What is OpenSCAD?
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.
OpenSCAD pricing
We don't have OpenSCAD's full plan breakdown yet (its pricing page resisted automated reading). Here's what we could confirm. Always check live pricing for exact numbers.
Free and open source under GPL v2
Platform & deployment
Independently observed- macOS
- Web
- Linux
- Windows
- Self-hosted
OpenSCAD alternatives
Other cad software we track, ranked by the same independent score.
- FreeCADlow · 35%
- Rhinoceros 3DMulti-industry 3D modeling software for creating precise designs ready for productionlow · 26%
- Altium DesignerIntegrated desktop software for creating circuit designs and PCB layouts with cloud-based team collaborationlow · 43%
- SketchUp3D modeling tool for architects and builders to create professional designslow · 34%
Compare OpenSCAD
Side by side against other cad software, attribute by attribute, with a source on every value.
The Vioscale score: one lens on the evidence
Not user reviews and not a paid placement: a confidence-weighted blend of the independent signals below (adoption, activity, security posture, and more), which you can sort and re-weight yourself. Vendors can correct their listing but can never move their rank, and stars are weighted low as a vanity metric. It is one way to read the evidence for OpenSCAD, not the verdict.
| Signal | Score | Weight | Contribution | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Release cadence | 93 | 0.05 | 4.9 | ✓ |
| Development activity | 43 | 0.09 | 4.0 | ✓ |
| Security score | 57 | 0.04 | 2.4 | ✓ |
| Stars | 76 | 0.03 | 2.0 | ✓ |
| Capabilities | 0 | 0.08 | 0.0 | - |
| Integrations | 0 | 0.07 | 0.0 | - |
| Dependent projects | 0 | 0.06 | 0.0 | - |
| Security posture | 0 | 0.07 | 0.0 | - |
| Package downloads | 0 | 0.14 | 0.0 | - |
| Developer Q&A activity | 0 | 0.06 | 0.0 | - |
Computed . Re-weight it by intent, or see the full method.
All data & sourcesshow ↓
Every value we hold, with its source, retrieval date, and confidence. This is the evidence behind the score: don't trust it, verify it.
Activity
| Attribute | Value | Evidence |
|---|---|---|
| Commits last 30d | 22 | mediumsource · 2026-08-26 · 65% |
Adoption
| Attribute | Value | Evidence |
|---|---|---|
| Github stars | 10,020 | highsource · 2026-08-26 · 90% |
Language
| Attribute | Value | Evidence |
|---|---|---|
| Primary | C++ | highsource · 2026-08-26 · 90% |
Pricing
Release
Security
| Attribute | Value | Evidence |
|---|---|---|
| Scorecard | 5.7 | highsource · 2026-08-26 · 90% |