Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

FlatFab VS OpenSCAD

Compare FlatFab VS OpenSCAD and see what are their differences

FlatFab logo FlatFab

FlatFab is a graphic designing software that lets you create 3D figures with ease.

OpenSCAD logo OpenSCAD

OpenSCAD is a software for creating solid 3D CAD objects.
Not present
  • OpenSCAD Landing page
    Landing page //
    2021-10-19

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

FlatFab features and specs

  • User-Friendly Interface
    FlatFab offers an intuitive, easy-to-use interface that allows users to create 3D models without extensive prior experience.
  • Real-Time Simulation
    The software provides real-time simulation, enabling users to immediately see how their 3D creations will look and function.
  • Precision and Accuracy
    FlatFab facilitates precise designs, which is beneficial for tasks requiring detailed modeling, such as engineering prototypes.
  • Cost-Effective
    It’s an affordable option for individuals and small businesses looking for a powerful design tool without a hefty price tag.

Possible disadvantages of FlatFab

  • Limited Advanced Features
    While great for beginners, it may lack some advanced features that professional 3D designers require for complex projects.
  • Support and Resources
    There may be a lack of extensive support or community resources available, which can be a hindrance for troubleshooting.
  • Compatibility Issues
    Potential compatibility issues with other more established design software, which might hinder collaborative projects.
  • Learning Curve
    Despite its user-friendly design, there might still be a learning curve for users completely new to 3D modeling.

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 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

FlatFab videos

flatfab

OpenSCAD videos

Tutorial: Using OpenSCAD To Make Your Wife Happy

More videos:

  • Tutorial - OpenSCAD Tutorial - Beginners Quickstart

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to FlatFab and OpenSCAD)
CAD
28 28%
72% 72
3D
15 15%
85% 85
Architecture
13 13%
87% 87
3D Modeling
0 0%
100% 100

User comments

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Reviews

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

FlatFab Reviews

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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 a lot more popular than FlatFab. While we know about 99 links to OpenSCAD, we've tracked only 5 mentions of FlatFab. 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.

FlatFab mentions (5)

  • Lego builds a new Lego set
    Perhaps using something like: http://flatfab.com. - Source: Hacker News / over 1 year ago
  • OpenSCAD Survey - What should be improved ?
    A tool which you may want to investigate is: http://flatfab.com/. Source: over 1 year ago
  • Question for those who use 3D CAD and Lasercutter
    Fusion360 can do all that, and offers the most transferable skills as far as software learning goes (and it's free for hobbyists). If you'd prefer a smaller program that's more fit to purpose, check out http://flatfab.com/. Source: over 1 year ago
  • Looking for a mannequin dxf
    If you get over the aversion to creating your own, you may find the free program at Flatfab to be useful. Source: over 2 years ago
  • Does anyone know of a good alternative to Slicer for Fusion 360? It appears it’s no longer being kept up to date. It seems to cause some minor issues for my models.
    Might totally not be what you're looking for, but have you looked at http://flatfab.com/ ? Source: over 3 years ago

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 / about 1 year ago
View more

What are some alternatives?

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

DXF2papercraft - DXF2papercraft converts a polygonal 3D model stored as DXF file into a plain drawing in the form of...

FreeCAD - An open-source parametric 3D modeler

Pepakura Designer - Pepakura Designer allows you to easily create papercraft models from 3D data you create from your...

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

UV layout - UVLayout is a stand-alone application for the creation and editing of UV texture coordinates for 3D polymeshes and subdivision surfaces.

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