- Export a pack via the iOS share sheet (AirDrop, email, Files, Slack, etc.)
- Import a colleague's pack in one tap — layers immediately searchable
- Enable or disable individual packs without deleting them
100% Offline & Private
No account. No tracking. No network required.
CAD Translator stores everything on-device. There is no server, no login, and no analytics SDK. Your custom layer definitions and packs never leave your device unless you explicitly export them.
Free Tier + Pro Upgrade
Core search is always free
The full NCS layer database and search are free. Pro unlocks unlimited custom definitions, definition packs, and pack import/export — ideal for firms that manage project-specific or client-specific layer standards.
Ready to translate your first layer?
Download CAD Translator for iOS or Android — free to start.