AI disclosure policy & requirements
Cad Crowd welcomes AI as part of a professional design workflow. What we require is transparency and real engineering work behind every entry. This article explains what you must disclose, what every submission must include, and what happens if the policy is violated.
🚀 In this article
Does this policy apply to me?
This policy applies to all design contest submissions on Cad Crowd. Hire direct contracts and hourly engagements are governed by the terms you agree with your client, but we require the same transparency and AI disclosure there.
What counts as AI use?
You must disclose use of:
- AI images: AI image generators (Midjourney, DALL-E, Stable Diffusion, Claude, ChatGPT, etc.) for concept art, renders, or presentation imagery
- AI CAD & 3D tools: AI CAD or geometry tools that generate 3D models, surfaces, or engineering content
- AI text: AI-generated text used in submitted design documentation or specifications
You do not need to disclose standard automation built into professional CAD software (non-AI) – parametric modeling, simulation, or native generative design features in tools like SolidWorks or Fusion 360 are part of normal professional workflows.
If you’re unsure whether something requires disclosure, disclose it. Disclosure never counts against you.
What are the requirements?
1. Disclose your AI use. If AI played any role in your entry, check the AI Disclosure box when submitting and briefly explain how it was used (e.g., “Concept renders generated with Midjourney; all CAD modeling done manually in SolidWorks”). Disclosed use of AI will never disqualify you on its own.
Example disclosure:
I used Midjourney to generate three initial concept images to explore the overall form and stance of the device. From those references, I built the complete 3D model manually in SolidWorks, including all mechanical components (frame, folding hinge assembly, wheel mounts, and adjustable handle mechanism). Dimensions, tolerances, and material selections are my own engineering work based on the contest brief. The final presentation renders were produced in KeyShot from my SolidWorks model – no AI was used for the renders or the CAD files. ChatGPT was used to proofread the written design summary.
2. Submit real CAD files. Every entry must include original, editable design files in the format requested by the contest brief (STEP, SolidWorks, Fusion 360, etc.). AI-generated images without supporting CAD work are not valid submissions and are ineligible to win – no matter how they place visually.
What happens if I don’t disclose?
Undisclosed use of AI is a serious violation of platform integrity and will result in account suspension. Cad Crowd is a marketplace built on verified professional skill, and clients need to trust that what they’re awarding reflects genuine engineering work.
Our team reviews all violations before taking action. If you believe your account was suspended in error, contact support to request a review.
How do I report a suspected violation?
If you believe a contest entry uses undisclosed AI or lacks the required CAD files, use the Report Contest option on the contest page or contact support. Include specifics where possible – which entry, and what you observed. Our team investigates reports; reporting an entry does not guarantee action, and false or bad-faith reports may themselves be reviewed.
Why this policy?
Clients come to Cad Crowd for manufacturable, production-ready designs – not just attractive renders. Disclosure keeps the playing field fair for the skilled professionals competing here and ensures every winning entry can actually be built.
