Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

picoCAD VS Structure Synth

Compare picoCAD VS Structure Synth and see what are their differences

picoCAD logo picoCAD

A game jam from 2021-03-05 to 2021-03-11 hosted by Munro & Johan Peitz. Make something in picoCAD, the latest and greatest low-poly pixel-art 3D modeler. No prior 3D experience required. All skill levels welcome! Theme Bui...

Structure Synth logo Structure Synth

Structure Synth is a tool for creating 3D structures from a set of user specified rules.
  • picoCAD Landing page
    Landing page //
    2022-06-06
  • Structure Synth Landing page
    Landing page //
    2018-10-06

picoCAD features and specs

  • Accessibility
    picoCAD is designed to be beginner-friendly and accessible, allowing users with no prior experience in 3D modeling to easily create simple models.
  • Affordability
    Being an inexpensive or occasionally free tool available on platforms like itch.io, picoCAD provides an affordable way for hobbyists to explore 3D modeling.
  • Focus on Creativity
    With its limitations in complexity, picoCAD encourages users to focus more on creativity and originality rather than on technical mastery.
  • Community Engagement
    The picoCAD community, including events like jams, fosters collaboration and inspiration among users who share their work and techniques.
  • Lightweight Software
    picoCAD does not require intensive hardware resources, which makes it accessible to use on most computers without high-performance specifications.

Possible disadvantages of picoCAD

  • Limited Features
    The simplicity of picoCAD comes with limited features compared to more advanced 3D modeling software, which can hinder those looking for more complexity.
  • Basic Rendering
    The tool's rendering capabilities are quite basic, which may not meet the expectations of users who require high-quality visual outputs.
  • Low Fidelity
    picoCAD is not suitable for creating detailed or highly realistic models due to its intentionally low-fidelity design constraints.
  • Learning Plateau
    While picoCAD is easy to learn, advanced users might find that they quickly reach a plateau where they cannot further develop their skills within the tool.
  • File Export Limitations
    The ability to export models for use in other programs is limited, which may be a drawback for users wanting to integrate picoCAD in more complex workflows.

Structure Synth features and specs

  • Generative Design
    Structure Synth allows users to create complex 3D structures using simple rule-based algorithms, enabling generative design that can result in unique and intricate patterns.
  • Open Source
    Being open-source, Structure Synth is free to use and modify, which encourages community contribution and fosters innovation.
  • Scriptable Environment
    The software provides a scripting language called 'ESL', allowing users to define their structures programmatically, catering to the needs of advanced users who prefer code-based design.
  • Cross-Platform
    Structure Synth is available on multiple platforms, including Windows, macOS, and Linux, ensuring accessibility for a wide range of users.
  • Export Capabilities
    Users can export their creations in various formats, including 3D file formats like OBJ and X3D, making it easier to integrate with other 3D applications.

Possible disadvantages of Structure Synth

  • Steep Learning Curve
    The scripting and rule-based approach can be challenging for beginners who are not familiar with programming or algorithmic design.
  • Limited Documentation
    The official documentation is somewhat limited, which may make it difficult for new users to fully utilize all features without community support.
  • Outdated Interface
    The user interface may feel outdated, lacking the polish and user experience improvements found in more modern software.
  • Sparse Community
    Compared to more popular 3D modeling tools, Structure Synth has a smaller user community, which can limit the availability of tutorials, forums, and shared resources.
  • Performance Limitations
    Complex and large structures can be performance-intensive, potentially leading to slow processing times or difficulty in rendering on less powerful hardware.

Analysis of picoCAD

Overall verdict

  • picoCAD is a good tool for those looking to dip their toes into 3D modeling without a steep learning curve. It offers a fun, informal introduction to the basics of creating 3D models and can be enjoyed by hobbyists and creatives looking for an easy-to-understand platform. However, its limited features may not be suitable for professional use or for those seeking advanced modeling options.

Why this product is good

  • picoCAD is appreciated for its simplicity and accessibility, making it a great tool for beginners who want to get into 3D modeling. It runs directly in your browser and is quite minimalistic, which allows users to focus on the fundamentals of 3D design without getting overwhelmed by complex features. The community around picoCAD is also active, often sharing tips, tutorials, and showcasing creative projects, which can be inspiring and educational for new users.

Recommended for

  • Beginners who want to learn 3D modeling basics
  • Artists looking for a quick and simple tool for prototyping
  • Teachers seeking an educational tool to introduce students to 3D design
  • Game developers interested in creating low-poly models
  • Hobbyists who enjoy experimenting with new creative tools

picoCAD videos

picoCAD -- A Tiny Modeller For Tiny Models

More videos:

  • Review - Making a Character in picoCAD | TMNT Metalhead

Structure Synth videos

3D Printing impossible geometries with Structure Synth

More videos:

  • Review - structure synth
  • Review - Structure Synth and Blender movie

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to picoCAD and Structure Synth)
3D
66 66%
34% 34
3D Modeling
81 81%
19% 19
Game Development
64 64%
36% 36
Game Engine
57 57%
43% 43

User comments

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Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, Structure Synth should be more popular than picoCAD. It has been mentiond 7 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.

picoCAD mentions (1)

  • The Four Seasons in #picoCAD
    There's been a bunch of jams on itch.io where you can download entries to see directly how they were done. (https://itch.io/jam/picocad-jam, https://itch.io/jam/picocad-jam-9, etc). Source: over 3 years ago

Structure Synth mentions (7)

  • Geotoy โ€“ Shadertoy for 3D Geometry
    Reminds me a lot of the venerable structure synth: https://structuresynth.sourceforge.net/. - Source: Hacker News / about 2 months ago
  • Elliptic Curves as Art
    Interestingly reminds me of what you can do with Structure Synth (https://structuresynth.sourceforge.net/) and Context Free Art (https://www.contextfreeart.org/), perhaps is a mathematical connection between these grammar-based formalism and the elliptic curves. - Source: Hacker News / 4 months ago
  • [1920x1080] Procedural 7x7 Sprites
    Yup! Last update in 2010 but still good ;-) http://structuresynth.sourceforge.net. Source: over 3 years ago
  • [HowTo] CNC - Plywood - Geometric Patterns
    That being said: I am going to unilaterally decide to reinterpret your question as "how do I generate this sort of cool repeating texture for carving" and advise you check out structure synth. Source: almost 4 years ago
  • Algorithmic Botany, Biological Modelling and Visualization Software
    Http://structuresynth.sourceforge.net/ Of course if your bag is big expensive fx workshops like houdini or whatever you probably know what these are already haha. - Source: Hacker News / about 4 years ago
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What are some alternatives?

When comparing picoCAD and Structure Synth, you can also consider the following products

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

Bforartists - Bforartists is a fork of Blender.

Mandelbulb 3D - Mandelbulb 3D is a free software application created for 3D fractal imaging.

SketchUp - 3D for Everyone

Mandelbulber - A 3D fractal renderer.

Sketchfab - Sketchfab is an industrial design software tool is useful for ideation and for beginners in the industrial design field.