OpenSCAD
A free, script-based 3D CAD tool for designing parametric solid models
- Also known as
- openscad
What is OpenSCAD?
A script-based 3D modeling tool that compiles design descriptions into solid models. It emphasizes parametric design and CAD applications over artistic rendering, supporting constructive solid geometry and 2D extrusion with support for DXF, STL, and OFF file formats.
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
What OpenSCAD does
The capabilities that matter for cad software, normalised so it lines up with every alternative. “-” means we haven't confirmed it, not that it's missing.
- Deployment model
- Native desktop local
- 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
- Completely free oss
Platform & deployment
Independently observed- CLI
- macOS
- Linux
- Windows
- Self-hosted
Security & compliance
Known vulnerabilities: 0 (0 in the last 12 months) sourcea count reflects scale & disclosure, not quality
OpenSCAD FAQ
Common questions about OpenSCAD, answered from independent, dated evidence.
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. It is indexed under CAD Software.
Source: https://openscad.org
Is OpenSCAD free to use?
OpenSCAD is open source, so it can be self-hosted and used at no licence cost. Pricing changes often, so verify at source before relying on it.
Source: https://openscad.org
What platforms does OpenSCAD support?
OpenSCAD supports the web, Windows, macOS and Linux. Platforms we have not confirmed are simply not listed here rather than ruled out.
Source: https://openscad.org
Can OpenSCAD be self-hosted?
Yes. OpenSCAD can be deployed self-hosted, so it does not have to run on the vendor's infrastructure.
Source: https://openscad.org
OpenSCAD alternatives
Other cad software we track, ranked by the same independent score.
- SketchUpIntuitive 3D design software for architects, builders, and designerslow · 34%
- FreeCADAn open-source application for designing and working with 3D parametric modelslow · 33%
- Altium DesignerDesktop PCB design application with integrated cloud collaborationmedium · 56%
- Rhinoceros 3DProfessional 3D modeling and design software for architects, designers, and engineerslow · 38%
Compare OpenSCAD
Side by side against other cad software, attribute by attribute, with a source on every value.
The vioscaleAI 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Development activity | 60 | 0.09 | 5.7 | ✓ |
| Release cadence | 93 | 0.05 | 4.9 | ✓ |
| Capabilities | 46 | 0.07 | 3.2 | ✓ |
| Security score | 52 | 0.04 | 2.2 | ✓ |
| Stars | 76 | 0.03 | 2.0 | ✓ |
| Integrations | 0 | 0.08 | 0.0 | - |
| Dependent projects | 0 | 0.06 | 0.0 | ✓ |
| Security posture | 0 | 0.06 | 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 | 81 | mediumsource · 2026-09-13 · 65% |
Adoption
Content
| Attribute | Value | Evidence |
|---|---|---|
| Faq | 4 items | mediumsource · 2026-09-10 · 60% |
Features
| Attribute | Value | Evidence |
|---|---|---|
| Capabilities | Pricing model: completely_free_oss · Deployment model: native_desktop_local · Dwg dxf autocad standard file import: Yes · Stl export for standardized 3d printing: Yes | mediumsource · 2026-10-14 · 60% |
Language
| Attribute | Value | Evidence |
|---|---|---|
| Primary | C++ | highsource · 2026-10-14 · 90% |
Pricing
Release
Security
Is OpenSCAD the right choice for you?
Tell us the job, the constraints and what you weigh most, and we will rank OpenSCAD against the rest of the cad software we index, using the same dated evidence weighted your way.
Free to run, no account needed to start. How the evaluation works
Is this your product?
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