Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

ABViewer VS OpenSCAD

Compare ABViewer VS OpenSCAD and see what are their differences

ABViewer logo ABViewer

Universal software for working with 2D and 3D formats: AutoCAD DWG, DXF, STEP, IGES, STL, SVG, etc.

OpenSCAD logo OpenSCAD

OpenSCAD is a software for creating solid 3D CAD objects.
  • ABViewer Landing page
    Landing page //
    2021-07-24
  • OpenSCAD Landing page
    Landing page //
    2021-10-19

We recommend LibHunt OpenSCAD for discovery and comparisons of trending OpenSCAD projects.

ABViewer features and specs

  • Multi-format support
    ABViewer supports a wide range of file formats including DWG, DXF, PLT, HPGL, STEP, IGES, STL, SVG, CGM, and others, making it versatile for users working with different CAD files.
  • Advanced editing tools
    The software offers advanced tools for editing both 2D and 3D files, providing users with the capability to make precise changes directly within the viewer.
  • Batch conversion
    ABViewer allows batch conversion of files, saving users time by processing multiple files at once, which is particularly useful for large projects.
  • Measurement tools
    The software includes a comprehensive set of measurement tools that enable users to take accurate measurements and generate reports directly from CAD files.
  • User-friendly interface
    ABViewer has an intuitive and well-organized interface, making it accessible to both beginners and experienced CAD users.

Possible disadvantages of ABViewer

  • Cost
    While ABViewer offers many features, it is a paid software, which might not be suitable for users or small businesses with limited budgets.
  • Learning curve
    Despite having a user-friendly interface, the richness of tools and features may require new users to spend some time learning how to effectively use the software.
  • Limited free version
    The free version of ABViewer may have limited functionality, prompting users to purchase the full version to access all features.
  • Performance issues
    Some users have reported performance issues when working with very large files, which might affect efficiency and workflow.

OpenSCAD features and specs

  • Parametric Design
    OpenSCAD allows for parametric design, meaning that models can be easily adjusted and customized by changing parameters. This makes it highly adaptable for a wide range of applications.
  • Script-based Modeling
    Using a scripting language for modeling allows for precise control and fine-tuning of designs. Users can write scripts to generate complex geometries that may be difficult to achieve through traditional CAD interfaces.
  • Open Source
    Being an open-source software, OpenSCAD is freely available to download, use, and modify. This encourages a community-based approach to development and support.
  • Cross-Platform
    OpenSCAD is available on multiple operating systems including Windows, macOS, and Linux, enabling a wider range of users to access and use the software.
  • No GUI Overhead
    Because OpenSCAD relies on text-based scripting instead of a graphical user interface, it is lightweight and less resource-intensive compared to some other CAD programs.

Possible disadvantages of OpenSCAD

  • Steeper Learning Curve
    Users need to learn the OpenSCAD scripting language, which can be a barrier for those unfamiliar with coding or those coming from traditional CAD software background.
  • Limited GUI
    Unlike other CAD programs that offer extensive graphical tools for creating and modifying models, OpenSCAD has a minimal GUI. This can make it less intuitive for users who prefer visual interaction.
  • Rendering Speed
    Complex models can take a significant amount of time to render, which could be a drawback for users who need quick iterations and immediate visual feedback.
  • Limited Interactivity
    The interactivity in OpenSCAD is relatively limited. Users need to compile or preview their designs frequently to see changes, which can slow down the design process.
  • Fewer Features Compared to Professional CAD Software
    OpenSCAD lacks some advanced features and tools that are found in professional CAD software, limiting its use for certain complex design projects.

ABViewer videos

ABViewer Enterprise 2020

More videos:

  • Review - ABViewer Enterprise 2020 Overview | HOW SOLVE MAKE EASY | Editing and Working On Layers
  • Review - ABViewer 7.4

OpenSCAD videos

Tutorial: Using OpenSCAD To Make Your Wife Happy

More videos:

  • Tutorial - OpenSCAD Tutorial - Beginners Quickstart

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to ABViewer and OpenSCAD)
3D
9 9%
91% 91
CAD
12 12%
88% 88
Architecture
7 7%
93% 93
3D Modeling
6 6%
94% 94

User comments

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Reviews

These are some of the external sources and on-site user reviews we've used to compare ABViewer and OpenSCAD

ABViewer Reviews

We have no reviews of ABViewer yet.
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OpenSCAD Reviews

11 KiCad Alternatives
OpenSCAD is a worldwide 3D CAD modeler that allows skilled programmers and designers to create solid 3D CAD objects in the shortest time feasible. The software works with Windows, Mac OS X, and Linux operating systems. This CAD application's distinguishing feature is that it is based on programming that includes 3D modelling, ready-to-use items and designs, and the ability...
9 Free CAD Software to Download
For those who want to work on the specifics, especially engineers, OpenSCAD is your ideal 3D modeling platform. It does not have interactive modeling for you to design your model, but instead relies more on what you defined in the parameters through the script files.

Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, OpenSCAD seems to be more popular. It has been mentiond 99 times since March 2021. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

ABViewer mentions (0)

We have not tracked any mentions of ABViewer yet. Tracking of ABViewer recommendations started around Mar 2021.

OpenSCAD mentions (99)

  • Visual Explanations of Mathematics
    There is also Joyce's Java Version of Euclid's Elements: https://mathcs.clarku.edu/~djoyce/java/elements/elements.html and I'm still impressed by the custom Unity tools which Freya Holmér uses for her videos: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jvPPXbo87ds Wish Geogebra was both more capable and widely used: https://www.geogebra.org/ That said, these days if I need to plot out something I just use OpenSCAD:... - Source: Hacker News / 4 months ago
  • Powerful, Open-Source, Programmatic CAD
    Or you can download OpenSCAD. https://openscad.org. - Source: Hacker News / 8 months ago
  • Make a thing
    As part of the task, I needed code-based CAD and I found one, probably the most popular out there - Openscad https://openscad.org/. It’s well known solution and definitely the learning curve is more gentle, but also not trivial, especially for more complex shapes. - Source: dev.to / 10 months ago
  • POV-Ray – The Persistence of Vision Raytracer
    If you once enjoyed POV, check out OpenSCAD. It's quite similar in terms of CSG concepts and primitive animation capability, but more useful for getting actual mechanical design work done. https://openscad.org/. - Source: Hacker News / 12 months ago
  • Ask HN: What Underrated Open Source Project Deserves More Recognition?
    There's OpenSCAD, but I don't think it's exactly what you mean https://openscad.org/. - Source: Hacker News / about 1 year ago
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What are some alternatives?

When comparing ABViewer and OpenSCAD, you can also consider the following products

FreeCAD - An open-source parametric 3D modeler

QCAD - QCAD is an application for computer aided drafting in 2D.

LibreCAD - An open source 2D CAD application for Windows, Apple and Linux.

BRL-CAD - BRL-CAD: Open Source Solid Modeling

KiCad - A Cross Platform and Open Source Electronics Design Automation Suite

SketchUp - 3D for Everyone