A browser-based alternative to KCD — with AI, cloud save, and a lower entry price.
KCD has been a staple for custom kitchen and bath shops for years. If the desktop-only workflow, higher starting price, or dated UX is holding you back, Cabora is built for the shop that wants the same output on modern infrastructure.
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 a cloud-native alternative starting at $29/mo, with AI assistance, a modern UI, and the same core output — cabinets, cut lists, and client proposals — running in any browser on any OS.
How the two compare
| Feature | Cabora | KCD |
|---|---|---|
| Runs in the browser | Yes | No — Windows desktop |
| Entry-level monthly price | $29/mo (Maker) | $99/mo (Designer) |
| Published pricing tiers | $29 · $99 · $249 / 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 $29/mo — roughly a third of KCD Designer at $99/mo. Scale up to Studio ($99) or Shop ($249) 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.
KCD is a solid desktop product with a long track record. Cabora is for the shop that would rather pay monthly, work from anywhere, and have AI help with the grunt work — without losing parametric cabinets, cut lists, or client-ready documents.