OpenSCAD Alternatives
OpenSCAD
OpenSCAD is a software for creating solid 3D CAD objects. It is free software and available for Linux/UNIX, MS Windows and MacOS.
Unlike most free software for creating 3D models (such as the famous application Blender) it does not focus on the artistic aspects of 3D modelling but instead on the CAD aspects. Thus it might be the application you are looking for when you are planning to create 3D models of machine parts but pretty sure is not what you are looking for when you are more interested in creating computer-animated movies.
OpenSCAD is not an interactive modeller. Instead it is something like a 3D-compiler that reads in a script file that describes the object and renders the 3D model from this script file. This gives you (the designer) full control over the modelling process and enables you to easily change any step in the modelling process or make designes that are defined by configurable parameters.
OpenSCAD provides two main modelling techniques: First there is constructive solid geometry (aka CSG) and second there is extrusion of 2D outlines. As data exchange format for this 2D outlines Autocad DXF files are used. In addition to 2D paths for extrusion it is also possible to read design parametes from DXF files. Besides DXF files OpenSCAD can read and create 3D models in the STL and OFF file formats.
Best OpenSCAD Alternatives
Need an alternative to OpenSCAD? Read on. We've looked at the best OpenSCAD alternatives available for Windows, Mac and Android.
FreeCAD
FreeOpen SourceMacWindowsLinuxFreeCAD is a general purpose parametric 3D CAD modeler. The development is completely Open Source (LGPL License). FreeCAD is aimed directly at mechanical engineering and...
Features:
- 3D modelling
- Parametric Modeling
- Computer-aided manufacturing (CAM)
- DWG support
- FEM
- Procedural modeling
- Windows XP Compatibility
- 3d Drawing
- Bim
- Drawing 2D
Autodesk AutoCAD
CommercialMacWindowsWebAndroidiPhoneiPadProfessional 2D and 3D CAD software with specialized tools for use across design and engineering disciplines.
Features:
- Drawing 2D
- DWG support
- Batch plotting
BRL-CAD
FreeOpen SourceMacWindowsLinuxOpen source 3D geometry modeling system with a robust feature set developed over 20 years.
Features:
- Benchmark analytics
- Image Processing
- 3D modelling
MeshLab
FreeOpen SourceMacWindowsLinuxAndroidiPhoneAndroid TabletiPadSystem for processing and editing 3D triangular meshes, provides a set of tools for editing, cleaning, healing, inspecting, rendering, texturing and converting meshes.
PTC Creo
CommercialWindowsCreo Elements/Pro – formerly Pro/ENGINEER – is the standard in 3D product design, featuring state-of-the-art productivity tools that promote best practices in design...
Features:
- CAE
- Computer-aided manufacturing (CAM)
Antimony
FreeOpen SourceMacLinuxCAD tool from a parallel universe in which CAD software evolved from Lisp machines rather than drafting tables.
Autodesk 123D Design
Free PersonalMacWindowsiPad123D Design is a free, powerful, yet simple 3D creation and editing tool which supports many new 3D printers.
OpenJSCAD.org
FreeOpen SourceWebSelf-HostedOpenSCAD + JavaScript = OpenJSCAD, edit locally or remote online, preview in browser direct via WebGL.
Dust3D
FreeOpen SourceMacWindowsLinuxDust3D is a cross-platform open-source modeling software. It helps you create a 3D watertight model in seconds. Use it to speed up your character modeling in game...
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