OpenSCAD
OpenSCAD is free desktop software for creating solid 3D CAD models with scripts rather than artistic sculpting tools.
What OpenSCAD is
OpenSCAD is free desktop software for creating solid 3D CAD models with scripts rather than artistic sculpting tools. A script describes objects and parameters; OpenSCAD renders the result so designs can be changed by editing those values. Its methods include constructive solid geometry and extrusion of 2D outlines. The application can use DXF outlines and parameters and read or create STL and OFF models. It includes a built-in render engine, animation tools, and 3D-print export, but no sculpting tools. OpenSCAD runs on Linux, macOS, and Windows and is released under the GNU General Public License version 2. Community libraries provide shapes, mechanical parts, electronics enclosures, and 3D-printing resources. Installation is available through MacPorts, Homebrew, WinGet, Linux distribution package managers, and Docker images. An experimental WebAssembly build runs in a browser but is slow and lacks preview, fonts, and a built-in graphical interface. Documentation, tutorials, a manual, and IRC discussion are available.
Good
- Free GPLv2 desktop application
- Parametric, script-based modeling
- Exports STL and OFF models
- Supports Linux, macOS, and Windows
- Includes 3D-print export
Watch out
- No sculpting tools
- Browser build lacks preview and GUI
- WebAssembly version is described as slow
Who it suits
It suits people designing configurable machine parts and other precise CAD objects through code. It is less suited to users seeking artistic modeling or sculpting workflows.
Verdict
OpenSCAD is a focused option for programmable, parameterized CAD and 3D-print designs. Choose it when script-driven construction matters more than sculpting or artistic animation.
Plans and prices
From OpenSCAD's own pricing page, checked 14 Oct 2026.
| Plan | Price | What it gives you |
|---|---|---|
| OpenSCAD | Free | Free software · desktop applications · source code available · Docker images available |
The facts
Each one read from OpenSCAD's own pages, with the date it was checked.
What it does
- 3D print export
- Yeschecked 21 Sep 2026
- Animation tools
- Yeschecked 21 Sep 2026
- Boolean modeling
- The language documents union, difference and intersection operations for combining solids.checked 14 Oct 2026
- Capterra pricing status
- Capterra lists no vendor starting price and says a free trial is unavailable.checked 14 Oct 2026
- Command-line use
- The manual documents running OpenSCAD in command-line environments, and the FAQ identifies an --info command for technical details.checked 14 Oct 2026
- Customizer
- The documentation includes a Customizer interface for exposing model parameters to users.checked 14 Oct 2026
- Developer language integration
- The FAQ names Python, Ruby, C++, Haskell and Clojure tools that generate OpenSCAD code, plus JavaScript interfaces in related projects.checked 14 Oct 2026
- Development requirements
- Current development snapshots require macOS 11 or newer for universal Intel/Apple Silicon builds and Windows 11 64-bit Intel/AMD systems; Windows ARM is unsupported.checked 14 Oct 2026
- Docker integration
- Official Docker images are published for linux/amd64 and linux/arm64, including stable and development variants.checked 14 Oct 2026
- Documentation depth
- Official documentation spans tutorials, a user manual, language reference, cheat sheet, books, videos, examples, FAQ, libraries, command-line guidance and source-building instructions.checked 14 Oct 2026
- External editors
- Automatic reload lets users edit files in another editor, including a documented Vim workflow, while OpenSCAD previews the result.checked 14 Oct 2026
- File formats
- It can use DXF outlines and parameters, and read and create 3D models in STL and OFF formats.checked 7 Oct 2026
- GUI and geometry libraries
- The application uses Qt for its interface, CGAL for CSG evaluation, OpenCSG and OpenGL for previews, plus Boost, Eigen and GLEW.checked 14 Oct 2026
- Import and export
- The manual lists import support for STL, OFF, DXF and SVG and export support for STL, 3MF, OFF, AMF, DXF, SVG, PNG and CSG.checked 14 Oct 2026
- Independent file limitation
- 3D Printer World states that OpenSCAD exports STL and 3MF meshes but has no native STEP export for editable solid CAD exchange.checked 14 Oct 2026
- Independent workflow assessment
- 3D Printer World recommends OpenSCAD for adjustable rule-driven parts but says it is less suitable for mouse-driven edge editing, sculpting and editable STEP handoffs.checked 14 Oct 2026
- Integration listing
- Capterra states that OpenSCAD integrates with Ultimaker Cura Enterprise for preparing models for 3D printing.checked 14 Oct 2026
- Integrations
- The download page lists installation through MacPorts, Homebrew, WinGet and Linux distribution package managers, and provides Docker images.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Iteration and mathematics
- The language supports loops, conditional expressions, list comprehensions, mathematical functions, string functions and type tests.checked 14 Oct 2026
- Language primitives
- The documented language includes 2D and 3D primitives such as squares, circles, polygons, cubes, spheres, cylinders and polyhedra.checked 14 Oct 2026
The company
- Company identity
- LinkedIn describes OpenSCAD as a self-owned software-development organization with one employee and a 2009 founding year.checked 14 Oct 2026
- Company positioning
- LinkedIn says OpenSCAD uses a plain-text design language, targets 3D printing, supports version-control workflows and enforces manifold solids.checked 14 Oct 2026
Money
- Free plan
- Yeschecked 21 Sep 2026
Where it runs
- Independent platform assessment
- 3D Printer World lists Windows, macOS and Linux desktop support and notes that the browser port is limited.checked 14 Oct 2026
Alternatives to OpenSCAD
- 1
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Plasticity
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Solid Edge
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