OpenSCAD
3D modelling by writing a short description of the object instead of drawing it.
Our verdict
OpenSCAD takes an unusual approach. Instead of drawing an object, you write a short description of it and the program builds the shape. The project describes itself as a 3D compiler rather than a modeller, which is a fair way to put it.
For 3D printing and small mechanical parts this works nicely. A bracket defined by a few numbers can be resized for a different bolt in seconds. Many free printable designs online are published as OpenSCAD files for exactly that reason.
It is a poor fit if you want to sketch and drag shapes with a mouse. That is what FreeCAD is for. It also exports STL for printing and reads DXF for 2D outlines.
What's good
- Designs are defined by numbers you can change later, which suits parts and 3D printing
- Tiny download, runs on nearly any machine, and free
- Designs are plain text, so they are easy to back up, share and adjust
What to know first
- You describe the object in a script rather than drawing it, which suits some people and not others
- No mouse-driven modelling tools at all
- Not suited to organic or artistic shapes
The details
- Cost
- Free
- Open source
- Yes (GPL-2.0)
- How you install it
- App store (Flatpak), AppImage download, Built-in app store
Windows apps it can replace
Last checked . Sources: