# The open-source 3D modeler for architecture and engineering > Source: > Published: 2026-10-08 09:23:19+00:00 ## What does open source mean here? IngeTrazo is **open-source software under the GPL-3.0**: you may use it for any project, study how it works, improve it and share it, with its source code published on GitHub. Your models are yours. ## What makes IngeTrazo different? It is **open-source software** (GPL-3.0) and runs **natively on Linux**, as well as Windows and macOS. It guarantees **watertight solids** and brings an optional **BIM layer**, in development. It composes **sheets at scale** into PDF, brings in **real terrain** (satellite, elevation, drone, GPS points) and connects to **AI assistants** that draw with the same engine, every step undoable. ## Which formats does it open and save? It opens its own **.igz** documents, **DWG and DXF** drawings, **.skp** models of every version (through [**OpenSKP**](https://github.com/iamahsanmehmood/openskp), an open reader IngeTrazo contributes to), **COLLADA (.dae)**, **OBJ**, **glTF** and **STL**. It saves to **.igz**, an open format, and exports COLLADA, OBJ, glTF, STL, IFC, DXF and PDF drawings. ## Does it do BIM? An optional layer, **in development**: you can tag geometry as a wall, slab, column or door, get its quantities (m², m³, units) and export it to **IFC**, the standard format other programs read — including IngePresupuestos. It grows with each version. ## Can I produce the project drawings? Yes. The **sheet composer** places views of the model at **exact scale** (1:50, 1:100…) on A4–A0 sheets, with dimensions anchored to the model that update when the model changes, an editable title block, graphic scale, numbered view titles, section marks, level and chained dimensions, detail callouts, and a vector hidden-line style with pens and poché. Export each sheet — or the whole set — to **vector PDF**, and the view to **DXF**. ## Can I add features with plugins? Yes. Since version 0.3.2 IngeTrazo has an **Extensions menu**: copy a plugin (a Python file) into your personal folder and its tools show up in the menu. Two come built in: **Model Info** (statistics, materials with painted m², and BIM objects) and a **Python Console** to inspect and automate the model with code, all tied into undo. The guide is in the [manual (Spanish)](https://ingetrazo-docs.pages.dev/extensiones/). ## Does it have artificial intelligence? Yes, in two ways. The built-in **AI Assistant** is a chat: paste the key of whichever provider you prefer (Groq has a free tier; also Gemini, OpenAI, Anthropic, OpenRouter, DeepSeek, or Ollama on your own machine) and describe the model in words or with a photo. And the **MCP bridge** lets Claude Desktop or Claude Code draw directly in the open app. In both cases the AI generates *recipes* that the engine executes —never blind meshes—, every step can be undone and the model stays editable by hand. Without AI, IngeTrazo works just the same, and offline. ## Does it work offline? Yes, the whole modeler works **offline** and your files live on your computer. Only the satellite map and the 3D terrain download imagery from the internet while you use them. ## How do I install it? On **Windows**: download the installer from the Download section, double-click and you're done (it associates .igz files). On **Linux**: download the **Flatpak** (double-click and GNOME Software / KDE Discover installs it, with .igz and .skp files associated), the **AppImage** (make it executable and open it) or, if your distro lacks FUSE, the **tar.gz**: extract it anywhere and run `ingetrazo`. If something doesn't work, `--check` tells you what's missing. On **macOS** (Apple Silicon): download the **.dmg** from [Download ▸ macOS](#mac), drag IngeTrazo to Applications and the first time open it with right-click ▸ Open (it isn't signed with an Apple account yet). You can also run it from source with 3 commands. ## Is it good for 3D printing? Not its strong suit yet, but it's on the horizon. Today you can export to **binary STL** and take it to your slicer, and the solids the engine makes are closed; what it doesn't have yet are dedicated 3D-printing tools (wall-thickness checks, overhangs, mesh repair, 3MF). They're **planned for the future**. ## How do I report a problem or contribute? The project lives on [GitHub](https://github.com/ingelibre/ingetrazo): open an issue with your sample file, suggest improvements or send code. You can also get in touch by [email](mailto:ing.sumari@gmail.com).