objekto vs Zoo (Zookeeper): which should you use?
Updated 5 November 2026 · 2 min read
In short
Zoo Design Studio is full CAD software whose agent, Zookeeper, writes and edits the model in an open CAD language (KCL), with a feature tree, variables and a code editor: a tool for engineers and designers who want to stay in control. objekto is for a different audience: you describe the object, and the AI designs it, checks it and has it made, with no software to learn. To design it yourself with AI help, Zoo; to receive the object, objekto.
- Zoo: professional CAD, the KCL language, a feature tree, a selection-aware agent.
- Public prices at the time of writing: free with $10 of credit a month, Plus $20, Pro $99.
- No manufacturing: Zoo produces the model, not the object.
- objekto: no software to learn, manufacturing and delivery included.
What Zoo does
Zoo (zoo.dev) makes Zoo Design Studio, CAD software whose native format is KCL, an open language: every action in the interface produces code, and the matching line is highlighted. Its agent, Zookeeper (version 1.1 in early 2026), understands the current selection (“round these edges”), checks its own work with snapshots from several angles, accepts images and can look up datasheets on the web.
Published pricing includes a free tier with $10 of credit a month, a Plus plan at $20 (about 400 minutes) and a Pro plan at $99, with overage billed on reasoning time.
What objekto does
objekto starts from a description, a photo or a sketch: its AI designs the object as parametric CAD, part by part, checks it's print-ready, provides an exploded view and an assembly guide, then has it made by an industrial 3D-printing workshop and delivered in France. A simple part costs 950 credits to design, and new accounts get 2,000 credits free at signup.
The differences, point by point
| Zoo Design Studio | objekto | |
|---|---|---|
| Who it's for | Engineers, designers, CAD users | Anyone, no CAD knowledge needed |
| Interface | Full CAD software + agent | A conversation and a 3D viewer |
| Control over the model | Total: KCL code, tree, variables | Dimension sliders and requests in the chat |
| Assemblies | Not a focus | Multi-part, clearances, exploded view, assembly guide |
| Manufacturing and delivery | No | Yes, delivered price shown up front |
When to pick Zoo
- You know CAD (or want to learn it) and want full control.
- You're designing technical parts for an industrial process.
- You want a version-controllable, code-based model in an open format.
When to pick objekto
- You want the object, not to learn software.
- You want manufacturing, checks and the assembly guide taken care of.
- It's an everyday object, a spare part, a gift or an invention.
Frequently asked questions
Can I open an objekto design in CAD software?
Yes: the STEP file (paid plans) opens in most CAD software.
Is objekto CAD software?
No: it's a service. You don't edit a feature tree; you adjust the exposed dimensions with sliders and ask for changes in the chat.
Sources
Public information read on 3 November 2026 from the sites listed; it may have changed since. Spotted a mistake? Write to bonjour@objekto.io.