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This thesis examines the possible extent of First Amendment protection for computer assisted design (CAD) files, the pages of code that instruct a 3-D printer on what to print. This thesis draws a comparison between traditional computer code and CAD files, and first asks whether the factors relied upon by courts in determining whether computer code receives First Amendment protection can be applied to CAD files. This thesis also reviews the foundational theories of the First Amendment, and asks whether CAD files fulfill the objectives of the First Amendment under the reasoning of each theory. It concludes by arguing that CAD files should be treated in the same manner as computer code – receiving presumptive protection under the First Amendment, and requiring that any regulation or restriction be content-neutral and narrowly tailored.