Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

MeshLab VS OpenSCAD

Compare MeshLab VS OpenSCAD and see what are their differences

MeshLab logo MeshLab

System for processing and editing 3D triangular meshes, provides a set of tools for editing...

OpenSCAD logo OpenSCAD

OpenSCAD is a software for creating solid 3D CAD objects.
  • MeshLab Landing page
    Landing page //
    2021-10-04
  • OpenSCAD Landing page
    Landing page //
    2021-10-19

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

MeshLab features and specs

  • Open Source
    MeshLab is open-source software, meaning it's free to use and can be modified by anyone. This allows for extensive customization and community-driven enhancements.
  • Comprehensive Processing Tools
    MeshLab offers a wide range of tools for editing, cleaning, healing, inspecting, rendering, and converting meshes, making it a versatile option for 3D model processing.
  • Cross-Platform
    MeshLab is available on multiple platforms including Windows, macOS, and Linux, providing flexibility across different operating systems.
  • Active Community
    The MeshLab community is active, providing support, tutorials, and plugins, which can be beneficial for learning and problem-solving.
  • Support for Multiple File Formats
    MeshLab can import and export numerous 3D file formats, enhancing its compatibility with various 3D modeling tools.

Possible disadvantages of MeshLab

  • Steep Learning Curve
    Due to its extensive feature set, MeshLab can be intimidating, especially for beginners, requiring time to learn and master.
  • Limited Documentation
    Although it has a strong community, MeshLab's official documentation is limited, which can make finding help or tutorials more challenging.
  • Performance Issues with Large Models
    MeshLab can experience performance lags when handling very large and complex models, which may hinder workflow efficiency.
  • User Interface
    Some users may find MeshLab's user interface to be less intuitive or outdated compared to other 3D modeling software.
  • Lack of Advanced Features
    While MeshLab is excellent for basic mesh processing, it may lack some of the advanced features found in professional, paid 3D modeling software.

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

MeshLab videos

Free Photo Scanning Workflow! (VisualSFM and Meshlab)

OpenSCAD videos

Tutorial: Using OpenSCAD To Make Your Wife Happy

More videos:

  • Tutorial - OpenSCAD Tutorial - Beginners Quickstart

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to MeshLab and OpenSCAD)
3D
21 21%
79% 79
Architecture
21 21%
79% 79
3D Modeling
25 25%
75% 75
CAD
14 14%
86% 86

User comments

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Reviews

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

MeshLab Reviews

We have no reviews of MeshLab 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.

MeshLab mentions (0)

We have not tracked any mentions of MeshLab yet. Tracking of MeshLab 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 / 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
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What are some alternatives?

When comparing MeshLab 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.

meshmixer - meshmixer is an experimental 3D modeling tool for making 3D mashups without too much hassle.

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

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