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Autodesk Tinkercad VS OpenSCAD

Compare Autodesk Tinkercad VS OpenSCAD and see what are their differences

Autodesk Tinkercad logo Autodesk Tinkercad

Tinkercad is a super easy-to-use, browser based 3D design tool.

OpenSCAD logo OpenSCAD

OpenSCAD is a software for creating solid 3D CAD objects.
  • Autodesk Tinkercad Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-05-08
  • OpenSCAD Landing page
    Landing page //
    2021-10-19

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

Autodesk Tinkercad features and specs

  • User-Friendly Interface
    Tinkercad offers an intuitive and easy-to-use interface, making it accessible for beginners and those with little to no experience in 3D design.
  • Cloud-Based
    Since Tinkercad is available as a cloud-based application, users can access their projects from any device with an internet connection, promoting flexibility and convenience.
  • Educational Resources
    Tinkercad provides a wealth of tutorials, guides, and resources that are designed to help users learn and improve their 3D modeling skills.
  • Free to Use
    Tinkercad is completely free, making it an economical choice for hobbyists, educators, and students.
  • Integration with 3D Printing
    The software is equipped with features that make it easy to create models that can be directly used for 3D printing, fostering hands-on learning and rapid prototyping.
  • Collaboration Features
    Tinkercad supports collaboration, allowing multiple users to work on the same design project simultaneously, which is ideal for educational and team-based environments.
  • Versatile Design Tools
    Despite its simplicity, Tinkercad offers various design tools that enable users to create complex and detailed models.

Possible disadvantages of Autodesk Tinkercad

  • Limited Advanced Features
    While Tinkercad is powerful for basic and intermediate 3D designs, it lacks the advanced features and toolsets found in more professional CAD software, which can be limiting for experienced users.
  • Relies on Internet Connection
    As a cloud-based tool, Tinkercad requires a stable internet connection to access and save projects, which can be a drawback in areas with unreliable internet service.
  • Performance Issues
    Heavy or complex projects can lead to performance issues and slow load times, particularly on less powerful hardware or with slower internet connections.
  • Limited File Import/Export Options
    Tinkercad has a limited range of supported file formats for import and export, which might complicate integration with other design tools or systems.
  • Basic Collaboration Tools
    While collaboration is supported, the tools provided are relatively basic, lacking the rich, advanced features available in other collaborative platforms.
  • Privacy Concerns
    As a cloud service, user designs are stored on Autodesk's servers, which may raise privacy and security concerns for some users.

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.

Analysis of Autodesk Tinkercad

Overall verdict

  • Autodesk Tinkercad is a highly recommended tool for beginners and educators who are interested in exploring 3D design and modeling without the complexity of more advanced software. It offers a solid foundation for learning fundamental design concepts and is a great starting point before transitioning to more advanced CAD programs.

Why this product is good

  • Tinkercad is considered good for several reasons. It is user-friendly, making it an excellent tool for beginners who are just getting started with 3D design and modeling. The platform is web-based, which means it does not require any software installation and can be accessed from any device with an internet connection. Tinkercad's interface is intuitive and straightforward, allowing users to quickly learn the basics of 3D design through drag-and-drop features. It also offers a range of tutorials and resources to help users enhance their skills. Furthermore, Tinkercad supports integration with 3D printing, making it easier for users to bring their digital models to life.

Recommended for

  • Beginners in 3D modeling
  • Educators teaching design and technology
  • Hobbyists interested in 3D printing
  • Young learners exploring STEM concepts

Analysis of OpenSCAD

Overall verdict

  • OpenSCAD is a robust tool, especially if you have a programming background or enjoy algorithmic design. It may not be as intuitive for those accustomed to traditional CAD software interfaces, but its capabilities for parametric modeling make it a valuable tool in the right hands.

Why this product is good

  • OpenSCAD is a script-based 3D CAD modeler that offers a solid platform for those who prefer designing through coding rather than a traditional graphical interface. Its parametric nature allows for precise and customizable 3D models, which is ideal for complex designs.

Recommended for

  • Engineers and designers with programming experience
  • Hobbyists and makers interested in 3D printing
  • Users who prefer parametric and script-based design
  • Projects requiring precision and repetitive patterning

Autodesk Tinkercad videos

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OpenSCAD videos

Tutorial: Using OpenSCAD To Make Your Wife Happy

More videos:

  • Tutorial - OpenSCAD Tutorial - Beginners Quickstart

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Autodesk Tinkercad and OpenSCAD)
3D
31 31%
69% 69
Architecture
32 32%
68% 68
3D Modeling
35 35%
65% 65
CAD
22 22%
78% 78

User comments

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Reviews

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

Autodesk Tinkercad Reviews

10 Best Cinema 4D Alternatives for 3D Animation in 2024
TinkerCAD is a great desire for beginners, students, and anybody who desires to learn the fundamentals of 3-D Animation, 3-D modelling and electronics in a user-friendly environment. Its free plans, educational resources, and intuitive interface make it a top-notch option for these innovative fields.
10 Best Blender Alternatives: An Overview
In the vast spectrum of 3D Modelling software, TinkerCAD carves its own niche as one of the alternatives to Blender by emphasising accessibility. A web-based application developed by Autodesk, TinkerCAD removes the barriers to 3D Design with its beginner-centric approach. It’s not just a tool; it’s an invitation for everyone irrespective of age or technical prowess to enter...
Looking for a SketchUp alternative? Check out the 10 best options
Tinkercad is a browser-based program specifically designed for 3D printing and CAD beginners. With a drag-and-drop interface and library of basic shapes pre-made for you, it’s great for the beginner 3D printer enthusiast.
Source: all3dp.com

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

OpenSCAD might be a bit more popular than Autodesk Tinkercad. We know about 99 links to it since March 2021 and only 75 links to Autodesk Tinkercad. 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.

Autodesk Tinkercad mentions (75)

  • Extreme Pi Boot Optimization
    No OS. There's just a setup() function and a main loop() that runs forever. It's really really fun, at least to my brain. If you want to see how it works without spending any money, TinkerCAD (https://tinkercad.com) will let you layout, program, and simulate an Arduino. They're somewhat less powerful than the ESP32 CAM proposed to replace this, but it's a good way to "dip your feet" in programming and wiring up... - Source: Hacker News / 9 months ago
  • Need advice on Arduino projects and programming
    In addition to the other great suggestions here I wanted to point out that you can practice and learn a lot for free using an online simulator such as wokwi.com and tinkercad.com (among others)! And you don't have to buy an Arduino or any parts to get started! Source: over 1 year ago
  • Arduino calender clock project
    And you can prototype all of this first to get it working for free using an online simulator at sites like wokwi.com or tinkercad.com! Source: over 1 year ago
  • I’m not a mechanic, but I just rolled these guys out of my shop for a cat show I was vending at.
    Hit up tinkercad.com and you can start making things right away. My first design was there and it probably took 5 minutes for the prototype, then 15 minutes to tweak measurements. Really easy (and free) to dive in by doing. Once you nail that, you can get Fusion360 (also free for personal use) or a number of others. Source: almost 2 years ago
  • Anyone know where I can find an STL for record player Stitch?
    When it comes to somewhat simple designs like this, I use tinkercad.com - it's a realllly basic drawing CAD web interface and you can make some pretty great stuff with it with a little creativity. Source: about 2 years ago
View more

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 / 9 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 / 11 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 / over 1 year ago
View more

What are some alternatives?

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

Blender - Blender is the open source, cross platform suite of tools for 3D creation.

FreeCAD - An open-source parametric 3D modeler

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

Onshape - Onshape is the first full-cloud 3D CAD system. It runs in a web browser and on any mobile device.

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

SketchUp - 3D for Everyone