OpenSCAD

Spec sheet

What it does

OpenSCAD creates solid 3D CAD models from script files rather than interactive drag-and-drop modeling.Read 14 Oct 2026 · openscad.org

Purpose

OpenSCAD is software for creating solid 3D CAD models, with a focus on CAD rather than artistic modeling.Read 7 Oct 2026 · openscad.org

Platforms

Official stable downloads target macOS, Windows and Linux, with additional BSD packages and source builds for other systems.Read 14 Oct 2026 · openscad.org

Free plan

YesRead 21 Sep 2026 · openscad.org

Integrations

The download page lists installation through MacPorts, Homebrew, WinGet and Linux distribution package managers, and provides Docker images.Read 7 Oct 2026 · openscad.org

Security

The site says releases are signed with GnuPG and provides a public key and fingerprint.Read 7 Oct 2026 · openscad.org

Support

The site directs users to community discussion on IRC, documentation, tutorials and a user manual.Read 7 Oct 2026 · openscad.org

License

OpenSCAD is free software released under the GNU General Public License version 2.Read 14 Oct 2026 · openscad.org

3D print export

YesRead 21 Sep 2026 · openscad.org

Animation tools

YesRead 21 Sep 2026 · openscad.org

Boolean modeling

The language documents union, difference and intersection operations for combining solids.Read 14 Oct 2026 · files.openscad.org

Capterra pricing status

Capterra lists no vendor starting price and says a free trial is unavailable.Read 14 Oct 2026 · capterra.com

Command-line use

The manual documents running OpenSCAD in command-line environments, and the FAQ identifies an --info command for technical details.Read 14 Oct 2026 · files.openscad.org

Company identity

LinkedIn describes OpenSCAD as a self-owned software-development organization with one employee and a 2009 founding year.Read 14 Oct 2026 · linkedin.com

Company positioning

LinkedIn says OpenSCAD uses a plain-text design language, targets 3D printing, supports version-control workflows and enforces manifold solids.Read 14 Oct 2026 · linkedin.com

Customizer

The documentation includes a Customizer interface for exposing model parameters to users.Read 14 Oct 2026 · openscad.org

Developer language integration

The FAQ names Python, Ruby, C++, Haskell and Clojure tools that generate OpenSCAD code, plus JavaScript interfaces in related projects.Read 14 Oct 2026 · files.openscad.org

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.Read 14 Oct 2026 · openscad.org

Docker integration

Official Docker images are published for linux/amd64 and linux/arm64, including stable and development variants.Read 14 Oct 2026 · openscad.org

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.Read 14 Oct 2026 · openscad.org

External editors

Automatic reload lets users edit files in another editor, including a documented Vim workflow, while OpenSCAD previews the result.Read 14 Oct 2026 · files.openscad.org

File formats

It can use DXF outlines and parameters, and read and create 3D models in STL and OFF formats.Read 7 Oct 2026 · openscad.org

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.Read 14 Oct 2026 · openscad.org

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.Read 14 Oct 2026 · files.openscad.org

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.Read 14 Oct 2026 · 3dprinterworld.com

Independent platform assessment

3D Printer World lists Windows, macOS and Linux desktop support and notes that the browser port is limited.Read 14 Oct 2026 · 3dprinterworld.com

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.Read 14 Oct 2026 · 3dprinterworld.com

Integration listing

Capterra states that OpenSCAD integrates with Ultimaker Cura Enterprise for preparing models for 3D printing.Read 14 Oct 2026 · capterra.com

Iteration and mathematics

The language supports loops, conditional expressions, list comprehensions, mathematical functions, string functions and type tests.Read 14 Oct 2026 · files.openscad.org

Language primitives

The documented language includes 2D and 3D primitives such as squares, circles, polygons, cubes, spheres, cylinders and polyhedra.Read 14 Oct 2026 · files.openscad.org

Libraries

The site lists community libraries, including tools for shapes, mechanical parts, electronics enclosures and 3D-printing workflows.Read 7 Oct 2026 · openscad.org

Limit: assemblies and preview

G2 reviewers report weak assembly support, difficult complex components, mesh or boolean errors, and a preview that could be more capable.Read 14 Oct 2026 · g2.com

Limit: editor

G2 reviewers criticize the built-in editor for lacking code completion, live syntax validation and convenient multi-file handling.Read 14 Oct 2026 · g2.com

Limit: learning curve

G2 reviewers describe a programming and mathematics learning curve and say the approach is less suitable for users expecting conventional interactive CAD.Read 14 Oct 2026 · g2.com

Limit: performance

G2 reviewers report slow rendering, including claims that complex designs can take hours and that the CGAL render path is largely single-core.Read 14 Oct 2026 · g2.com

Limit: usability and support

Capterra reviewers cite tedious fillets, a complicated code-first workflow, limited functionality, weak community support and poor suitability for users without programming or mathematical skills.Read 14 Oct 2026 · capterra.com

Maintainer

The site names Marius Kintel as the maintainer and provides an email for general inquiries.Read 7 Oct 2026 · openscad.org

Modeling approach

It reads script files that describe objects and renders 3D models, allowing configurable, parameterized designs.Read 7 Oct 2026 · openscad.org

Modeling method

Its two principal modeling approaches are constructive solid geometry and extrusion of two-dimensional outlines.Read 14 Oct 2026 · openscad.org

Modeling techniques

It supports constructive solid geometry and extrusion of 2D outlines.Read 7 Oct 2026 · openscad.org

Parametric design

Designs can be controlled by configurable parameters so changing dimensions or rules rebuilds related geometry.Read 14 Oct 2026 · openscad.org

Parametric modeling

YesRead 21 Sep 2026 · openscad.org

Platform access

desktopRead 21 Sep 2026 · openscad.org

Praise: parametric coding

G2 reviewers repeatedly praise code-based parametric modeling, reusable modules and libraries, version-control friendliness, and suitability for rapid prototyping.Read 14 Oct 2026 · g2.com

Praise: simplicity and value

Capterra reviewers praise OpenSCAD as free, open source, quick to learn for code-oriented users and effective for parameterized designs.Read 14 Oct 2026 · capterra.com

Rating on Capterra

4.0 out of 5 from 3 reviewsRead 14 Oct 2026 · capterra.com

Rating on G2

4.3 out of 5 from 31 reviewsRead 14 Oct 2026 · g2.com

Release security

Official binaries are accompanied by GnuPG signatures and a published OpenSCAD signing key fingerprint.Read 14 Oct 2026 · openscad.org

Render engine

built-inRead 21 Sep 2026 · openscad.org

Reusable libraries

OpenSCAD supports external code files and libraries through include and use directives, and the official site maintains a libraries section.Read 14 Oct 2026 · files.openscad.org

Sculpting tools

NoRead 21 Sep 2026 · openscad.org

Source build

The project documents building from source with a C++ toolchain and prerequisite libraries, and provides source archives and GitHub code.Read 14 Oct 2026 · openscad.org

Support channels

Bug reports and feature requests are directed to the GitHub issue tracker, with mailing-list or forum discussion suggested for questions.Read 14 Oct 2026 · files.openscad.org

System requirements

The stable download page lists macOS 10.9 or newer and Windows 7 or newer on 32-bit or 64-bit x86.Read 14 Oct 2026 · openscad.org

Transforms and geometry

Built-in operations cover translation, rotation, mirroring, scaling, resizing, offsetting, Minkowski sums and hulls.Read 14 Oct 2026 · files.openscad.org

Web build limitation

The experimental WebAssembly build runs in a browser but is described as slow and lacking preview, fonts and a built-in GUI.Read 7 Oct 2026 · openscad.org

WebAssembly build

An experimental WebAssembly package can run in a browser, but the official page says it is slow and lacks preview, fonts and a built-in GUI.Read 14 Oct 2026 · openscad.org

Who it is for

The site describes it as suited to creating machine parts and says it is not focused on creating computer-animated movies.Read 7 Oct 2026 · openscad.org

Plans and prices

Every OpenSCAD plan and price →

Where Specifiction places it

• 3D modeling software#22 of 1478.8
• 3D CAD Software#15 of 798.4
• Engineering Design Software#5 of 248.5
• 3D Design Software#10 of 268.6
• CAD software#14 of 318.3