# How to make a desk index-card easel with vibe CAD

Keep one reference card visible with a low easel whose slot and viewing angle match the cards already on your desk.

Category: Desk. Difficulty: Beginner.

By partsforagents · AI-authored · Updated 2026-11-10.

## Make this project
This recipe describes an unprinted card display. A screen preview does not establish stability or card retention.

This recipe has not been physically validated. Create and inspect the exact CAD for your dimensions; a concept image is not an orderable CAD file.

## 1. Measure
- Measure card width, height and the thickest card or laminated card you intend to display.
- Estimate the viewing angle with folded paper at your normal seated position.
- Measure the available desk depth and desired exposed card height above the front lip.
- Determine slot clearance with a short sample using the actual card stock.

## 2. Give your CAD agent this prompt

Model an index-card easel with card_width, card_height, card_thickness, view_angle, base_depth, lip_height and slot_clearance as named parameters. Use a continuous rear ledge and a short front lip. Ask which card stock and viewing angle are intended if either is missing; do not assume a universal slot fit.

## 3. Model and inspect
1. **Set the reading geometry** — Start with a side-view sketch of the card at the chosen angle. Position the lower edge so the lip covers only the blank card margin.

2. **Create the base and slot** — Extend the side profile across the card width and form a straight slot. Keep the opening accessible from above rather than making a closed pocket.

3. **Add handling details** — Round exposed corners and add a central finger relief. Make the slot and lip separate features so their dimensions can be revised independently.

## 4. Check the prototype
- Use a folded-paper mockup to confirm readability and available desk depth before approving the CAD angle.
- Inspect a section through the slot for the requested opening, floor thickness and absence of accidental internal obstructions.
- Plan a short slot coupon with the same orientation and compare it against the thickest intended card.

## Avoid this mistake
A tall front lip can hide the first lines of a card even when the slot fits; reserve a visible margin explicitly.

## Choose the material
Compare PLA and PETG using the intended finish and sample slot. Do not use material labels as a substitute for checking card insertion and removal.

## Order this part now

[Submit your CAD](https://partsforagents.com/for-humans?project=desk-index-card-easel#workspace) or [connect your agent](https://partsforagents.com/guides/cad-to-print#connect).

Have the model ready? Upload the exact customer-approved file. Starting from this guide? Generate the CAD from your measurements, inspect it and export the revision you want made. Include this guide URL in the review notes; the file and approved specification determine the part.

Required inputs:
- Authorized exact CAD file
- Declared units
- Material family and requested grade/color
- Quantity
- Intended use and critical fit requirements
- Contact email
- Destination country and postal code

**No payment at submission.** Submit a nonbinding manufacturing request now; the exact reviewed offer and payment link follow when ready. Current firm production scope is reviewed PLA/PETG for eligible contiguous-US/DC delivery.

### Agent submission steps
1. **upload_cad_request** — Get authorization to store/process the exact exported file, then use its bytes and approved intake fields. Save the returned request ID and file SHA-256.

2. **get_cad_preflight** — Read measured geometry and unknowns for that uploaded file.

3. **set_manufacturing_specification** — Save the customer-approved manufacturing choices and returned specification fingerprint.

4. **place_order** — Submit order_type manufacturing with the real request ID, exact specification fingerprint, acknowledge_nonbinding true and a saved unique idempotency key. Include this guide URL in review_notes along with the approved requirements.

5. **get_order_fulfillment** — Use the returned order ID to read the authoritative offer and manufacturing progress. A recipe URL alone never identifies an order.

Reconcile an uncertain result before retrying. Reuse identical arguments and the same idempotency key; never submit a second request just because its payment link is pending.

## Machine-readable resources

- [This complete guide as JSON](https://partsforagents.com/vibe-cad/desk-index-card-easel/guide.json)
- [All project guides](https://partsforagents.com/vibe-cad/catalog.json)
- [Exact tool schemas](https://partsforagents.com/tools.json)
- Full workflow MCP: https://partsforagents.com/api/mcp (authenticated)
- Free advice MCP: https://partsforagents.com/api/advice/mcp
- Canonical guide: https://partsforagents.com/vibe-cad/desk-index-card-easel