Abstract: The present disclosure features methods and systems for direct-parametric interoperability in computer-aided design. Two approaches for developing three-dimensional designs are currently widely used: direct and parametric computer-aided design (CAD) modeling. To combine advantages of both approaches, in one aspect of the present invention, a direct modeling user interface is used for editing a model, allowing intuitive and easy manipulation of geometry, and a parametric geometry engine interprets these manipulations as history-based features to create a construction recipe. Thus, the underlying architecture of the model remains parametric, even though the user may not realize that history and associative relationships are being created and modified during every manipulation. Accordingly, the present invention provides the intuitive WYSIWYG editing of direct CAD modeling, while retaining the powerful features and regenerative capabilities of parametric modelers.