OpenSCAD vs ZBrush
OpenSCAD
openscad.org
ZBrush
maxon.netSide by side
| Figure | OpenSCAD | ZBrush |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | Yes |
| Open source | Yes | — |
| Web | Yes | — |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | — |
| iOS | — | Yes |
| API | Yes | Yes |
| Self-hosted | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 2 | 7 |
| Spec score · 3D modeling software | 8.8 (#22) | 9.3 (#2) |
| Spec score · 3D Design Software | 8.6 (#10) | 8.5 (#12) |
| Animation tools | Yes | Yes |
| File formats | It can use DXF outlines and parameters, and read and create 3D models in STL and OFF formats. | ZBrush imports and exports formats including OBJ, FBX, STL, PLY, DAE, ABC, 3MF and USD-related formats depending on edition and plugin. |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Integrations | The download page lists installation through MacPorts, Homebrew, WinGet and Linux distribution package managers, and provides Docker images. | GoZ connects ZBrush with Autodesk Maya, 3ds Max, Cinema 4D and other supported applications. |
| 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. | Independent reviewers repeatedly describe the desktop interface as unconventional, confusing or difficult for newcomers to learn. |
| Platform access | desktop | desktop |
| 3D print export | Yes | Yes |
| Rating on Capterra | 4.0 out of 5 from 3 reviews | 4.7 out of 5 from 37 reviews. |
| Rating on G2 | 4.3 out of 5 from 31 reviews | 4.7 out of 5 from 104 reviews. |
| Render engine | built-in | both |
| Sculpting tools | No | Yes |
| Support | The site directs users to community discussion on IRC, documentation, tutorials and a user manual. | Maxon provides a support center with knowledge-base articles, ticket support, installers, requirements, release notes, training and community forums. |
| System requirements | The stable download page lists macOS 10.9 or newer and Windows 7 or newer on 32-bit or 64-bit x86. | Minimum Windows requirements include 64-bit Windows 10 or 11, 4 GB RAM, 8 GB disk space, OpenGL 3.3 and Vulkan 1.1 support. |
| What it does | OpenSCAD creates solid 3D CAD models from script files rather than interactive drag-and-drop modeling. | ZBrush is a digital sculpting, modeling and painting application built around virtual-clay workflows. |
Plans
ZBrush
- ZBrush for iPad Free PlanFree
- ZBrush for iPad SubscriptionPrice not published
- ZBrush for iPad SubscriptionPriced on request
- ZBrush DesktopPrice not published
- ZBrush DesktopPriced on request
- ZBrush for iPad$33.25 a month
- ZBrush$399 a year
In their own words
ZBrush
ZBrush is a 3D sculpting and modeling application with desktop and iPad offerings. Its listed tools include sculpting, parametric modeling, animation, rendering and 3D print export. Desktop is listed for Windows and macOS, while a separate supported-platform list also includes Linux. The desktop plan includes ZBrush for iPad and advanced sculpting, modeling, rendering and export tools. Rendering is described as hybrid, with GPU and animation rendering and denoising. Listed workload areas include CPU and GPU rendering, ray tracing, shader execution and geometry processing. Other listed capabilities include rotoscoping, 3D camera tracking, custom test profiles and CLI or automation support. The listed result export formats are none documented, and results are not saved as a file. Headquarters are listed as both Bad Homburg vor der Höhe and Friedrichsdorf, Germany; the maker is listed as founded in 1986.