# How to make a keyboard-side note tray with vibe CAD

Make a narrow tray for loose notes in the otherwise awkward space beside a keyboard, with an opening that leaves typing movements clear.

Category: Desk. Difficulty: Beginner.

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

## Make this project
An unvalidated loose-paper organizer for a desk; it does not attach to or support the keyboard.

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 the note stack width, length and current maximum height.
- Record the free desk strip beside the keyboard with its feet in their normal position.
- Trace the area your hand crosses when reaching modifiers, mouse or trackpad.
- Choose a finger recess size by testing a paper outline with the actual note stack.

## 2. Give your CAD agent this prompt

Create a note tray using note_width, note_length, stack_height, available_width, available_depth, rim_height and finger_recess_width. Keep all geometry outside a supplied hand_keepout outline. Ask for missing paper dimensions and keyboard-side clearance. Make the tray freestanding with no clips attached to the keyboard.

## 3. Model and inspect
1. **Place the paper rectangle** — Sketch the note stack and hand keep-out on the same plane. Rotate the stack if that improves access without crossing the typing area.

2. **Form a low rim** — Add a flat base and three shallow walls. Lower the wall facing your hand so a single note can slide out without lifting the stack.

3. **Shape the finger recess** — Cut a broad recess in the accessible edge and soften its corners. Keep a continuous floor beneath the paper corners to avoid snagging loose sheets.

## 4. Check the prototype
- Put the paper footprint beside the keyboard and perform ordinary typing and pointing motions before choosing the final width.
- Review the model from above to ensure every paper corner remains supported by the tray floor.
- Check exported units and compare the outer dimensions with the free desk strip, including keyboard adjustment space.

## Avoid this mistake
Sizing only from the paper rectangle ignores your moving hand; a tray that fits the desk can still interrupt typing.

## Choose the material
PLA or PETG are starting material choices. Inspect a small rim sample for comfortable contact and paper snagging before committing to the full tray.

## Order this part now

[Submit your CAD](https://partsforagents.com/for-humans?project=keyboard-side-note-tray#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/keyboard-side-note-tray/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/keyboard-side-note-tray