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OpenSCAD

OpenSCAD is a software for creating solid 3D CAD objects.

OpenSCAD

OpenSCAD Reviews and Details

This page is designed to help you find out whether OpenSCAD is good and if it is the right choice for you.

Screenshots and images

  • OpenSCAD Landing page
    Landing page //
    2021-10-19

Features & Specs

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. 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.

Badges & Trophies

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Videos

Tutorial: Using OpenSCAD To Make Your Wife Happy

OpenSCAD Tutorial - Beginners Quickstart

Social recommendations and mentions

We have tracked the following product recommendations or mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you see what people think about OpenSCAD and what they use it for.
  • AI 3D tools need product evals, not benchmark faith
    Official references like OpenSCAD help when your generation target is code-based, because you can often parse, render, and inspect outputs deterministically. That is much safer than evaluating only by screenshot quality. - Source: dev.to / about 1 month ago
  • GenCAD
    Anyone finding this interesting will likely also like OpenSCAD - generate 3D CAD models from code. https://openscad.org/. - Source: Hacker News / about 2 months ago
  • Ask HN: What are your top open source apps/software?
    Love OBS and Blender. Recently started using Kdenlive and it is awesome. Big fan of OpenSCAD[1] and solvespace[2] for making functional 3D prints. I'm going to branch out a bit here and say GrapheneOS is my favorite thing going on right now. [1] https://openscad.org/ [2] https://solvespace.com/index.pl. - Source: Hacker News / 3 months ago
  • I wanted a camera that doesn't exist โ€“ so I built it
    BTW, if you want to design some models for 3D printing but the only thing you know to do is to code, you can use OpenSCAD & program the obejcrs into existence: https://openscad.org/ Also recommend using the BOSL2 library with OpenSCAD - it turnes an already very powerful tool into something insane: https://github.com/BelfrySCAD/BOSL2. - Source: Hacker News / 6 months ago
  • 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 Holmรฉr 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 / over 1 year ago
  • Powerful, Open-Source, Programmatic CAD
    Or you can download OpenSCAD. https://openscad.org. - Source: Hacker News / almost 2 years 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/. Itโ€™s well known solution and definitely the learning curve is more gentle, but also not trivial, especially for more complex shapes. - Source: dev.to / almost 2 years ago
  • POV-Ray โ€“ 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 / about 2 years 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 / over 2 years ago
  • Help for the mentally challenged! I am trying to find easy software to create this drawing and export it as a 3d printer file. And going slightly mad as 3d software is different... Any advice welcome please.
    For something this simple you can use OpenSCAD (https://openscad.org). It's free and pretty easy to learn. Below are the two commands required to produce the solid object indicated by the picture. The application can export anything you create as an STL. Source: over 2 years ago
  • code to design
    Are you asking about something like https://openscad.org which allows you to code your model? An example of its use can be seen in the OpenFlexure project. Source: over 2 years ago
  • Free 3D Modeling Software not web-based?
    I use OpenSCAD. https://openscad.org - it's what the Thingiverse Customizer is based on (and if you upload .scad files to Thingiverse, the Customizer works for your design too). Source: almost 3 years ago
  • Generative AI for 3D Modeling and Printing
    One tool many people use for parametric modeling is OpenSCAD which is very utilitarian and has methods for constructing 3d and 2d geometry (and 3d from 2d such as extrusion). - Source: dev.to / about 3 years ago
  • Just bought my first 3D printer
    OpenSCAD is free and open source. It's great for creating functional parts. Its input .scad files are just plain text files. Source: about 3 years ago
  • Remove text
    Download OpenSCAD from https://openscad.org and that NameTag.scad file from Thingiverse. Open the scad file in OpenSCAD, and use OpenScadโ€™s text editor or Customizer view to replace โ€˜your nameโ€™ hit โ€˜Renderโ€™ then export to STL. Print the STL. Source: about 3 years ago
  • Seeking High-Quality Casino-Grade Four-Sided Dice (d4) in Symmetrical Tetrahedron Shape
    In the open source, cross platform, OpenSCAD, the following makes a regular tetrahedron:. Source: about 3 years ago
  • Tech bro needs hobby suggestion :p
    You'll feel right at home with OpenSCAD ("The programmer's solid 3D CAD modeller). Source: about 3 years ago
  • New Prusa Owner (MK4)
    Yea. Parametric is the right world. That would be very nice to have. Almost every single Parametric model (example) on Printables is on F360 (or the older ones in OpenSCAD - but they haven't done a new release in years now). Source: about 3 years ago
  • Working on a OpenSCAD script to generate lamp shade models, or whatever those are
    It's a CAD modeller, but unlike traditional ones, you have to write code to create models. If that wasn't enough, its using a functional programming language, which takes some time to get used to. See https://openscad.org/. Source: about 3 years ago
  • Program to write measures, and the shape is drawn with proper size
    Paste the following into OpenSCAD and it will do that you want:. Source: about 3 years ago
  • So... What is up with the 0.6mm nozzle?
    OpenSCAD is "Open-source Scripted Computer Aided Design". It's a free software package to design 3D models, and it runs on Windows, MacOS, and Linux. You get it from https://openscad.org/ - there are good tutorials available, it's easy to get started, but harder to get good at it, because there's a learning curve. Source: over 3 years ago

Summary of the public mentions of OpenSCAD

OpenSCAD is a distinctively intriguing entry in the 3D CAD modeling software space, distinguishing itself with a blend of scripting-driven, open-source design capabilities. Positioned alongside competitors such as FreeCAD, LibreCAD, and BRL-CAD, OpenSCAD has cultivated a solid user base, particularly among those who favor a programmatic approach to design over interactive graphical interfaces.

The general sentiment among users of OpenSCAD highlights its effectiveness for technical users, particularly engineers, programmers, and those familiar with coding. It excels in parametric modeling, allowing users to specify parameters directly through scripts, which is beneficial when working on detailed or precise projects. Its reliance on scripting rather than direct manipulative modeling makes it an outlier in the marketโ€”appealing largely to users who prefer or are comfortable with script-based interfaces.

OpenSCAD is recognized for requiring a learning curve, especially for more complex shapes, as users must adapt to functional programming principles. Despite this, many users find the tool's educational value significant, promoting deeper understanding in the computational aspects of 3D modeling. Resources are readily available for learning OpenSCAD, demonstrating its accessibility for those willing to engage with a programming-based approach.

Common praises for OpenSCAD include its compatibility across Windows, MacOS, and Linux platforms, its status as an open-source product, and its capability to support detailed parametric modeling. The softwareโ€™s design philosophy allows for the creation of reusable code, which optimally supports iterative development and customizationโ€”a notable advantage for professionals needing to tweak designs frequently.

Moreover, with its script-based design methodology, OpenSCAD parallels the development experience found in software engineering, enabling programmers to integrate 3D design seamlessly into their workflows. This characteristic resonates well with tech-savvy users who appreciate the precision and repeatability that scripting environments offer.

On the other hand, OpenSCAD is not without its limitations. As a primarily code-focused tool, it lacks the interactive modeling capabilities found in modern-day CAD suites like SolidWorks or SketchUp, which might dissuade users seeking more intuitive, drag-and-drop design environments. Additionally, some users have noted a perceived stagnation in feature updates due to infrequent new releases, potentially placing it at a disadvantage compared to rapidly evolving competitors.

Overall, OpenSCAD's reputation is that of a niche but powerful tool, best suited for those who appreciate and are familiar with programming. It stands as a testament to the power of open-source software, attracting a dedicated community committed to its development and evangelism within the broader CAD ecosystem. Consequently, while it might not cater to the requirements of every designer, its unique approach to 3D modeling remains valuable to those who prefer precision and programmatic control.

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OpenSCAD discussion

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  1. FutureStack avatar
    FutureStack
    ยท about 1 month ago
    ยท Reply

    OpenSCAD is pretty cool because you design 3D models by writing code instead of using a mouse. It is free and works great for making parametric designs where you just change numbers to adjust sizes. I like that it is perfect for people who understand programming and want precise control over their 3D prints. The only downside is it has a learning curve if you are used to normal CAD software with buttons and menus. Overall it is a solid tool for open source hardware and custom parts.

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