AXLEKEYSBETADocs · GlossaryCommon Axle Keys
Common Axle Keys
terms.
Axle Keys uses a few terms with specific meanings inside the platform. This glossary keeps those terms consistent across Studio, Systems, Exhibition, Showroom, MCP, agents, and public pages.
Core platform terms
Axle KeysA web platform for creating configurable CAD models of physical objects. Connects Studio, Systems, Exhibition, Showroom, documentation, and agent-assisted workflows.
StudioThe private workspace where models are created, imported, configured, validated, edited, reviewed, exported, and published.Read Studio docs →
ExhibitionThe public browsing space for configurable models — where models can be discovered, studied, shared, and eventually remixed.Read Exhibition docs →
ShowroomThe public product-line space for users, shops, builders, designers, and businesses presenting configurable models as customer-facing product pages.Read Showroom docs →
AccountWhere users manage profile information, billing, credits, AI connectors, MCP/API access, permissions, collaboration, and Showroom ownership.Read Account docs →
DocsThe knowledge hub for Axle Keys — platform, workflows, Systems, agents, MCP/API access, account settings, FAQ, and glossary.
RoadmapThe public working document for what Axle Keys is building now, next, and later.View Roadmap →
Model lifecycle terms
Model LifecycleThe path a model can take through Axle Keys — from Idea → System → Studio Project → Structured Model → Configurable Object → Review → Exhibition → Showroom → Export → Reuse.Read Lifecycle →
Studio ProjectA private working project inside Studio. May contain model code, geometry, files, parameters, parts, materials, validation reports, versions, outputs, and publishing state.
Structured ModelA model that is more than a shape — includes named parts, parameters, materials, relationships, System rules, output logic, and validation information.
Configurable ObjectA model with editable controls that allow useful variation: dimensions, layout choices, materials, finishes, counts, or other meaningful options.
Exhibition ModelA public model shown in Exhibition — includes title, description, 3D preview, System label, public parameters, creator or owner, and useful notes.
Showroom ProductA customer-facing configurable model shown in a Showroom. Clearer and more controlled than a general Exhibition model — it represents a product, service, shop, or business offering.
Export PackageA group of outputs generated from a model — CAD files, part lists, material lists, cut lists, drawings, configuration records, or fabrication notes.
Systems terms
SystemA structured way to create a family of physical objects — includes parts, parameters, rules, constraints, materials, examples, and outputs.View Systems →
Open DesignThe flexible Axle Keys System for early concepts, one-off objects, imported model cleanup, and configurable forms that don't yet belong to a stricter build method.
Cabinet SystemsThe Axle Keys System for casework, closets, built-ins, shelving, storage, and panel-based objects.
T-Slot SystemsThe Axle Keys System for aluminum extrusion frames, carts, gantries, fixtures, enclosures, workstations, and modular structures.
Parts LibraryA collection of reusable parts that belong to a System — cabinet panels, shelves, doors, extrusion profiles, brackets, plates, connectors, fasteners.
System RulesThe rules that govern how a System works — dimensions, connections, clearances, allowable ranges, part naming, material logic, output behavior, or validation checks.
System ExampleA working model or workflow that demonstrates how a System should be used. Examples help both users and agents follow known patterns.
Model structure terms
PartA named component inside a model — left side, shelf, drawer front, extrusion rail, bracket, panel, connector, back, toe kick. Parts make a model easier to inspect, configure, export, and fabricate.
ParameterAn editable value that controls a model — width, height, depth, shelf count, material thickness, finish, profile size, spacing. Parameters turn static models into configurable models.
Internal ParameterA parameter used by the model or System but not exposed to users — construction offsets, hidden clearances, formula values. Helps the model work but may confuse public users.
Public ParameterA parameter exposed to Exhibition or Showroom visitors — Cabinet Width, Finish, Shelf Count. Should be clear, useful, and customer-friendly.
Default ValueThe starting value for a parameter. Good defaults make a configurable model useful before the user changes anything.
Safe RangeThe allowed range for a parameter. Safe ranges help prevent invalid, broken, or confusing model changes.
MaterialThe physical or visual material assigned to a part or model — plywood, MDF, melamine, aluminum extrusion, acrylic, glass, veneer, laminate, hardware.
FinishThe visible surface treatment or appearance option — white oak, black powder coat, matte white, walnut veneer, brushed aluminum.
AssemblyA group of parts arranged into a larger object — cabinet assembly, T-slot frame, cart, enclosure, product display, closet bay.
Output terms
OutputA result generated from a model — 3D previews, CAD files, part lists, cut lists, material lists, drawings, assembly views, configuration records, or export packages.
Part ListA list of parts in a model — may include part names, quantities, dimensions, materials, and notes.
Material ListA list of materials used in a model — sheet goods, hardware, extrusion, panels, finishes, and other required materials.
Cut ListA fabrication-oriented list of parts and dimensions, commonly used for sheet goods, extrusion, or other cut materials. Still requires review before fabrication.
DrawingA 2D representation of a model, part, assembly, or layout. Drawings may support review, fabrication, or communication.
CAD ExportA file exported for use in another CAD, CAM, fabrication, or review tool.
JobA longer-running process inside Axle Keys — export job, validation job, file conversion job, model generation job, repair job.
Review & validation terms
DraftA proposed change that has not yet replaced the live model. Drafts allow agents and users to test meaningful edits before promotion.
ValidateTo check whether a model, draft, parameter change, output, or workflow has errors or warnings. Validation is a check, not a guarantee.
Validation ReportA report describing the result of validation — build status, errors, warnings, missing parts, parameter issues, output issues, or System-specific notes.
PromoteTo make a validated draft become the live model. Promotion should usually happen after review.
RollbackTo return a project to an earlier version. Helps recover from failed edits, bad agent changes, or broken model states.
RepairA focused attempt to fix a failed model, draft, parameter, or output. Should be narrow and preserve working parts of the model when possible.
Fabrication-AwareA model that includes useful information for making — parts, dimensions, materials, and output structure. Does not mean fabrication-ready.
Fabrication-ReadyA model or output that has been reviewed and approved for a specific fabrication process by someone qualified to build it. Axle Keys is careful with this term.
Publishing terms
PublishTo make a model visible outside the private Studio workspace — to Exhibition, Showroom, or a public link.
Public ModelA model that can be viewed outside the private Studio project. May appear in Exhibition, Showroom, or shared links.
Private ProjectA Studio project that is not publicly visible. Studio projects should be private by default.
Shared LinkA link that allows others to view or access a model depending on permissions. Different from fully public publishing.
UnpublishTo remove a model from a public surface such as Exhibition or Showroom. Behavior may depend on platform policy, backups, or public links.
ForkTo create a separate copy of a model so it can be changed without modifying the original. Part of the future Exhibition/community direction.
RemixTo create a variation based on an existing public model while preserving some relationship or attribution to the original.
Configuration RecordA saved record of selected parameter values. Especially useful in Showroom when a customer submits an inquiry.
Agent & skill terms
AgentA focused role that performs a specific kind of work inside Axle Keys — Project Manager, Design Planner, Parameter Designer, Code Agent, Validator, Repair Agent.Read Agents & Skills →
SkillA reusable packet of knowledge, instructions, rules, examples, or tool guidance that helps an agent work correctly.
Master Skill PackThe startup skill pack that tells an agent how to begin an Axle Keys session — read the active model, load pipeline skills, read existing code, validate before promotion.
Project ManagerThe agent role responsible for orchestration — understands the request, checks context, loads skills, routes tasks, and keeps the workflow organized.
Design PlannerThe agent role responsible for turning a user request into a modeling plan before code or parameter changes are made.
Parameter DesignerThe agent role responsible for deciding which dimensions and options should become editable parameters.
Code AgentThe agent role responsible for writing or updating model code. Should follow the plan, preserve working code, and create changes that can be validated.
ValidatorThe agent role or system process responsible for checking whether a model or draft built correctly and whether warnings should be reported.
Repair AgentThe agent role responsible for fixing failed models, drafts, or validation errors with focused, narrow changes.
Specialist AgentAn agent with domain-specific responsibilities — Visual/Technical/Textual Reference Interpreter, Cabinet Systems specialist, T-Slot Systems specialist.
MCP & API terms
MCPModel Context Protocol — the tool-access layer that lets agents interact with Studio projects through structured tools.Read MCP & API →
APIThe application programming interface for external apps, integrations, embedded workflows, and business systems. Planned to support structured application use cases.
ToolA callable action that an agent or integration can use — read active model, get parameters, create draft, validate draft, promote draft, upload file, run export job.
Tool RoomA group of related tools — Session, Models, Drafts, Parameters, Validation, Files, Jobs, Knowledge.
Read-Only AccessA permission level that allows inspection but not modification.
Draft AccessA permission level that allows creating proposed changes without changing the live model.
Modify AccessA permission level that allows controlled changes to the project.
Publish AccessA permission level that allows changes to public visibility or public model information.
Account AccessA permission level that may affect billing, API keys, account settings, or sensitive permissions. Should always be tightly controlled.
Account terms
CreditsUsage units for actions that cost money to run — AI calls, generation, validation, repair, exports, conversions, MCP/API usage, or other compute-heavy workflows.
AI ConnectorA connection to an AI provider, assistant, model, or external service used inside Axle Keys workflows.
API KeyA key used to authenticate API access. Should be kept private and revoked when no longer needed.
OrganizationA future account structure for businesses, shops, teams, or groups that manage shared projects, billing, Showrooms, permissions, and users.
CollaboratorA user with access to a project, organization, Showroom, or workflow. Collaborators may have different permission levels.
OwnerThe user or organization responsible for a project, Showroom, product, model, or account resource.
Legal & safety terms
Uploaded ContentFiles, text, models, images, drawings, notes, or other materials uploaded by the user. Users are responsible for having rights to upload and use the content.
Generated ContentContent created or assisted by Axle Keys, AI, agents, or platform tools — model code, geometry, descriptions, outputs, summaries, drawings. Generated content requires review.
Public ContentContent intentionally made visible outside private Studio projects — Exhibition models, Showroom pages, public product pages, shared previews, public descriptions.
Fabrication ResponsibilityThe responsibility to review, verify, and approve physical outputs before fabrication, installation, sale, or use. Axle Keys can help prepare information but does not replace professional judgment.
Acceptable UseRules for how the platform may and may not be used. Described in the Legal page.Read Legal →
Every term,
consistent everywhere.
When the same word means the same thing in Studio, Exhibition, Showroom, agent workflows, and documentation, the platform is easier to learn and use.