A simpler, browser-based alternative to KCD — with AI and a lower entry price.
KCD has been a staple for custom kitchen and bath shops for years. Cabora is intentionally simpler — designed to be useful from the first session, in a browser, on a Mac, Windows machine, or iPad. For hobbyists, DIYers, solo makers, and small shops who want a faster on-ramp at a lower price.
KCD is a long-established Windows cabinet-design suite with four published tiers, from $99/mo (Designer) up to $1,995 startup plus $295/mo (Commander). Cabora is the simplest tool in the category, browser-native and starting at $15/mo. We don't match KCD's depth — we don't try to. What we offer is something different: a tool that's productive in the first hour, on any device, with AI in the design loop. The right pick if you're a hobbyist, DIYer, solo maker, or small shop that values simple and cheap over deep.
How the two compare
| Feature | Cabora | KCD |
|---|---|---|
| Runs in the browser | Yes | No — Windows desktop |
| Entry-level monthly price | $15/mo (Maker) | $99/mo (Designer) |
| Published pricing tiers | $15 · $49 · $149 / mo | $99 · $128 · $168 / mo, plus Commander ($1,995 startup + $295/mo) |
| Sign up and use today | Yes — 14-day free trial | Order online; Windows install required |
| Parametric cabinet types | 21 types, configurable | Extensive library |
| Grain-locked cut optimization | Built in | Built in |
| Client-ready PDF proposals | Included | Included |
| AI Copilot / Advisor | Yes, across plans | Not in core product |
| Photorealistic AI renders | Yes, on Studio and above | Add-on / third-party |
| CNC machining integration | DXF/CSV cut list export | Commander — one-button CNC machining |
| Cloud save + client share links | Yes | File-based |
| Works on Mac or iPad | Yes | No |
| Software updates | Automatic — new features ship to all users | Manual download; major versions often a paid upgrade |
Details about KCD are based on publicly available information and may not reflect the latest release. Have a correction? Let us know.
Why teams switch to Cabora
Always on the latest version.
Every update ships automatically — no download, no reinstall, no paid upgrade cycle. When we release a new feature, you have it the same day.
Lower cost of entry.
Cabora Maker starts at $15/mo — well below KCD Designer at $99/mo. Scale up to Studio ($49) or Shop ($149) as you grow, without a four-figure startup fee.
A UI designed this decade.
Clean drag-and-drop layout, live 3D, and keyboard shortcuts that match modern design tools.
AI baked in, not strapped on.
Copilot suggests layouts, Advisor flags material and cost issues, Optimizer improves sheet yield — all in the same app.
Client share links.
Send a link, not a 40MB file. Clients review on phone or laptop; feedback comes back in context.
When to stay on KCD
We want every signup to be a good fit. If any of these describe your shop, KCD is probably still the better tool for you:
- Production shops relying on KCD Commander's deep CNC machining integration.
- Teams with multi-year KCD libraries of custom cabinet construction standards they don't want to rebuild.
- Shops that need every feature in KCD's catalog — Cabora is intentionally simpler.
- Operations on Windows-only IT infrastructure with no need for Mac, iPad, or browser access.
KCD is a solid desktop product with a long track record. Cabora is for the hobbyist, DIYer, solo maker, or small shop that wants the simplest possible cabinet design tool, in a browser, on any device — and is willing to give up some of KCD's depth in exchange for being productive on day one.