DesignSpark Mechanical vs OwlCAD
DesignSpark Mechanical
rs-online.com
OwlCAD
owlcad.comSide by side
| Figure | DesignSpark Mechanical | OwlCAD |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | Yes | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | — | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | — | Yes |
| Linux | — | Yes |
| Plans published | 3 | 2 |
| Spec score · 3D CAD Software | 8.3 (#19) | 8.6 (#9) |
| Assembly design | Yes | Yes |
| Cloud collaboration | No | Yes |
| File import and export | Explorer imports RSDOC, RSDOCX, DSPCB IDF, TXT, JPG, BMP, PNG; exports RSDOCX, STL, OBJ, 3D PDF. Creator/Engineer also import OBJ, SKP, DXF, DWG, STEP, IGES, AVI, WMV, MKV; export AMF, DXF, DWG, STEP, IGES, GLB/GLTF, OBJ, VDB, 3D PDF, SKP, STL, XAML, JPG, PNG. | Import/export: STL, 3MF, OBJ, GLB, STEP, SVG and DXF; OpenSCAD .scad and .csg import |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Modeling method | The software uses gesture-based direct modeling with push-pull tools. | parametric |
| Supported platforms | Windows 10 (64-bit), Windows 11 (64-bit), Windows Server 2016 and 2019 (64-bit) | Web browser; Windows, macOS and Linux |
Plans
DesignSpark Mechanical
- ExplorerFree
- CreatorPrice not published
- EngineerPrice not published
In their own words
DesignSpark Mechanical
DesignSpark Mechanical has no write-up on Specifiction yet; its figures are above.
OwlCAD
OwlCAD is a parametric CAD tool for modeling 3D objects and assemblies in a browser or on Windows, macOS, and Linux. Its editor, modeling features, customizer, and file import and export are free forever, and every plan includes commercial rights to sell prints and files. The browser version requires no installation and can be opened without an account. OwlCAD imports and exports STL, 3MF, OBJ, GLB, STEP, SVG, and DXF files, and imports OpenSCAD SCAD and CSG files. Cloud projects autosave and keep version histories that can be rolled back. Projects are private by default; read-only share links, embeds, and comments can be enabled. Print preparation tools check mesh watertightness, repair geometry, estimate filament cost, and split oversized parts, with profiles for Ender 3, Prusa, and Bambu Lab. Published models can expose dimensions, counts, and text as browser sliders for downloadable print-ready versions. Pro adds AI generation and editing, monthly credits, and MCP access for use with Claude Code, Claude Desktop, Cursor, and other MCP clients.