Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

Spline VS 98.css

Compare Spline VS 98.css and see what are their differences

Spline logo Spline

Design tool for 3d web experiences

98.css logo 98.css

A design system for building faithful recreations of old UIs
  • Spline Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-09-03
  • 98.css Landing page
    Landing page //
    2020-04-22

Spline features and specs

  • User-Friendly Interface
    Spline offers a highly intuitive and clean interface that makes it accessible for both beginners and professional designers.
  • Real-Time Collaboration
    Allows multiple users to work on the same design simultaneously, improving teamwork and productivity.
  • Interactivity
    Spline enables users to create interactive 3D designs, which can enhance the user experience in applications or on websites.
  • Web-Based Platform
    Being a web-based platform, it can be accessed from any device with an internet connection, promoting flexibility and convenience.
  • Export Options
    Various export options are available, including the ability to export designs as code or embed them directly into websites.

Possible disadvantages of Spline

  • Performance Issues
    Being web-based, it might have performance limitations when handling very complex or large 3D models compared to dedicated software.
  • Limited Advanced Features
    Might lack some advanced features and tools available in more specialized 3D design software, potentially restricting advanced users.
  • Internet Dependency
    Requires a stable internet connection to be used effectively, which could be a limitation in areas with poor connectivity.
  • File Compatibility
    May not support all file types or formats, which could hinder workflows that involve multiple design tools.
  • Subscription Cost
    Some features might be locked behind a subscription model, which could add to the operational costs for freelancers or small teams.

98.css features and specs

  • Nostalgic Appeal
    98.css provides a nostalgic Windows 98 aesthetic, appealing to users who have an affinity for retro computing and creating a unique visual experience.
  • Lightweight
    The framework is lightweight, making it easy to integrate without significantly increasing page load times.
  • Minimalist Design
    It offers a minimalist and straightforward design, which can be beneficial for projects that require simplicity and less visual clutter.
  • Easy Customization
    While it adheres to a specific retro theme, the CSS can be customized to suit the needs of the developer, allowing for flexible design applications.

Possible disadvantages of 98.css

  • Limited Modern Features
    98.css focuses on replicating the Windows 98 look and feel, which means it lacks support for more modern web design trends and features.
  • Niche Audience
    The retro aesthetic may not appeal to all users and could be inappropriate for certain professional or modern applications.
  • Style Constraints
    The frameworkโ€™s dedication to the Windows 98 aesthetic can limit creativity, making it difficult to diverge from the retro style if project requirements change.
  • Potential Compatibility Issues
    While lightweight, integrating 98.css with other modern frameworks or libraries may cause compatibility issues or require additional workarounds.

Analysis of Spline

Overall verdict

  • Yes, Spline is generally considered a good tool, particularly for those looking to explore 3D design without diving into more complex software packages. Its combination of ease of use, overall functionality, and modern web-based approach makes it a compelling choice for many design tasks.

Why this product is good

  • Spline is recognized for its user-friendly interface and powerful capabilities in creating 3D designs directly in the browser. It integrates essential features like real-time collaboration, animations, physics-based simulation, and a library of pre-built assets, making it accessible for both beginners and experienced designers. Additionally, its ability to export 3D models and animations in various formats helps in diverse applications such as web development and AR/VR projects.

Recommended for

  • Web designers looking to integrate 3D elements into their websites.
  • Graphic designers seeking an efficient tool for creating 3D graphics.
  • Beginners in 3D design due to its intuitive interface and learning resources.
  • Professionals who need to collaborate in real-time on 3D design projects.

Spline videos

Spline 3D Review | Create amazing 3D for the Web!

More videos:

  • Review - First Look at Design Tool for 3D, Spline
  • Review - Harbor Freight 3/8" & 1/2" Spline Drive Socket Set Review

98.css videos

No 98.css videos yet. You could help us improve this page by suggesting one.

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Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Spline and 98.css)
Design Tools
81 81%
19% 19
3D
100 100%
0% 0
Developer Tools
0 0%
100% 100
Productivity
100 100%
0% 0

User comments

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Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, Spline should be more popular than 98.css. It has been mentiond 54 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.

Spline mentions (54)

  • Blender on iPad Is Finally Happening
    There's clara. Been around for 10+ years? https://clara.io/ There's lots of simpler ones or ones for specific needs https://www.figuro.io/ https://www.onshape.com/ https://www.tinkercad.com/ (for 3d printing?) https://sketchup.trimble.com/en/plans-and-pricing/sketchup-free https://spline.design/. - Source: Hacker News / about 1 year ago
  • Top AI 3D Model Generators in 2025: Revolutionizing 3D Creation
    Spline is a real-time 3D design tool with a focus on web interactivity. Its AI features allow users to generate 3D shapes, animations, and scenes directly from text, making it perfect for designers who want to build interactive websites and apps. - Source: dev.to / about 1 year ago
  • Getting Started with Spline ๐ŸŽญ: The Future of 3D Web Design
    3D design is no longer reserved for high-end graphics professionals. With tools like Spline, anyone can create stunning 3D designs right in their browser. Whether you're a web designer looking to add a new dimension to your projects or a developer curious about the possibilities, Spline offers a user-friendly platform to bring your 3D ideas to life. - Source: dev.to / almost 2 years ago
  • Top 15 Tools for Frontend Developers: Optimize Your Workflow
    Spline is a free 3D design software that allows you to create interactive web experiences. With Spline, you can design, animate, and integrate 3D objects into your web pages. This tool is perfect for adding a new dimension to your projects and engaging users with interactive elements. - Source: dev.to / about 2 years ago
  • Most valuable skills in design?
    Before UX, I was an Industrial Designer. I used Solidworks and KeyShot (and some Unreal Engine for Arch Viz). If you don't plan on doing Arch Viz or serious ID, then you should look at other 3D programs that's easier to learn. Check out: https://spline.design/, Adobe's (I forgot which one), or Vectary. I personally prefer Spline. I haven't touched it in awhile though cos I have been coding more lately. Source: over 2 years ago
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98.css mentions (21)

  • llama.cpp
    Wow itโ€™s aggressively vibe coded. Nothing inherently wrong with that, but it looks a bit amateurish which is funny. Iโ€™m still waiting on 98.css to become the standard for vibe coded sites. You donโ€™t have to read docs anyway if youโ€™re just using LLMs! All you have to do is say โ€œuse 98.cssโ€ and you have a 10/10 site https://jdan.github.io/98.css/. - Source: Hacker News / 6 days ago
  • Slightly reducing the sloppiness of AI generated front end
    There's an entire lightweight CSS lib around the Win9x look as well: https://jdan.github.io/98.css/. - Source: Hacker News / 2 months ago
  • Claude Design by Anthropic Labs
    Nothing screams old school more than 98.css https://jdan.github.io/98.css/. - Source: Hacker News / 4 months ago
  • Celebrate 50 years of Microsoft with the company's original source code
    I had never heard of this but it's description for it's git is what I hope and dream for anytime I go look at a project related to or having a GUI. Reference at https://jdan.github.io/98.css/. - Source: Hacker News / over 1 year ago
  • Recreating History: Building a Windows 98 Disk Defrag Simulator with Modern Web Tech
    TailwindCSS: To style the app, along with 98.css for bringing in the Windows 98 aesthetic. - Source: dev.to / about 2 years ago
View more

What are some alternatives?

When comparing Spline and 98.css, you can also consider the following products

Vectary - Vectary is a free, online 3D modeling tool and sharing platform.

Tailwind CSS - A utility-first CSS framework for rapidly building custom user interfaces.

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

Windows95 - Windows 95 in Electron. Runs on macOS, Linux, and Windows.

Polygonjs - Create amazing & interactive 3D scenes for the web

Virtual Windows 98 - Use Windows 98 in your browser