OpenSCAD calls itself “The Programmers Solid 3D CAD Modeller”. It is free software for creating solid 3D CAD objects, but it is not an interactive modeller. Instead, it works like a 3D compiler: you write a script that describes the object, and OpenSCAD renders the model from it. It uses two main techniques, constructive solid geometry (combining and subtracting shapes) and extrusion of 2D outlines. It reads and writes STL and OFF 3D files and can use DXF files for 2D outlines and design parameters.
The project is clear about who it is for: people creating models of machine parts, not people making animated films. Its home page points to OpenSCAD designs shared on Printables, Thingiverse and MakerWorld.
Stable release or nightly build?
The latest stable release is 2021.01, released on 31 January 2021. The downloads page also offers nightly development snapshots and says they include all the new features and improvements, such as the new Manifold geometry engine, which you can enable in Preferences for a large performance boost. Choose the stable release if you need a fixed version; choose a nightly build for the newest features.
How to get the official version
- Windows (7 or newer): 64-bit or 32-bit installer or zip. Also through winget:
winget install --id=OpenSCAD.OpenSCAD -e, as shown on the official page. - macOS (OS X 10.9 or newer): a 64-bit Intel DMG, or MacPorts and Homebrew.
- Linux: packages in most distributions (Debian, Ubuntu with an optional PPA, Fedora, openSUSE, Arch), plus x86_64 and ARM64 AppImages, Snap and Flatpak.
Official checksums (2021.01)
| File | SHA-256 |
|---|---|
| OpenSCAD-2021.01-x86-64-Installer.exe | fbe1e590e1af2af863f5d92bd263eb4644d0ee29352e3ab566366e87a8f6ed12 |
| OpenSCAD-2021.01-x86-64.zip | fb0caabf5bbc89f8f2f80c10b79ae64d697aaff6efd58b2756f5d6270edb7ba7 |
| OpenSCAD-2021.01.dmg | 4e4568e19992636ba497c04bc2238399c92314fcb7bf75dc3632aa623ca3635e |
| OpenSCAD-2021.01-x86_64.AppImage | f758528f2cd213f773c7a105fb63bf3b45bf754b0f586fbb7c9cd653ffcd0882 |
These come from the .sha256 files on files.openscad.org. Binaries are also signed with the OpenSCAD developers’ GnuPG key.
Price and account
OpenSCAD is free software under the GPL. No account, ads or paid tier.
Questions
Do I need to know programming?
Some. Models are written in OpenSCAD’s own language. The site links a tutorial, a cheat sheet of modules and functions, and ready-made libraries.
Is there an Apple Silicon build?
The 2021.01 stable DMG is for Intel Macs. Check the development snapshots section for newer macOS builds.
Can I use my OpenSCAD models in a slicer?
Yes. Export to STL and open the file in a slicer such as PrusaSlicer or UltiMaker Cura.
