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OpenSCAD

Free, script-based solid CAD where you describe models in code.

Open source3D modeling and CAD software
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About OpenSCAD

OpenSCAD takes a different approach from almost every other modeler: instead of drawing interactively, you write a script that describes your object using primitives, transformations and constructive solid geometry operations such as union, difference and intersection, and the program renders the result. That makes models fully parametric and reproducible, easy to version in Git and simple to customise by changing variables, which is why it is popular for 3D-printable parts, enclosures and the customisable designs shared on sites like Printables and Thingiverse. It is not suited to organic shapes or artistic modeling, and complex designs can take a while to render, though newer development builds include a much faster geometry engine. OpenSCAD is free software under the GPL version 2 and runs on Windows, macOS and Linux, with a large community library of modules.

Best for: Programmers and makers designing parametric parts for 3D printing.

Pros and cons

What works

  • Models are plain-text code you can version and parametrise
  • Free and open source
  • Great for customisable 3D-printable parts

Why people leave

  • No interactive modeling
  • Unsuitable for organic or artistic shapes
  • Complex models can render slowly in stable releases

Top OpenSCAD alternatives

See all 4
  1. 1FreeCAD logo
    FreeCAD

    Free parametric CAD with interactive sketches plus Python scripting.

    66.5
  2. 2Zoo Design Studio logo
    Zoo Design Studio

    Code-based CAD with a modern language and an interactive editor side by side.

    62.6
  3. 3SolveSpace logo
    SolveSpace

    Free, lightweight parametric modeler with interactive constraint sketches.

    57.2
  4. 4Tinkercad logo
    Tinkercad

    Browser-based block modeling for beginners who don't want to write code.

    49.1

Why people left OpenSCAD

In reviewers' own words, from reviews of the apps they moved to. These are their opinions, not ours.

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Reviews

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OpenSCAD: common questions

Is OpenSCAD free?

Yes. OpenSCAD is free, open-source software.

Is OpenSCAD open source?

Yes. The source code is on GitHub at openscad/openscad.

What platforms does OpenSCAD run on?

OpenSCAD is available for Windows, macOS and Linux.

What are the best alternatives to OpenSCAD?

The highest-ranked OpenSCAD alternatives right now are FreeCAD, Zoo Design Studio and SolveSpace. See the full ranked list for pricing, platforms and verified facts.

See all 4 OpenSCAD alternatives