CadQuery

Spec sheet

Purpose

CadQuery is an open-source Python library for building parametric 3D CAD models as code.Read 11 Oct 2026 · cadquery.github.io

Intended users

The project presents script-based modeling in a standard programming language as an approach for people who want customizable models and versionable, shareable code.Read 11 Oct 2026 · cadquery.github.io

Platforms

CQ-editor downloads are listed for Linux x86_64, macOS ARM64, and Windows x86_64.Read 11 Oct 2026 · cadquery.github.io

Free plan

YesRead 22 Sep 2026 · cadquery.github.io

3D print export

YesRead 22 Sep 2026 · cadquery.github.io

Compatibility limit

The pip installation supports Python 3.9 and newer, while bleeding-edge Python versions may be affected by dependency support lag.Read 11 Oct 2026 · cadquery.readthedocs.io

Geometry engine

CadQuery’s lower-level API exposes Python bindings to the Open CASCADE Technology libraries through OCP.Read 11 Oct 2026 · cadquery.readthedocs.io

Graphical editor

CQ-editor is a graphical editor for CadQuery scripts, and its debugger can visualize operations step by step.Read 11 Oct 2026 · cadquery.github.io

Import and export limits

CadQuery does not support importing or exporting formats that carry parametric data; its own Python format is the only fully parametric format described.Read 11 Oct 2026 · cadquery.readthedocs.io

Installation

CadQuery can be installed with conda or pip; its documentation calls conda the better tested and more mature option.Read 11 Oct 2026 · cadquery.readthedocs.io

Jupyter integration

CadQuery works with Jupyter, where models can be rendered in the browser and viewed interactively in a notebook.Read 11 Oct 2026 · cadquery.readthedocs.io

Model outputs

The documentation lists STEP, AMF, 3MF and STL among supported output formats.Read 11 Oct 2026 · cadquery.readthedocs.io

Modeling features

The documentation describes a fluent Workplane API, selectors for choosing geometry, and assemblies that can be nested and constrained.Read 11 Oct 2026 · cadquery.readthedocs.io

Parametric modeling

Its goals include creating parametric models that end users can customize.Read 11 Oct 2026 · cadquery.readthedocs.io

Platform access

desktopRead 22 Sep 2026 · cadquery.github.io

Project maintainer

The project site says CadQuery is maintained by the CadQuery organization.Read 11 Oct 2026 · cadquery.github.io

Render engine

built-inRead 22 Sep 2026 · cadquery.github.io

Plans and prices

Every CadQuery plan and price →

Where Specifiction places it

• 3D modeling software#75 of 1478.0