Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

Structure Synth VS meshmixer

Compare Structure Synth VS meshmixer and see what are their differences

Structure Synth logo Structure Synth

Structure Synth is a tool for creating 3D structures from a set of user specified rules.

meshmixer logo meshmixer

meshmixer is an experimental 3D modeling tool for making 3D mashups without too much hassle.
  • Structure Synth Landing page
    Landing page //
    2018-10-06
  • meshmixer Landing page
    Landing page //
    2018-09-29

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  • Outdated Interface
    The user interface may feel outdated, lacking the polish and user experience improvements found in more modern software.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.

meshmixer features and specs

  • User-Friendly Interface
    Meshmixer has an intuitive interface that makes it easier for beginners to get started with 3D modeling and sculpting.
  • Versatile Toolset
    It offers a wide array of tools for 3D design, including sculpting, surface smoothing, and mesh mixing.
  • Supports Multiple File Formats
    Meshmixer can import and export various file formats, making it highly versatile for different project needs.
  • Free of Cost
    Meshmixer is available for free, providing access to powerful 3D modeling tools without the need for any investment.
  • Useful for 3D Printing
    The software comes with features specifically designed to assist with 3D printing, including tools for checking an objectโ€™s printability.

Possible disadvantages of meshmixer

  • Performance Limitations
    Meshmixer can become slow or crash when handling complex or highly detailed models.
  • Limited Advanced Features
    While it is good for basic and intermediate tasks, it lacks some advanced features found in more comprehensive 3D modeling software.
  • Learning Curve
    Despite the user-friendly interface, novices may still encounter a learning curve when navigating through the extensive set of tools and options.
  • Windows and Mac Only
    Meshmixer is only available for Windows and Mac, leaving Linux users without access.
  • Occasional Bugs
    Users sometimes encounter bugs and glitches, which can hamper the workflow and necessitate workarounds.

Structure Synth videos

3D Printing impossible geometries with Structure Synth

More videos:

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

meshmixer videos

Playing around in Meshmixer 3.0 - Very Impressed!

More videos:

  • Review - Top 5 Must Know Meshmixer Tricks for 3D Printing - FREE
  • Review - 5 More Reasons you need Meshmixer for your 3D Printing Projects

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Structure Synth and meshmixer)
3D
13 13%
87% 87
Game Development
100 100%
0% 0
Photos & Graphics
0 0%
100% 100
Game Engine
100 100%
0% 0

User comments

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Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, meshmixer should be more popular than Structure Synth. It has been mentiond 13 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.

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
View more

meshmixer mentions (13)

  • Making 3D models 100% solid
    To add a bit to what others are saying. Mesh mixer is sometimes a great tool for some of this. Source: about 2 years ago
  • strange wavy patterns, don't think its z banding
    Ah right. If you can't get the source file, you could try smoothing them out in meshmixer. Source: about 2 years ago
  • Hollowing prints
    The quickest fix I know is to use the free meshmixer. Source: over 2 years ago
  • Editing STL files
    There are programs such as Meshmixer specifically intended to do that, others such as Blender which can do a good job (but beware of missing surfaces or inside-out triangles) and some CAD programs such as Fusion 360 which have the ability to convert meshes. Even Tinkercad can make some changes. It's always better to get a CAD file in a common interchange format such as a STP (STEP) file if you can, though. Source: over 2 years ago
  • All 50+ "Complicated" Autodesk software explained in 12 minutes [Super high effort useful video]
    Meshmixer seems to be no longer in developement, with their integration of similar features with fusion360 according to their site https://meshmixer.com/. Source: over 2 years ago
View more

What are some alternatives?

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

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

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

Sculptris - Sculptris: Enter a world of digital art without barriers.

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...

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

Mandelbulber - A 3D fractal renderer.