# OpenSCAD vs SketchUp

| Attribute | OpenSCAD | SketchUp |
|---|---|---|
| **Vioscale score** | 61.9 (14% (low)) | 44.1 (34% (low)) |
| activity.commits_last_30d | 22 | - |
| adoption.github_stars | 10,020 | - |
| deployment.options | `{"self_hosted":true}` | `{"cloud":true,"hybrid":true}` |
| description.long | An open-source programming-based tool for creating precise 3D CAD models. Rather than using graphical design interfaces, it uses a scripting language to define 3D objects mathematically, making it ideal for parametric modeling and technical design. | Software for creating and visualizing 3D models used by architects, builders, and designers, with AI-powered features for generating realistic renderings and 3D objects. |
| features.capabilities | - | `{"pricing_model":"flat_monthly_subscription","deployment_model":"cloud_processing_hybrid","fea_stress_and_thermal_simulation":false,"parametric_history_based_timeline":false,"pcb_electrical_circuit_design_sync":false,"cam_toolpath_generation_cnc_milling":false,"dwg_dxf_autocad_standard_file_import":true,"bim_architectural_information_modeling":true,"2d_drafting_and_dimensioning_blueprints":true,"nurbs_and_surface_mathematical_modeling":false,"stl_export_for_standardized_3d_printing":true}` |
| language.primary | C++ | - |
| market.availability | - | `{"primaryMarkets":[],"availabilityScope":"global","availableCountries":[],"notAvailableCountries":[]}` |
| platform.support | `{"mac":true,"web":true,"linux":true,"windows":true}` | `{"ios":true,"mac":true,"web":true,"windows":true}` |
| pricing | `{"type":"open_source","summary":"Free and open source under GPL v2","freeTier":true,"sourceUrl":"https://openscad.org","retrievedAt":"2026-08-18T12:56:31.877Z"}` | `{"type":"subscription","plans":[{"free":true,"name":"Free","description":"Web-based version with basic modeling and AI assistant access","contactSales":false},{"free":false,"name":"Go","contactSales":false},{"free":false,"name":"Pro","contactSales":false},{"free":false,"name":"Studio","description":"For higher education","contactSales":false}],"addOns":[{"name":"SketchUp AI","components":[{"kind":"fixed","amount":11.99,"period":"month","currency":"USD"}]}],"summary":"Free web version available; paid subscriptions at monthly or annual rates; AI add-on at $11.99/month","currency":"USD","freeTier":true,"sourceUrl":"https://sketchup.trimble.com/fr/plans-and-pricing/sketchup-ai","retrievedAt":"2026-08-25T08:33:46.252Z","freeTrialDays":7,"billingPeriods":["month","year"]}` |
| pricing.free_tier | yes | yes |
| pricing.model | open_source | freemium |
| pricing.price_level | free | low |
| pricing.transparent | yes | no |
| release.cadence_days | 12 | - |
| release.history | `[{"url":"https://github.com/openscad/openscad/releases/tag/openscad-2021.01","date":"2021-02-07T00:14:34Z","type":"stable","version":"openscad-2021.01"},{"url":"https://github.com/openscad/openscad/releases/tag/openscad-2019.05","date":"2019-05-13T01:57:03Z","type":"stable","version":"openscad-2019.05"},{"url":"https://github.com/openscad/openscad/releases/tag/openscad-2015.03","date":"2015-03-10T20:59:43Z","type":"stable","version":"openscad-2015.03"},{"url":"https://github.com/openscad/openscad/releases/tag/openscad-2014.03","date":"2014-03-09T22:14:17Z","type":"stable","version":"openscad-2014.03"},{"url":"https://github.com/openscad/openscad/releases/tag/openscad-2013.06","date":"2014-02-24T01:13:53Z","type":"stable","version":"openscad-2013.06"},{"url":"https://github.com/openscad/openscad/releases/tag/openscad-2013.01","date":"2014-02-25T06:44:17Z","type":"stable","version":"openscad-2013.01"},{"url":"https://github.com/openscad/openscad/releases/tag/openscad-2011.12","date":"2014-02-25T06:44:12Z","type":"stable","version":"openscad-2011.12"},{"url":"https://github.com/openscad/openscad/releases/tag/openscad-2011.06","date":"2014-02-25T06:44:10Z","type":"stable","version":"openscad-2011.06"},{"url":"https://github.com/openscad/openscad/releases/tag/openscad-2011.04","date":"2014-02-25T06:44:08Z","type":"stable","version":"openscad-2011.04"},{"url":"https://github.com/openscad/openscad/releases/tag/openscad-2010.05","date":"2014-02-25T06:43:57Z","type":"stable","version":"openscad-2010.05"},{"url":"https://github.com/openscad/openscad/releases/tag/openscad-2010.02","date":"2014-02-25T06:43:42Z","type":"stable","version":"openscad-2010.02"}]` | - |
| security.iso27001 | - | yes |
| security.scorecard | 5.7 | - |

## Capabilities (CAD Software)

| Capability | OpenSCAD | SketchUp |
|---|:--:|:--:|
| **Capabilities** |  |  |
| Deployment model | - | Cloud processing hybrid |
| Parametric history based timeline | - | ✗ |
| Nurbs and surface mathematical modeling | - | ✗ |
| 2d drafting and dimensioning blueprints | - | ✓ |
| Cam toolpath generation cnc milling | - | ✗ |
| Bim architectural information modeling | - | ✓ |
| Fea stress and thermal simulation | - | ✗ |
| Pcb electrical circuit design sync | - | ✗ |
| Stl export for standardized 3d printing | - | ✓ |
| Dwg dxf autocad standard file import | - | ✓ |
| SOC2 type ii | - | - |
| ISO 27001 | - | - |
| Pricing model | - | Flat monthly subscription |

*Source: Vioscale. Generated 2026-09-01T14:44:41.397Z. "-" = undocumented, not absent.*