---
title: "Getting Design Help on OpenSpindle"
description: "How OpenSpindle can help turn a sketch, an idea, or an existing part into a manufacturable design and a quotable file set."
canonical: https://openspindle.com/blog/getting-design-help
author: "Tom"
datePublished: 2026-10-02T00:00:00.000Z
dateModified: 2026-10-02T00:00:00.000Z
category: "Process & DFM"
---

# Getting Design Help

If you have an idea for a part but no CAD file, or an STL / mesh file that your shop needs as a STEP, OpenSpindle can help turn that into a design our manufacturing network can quote and build. This guide explains what the service covers and how to request it. Full content coming in phase 2.

## When to ask for design help

The two most common reasons are: you have an idea but no CAD file, or you have a mesh file (STL / OBJ / 3MF) and your shop needs solid CAD geometry (STEP / Parasolid). We can also help turn a hand sketch, a photograph of an existing part, or a measured sample into a drawing. This section will expand in a later update.

## What the output looks like

A quotable file set: a solid CAD model in a neutral format (STEP), a dimensioned PDF drawing covering critical tolerances and finishes, and a short description of the design intent. More detail coming in phase 2.

## Requesting design help

Reply to your RFQ confirmation email and ask for design help. We will reach out with scope and a short brief to confirm what you need. More guidance coming in phase 2.

## Related reading

- [CAD files for quoting](https://openspindle.com/blog/cad-files-for-quoting.md)
- [Creating a shop drawing](https://openspindle.com/blog/creating-a-shop-drawing.md)
- [How to write an RFQ](https://openspindle.com/blog/how-to-write-an-rfq.md)