A new computer aided manufacturing (CAM) process uses two dimensional weave matrixes to generate two and three dimensional woven fabrics automatically. The CAM system groups the two dimensional weaves into regular and ireegular weaves, allowing the system to treat them separately. When the parameters of a type of weave are specified, the CAM system automatically generates a two dimensional binary weave matrix that can be used as a lifting plan to control the shedding operation for looms with electronic shedding systems. The system easily fits into existing woven textile computer aided design systems. 7 refs.