OpenSCAD review

OpenSCAD takes a different approach from every other tool here: you do not drag geometry around, you write a script and OpenSCAD renders the object from it. The project describes itself as something like a 3D compiler, focused on the CAD side of modeling rather than the artistic side. Models are built with constructive solid geometry, combining and subtracting primitives, and by extruding 2D outlines, which can come from DXF files along with design parameters. It reads and writes STL and OFF, so output goes straight to a slicer. Because every dimension is a variable, it is ideal for configurable parts such as boxes, gears or mounts that others can resize, and many printable designs on Printables, Thingiverse and MakerWorld are published as OpenSCAD files. It is free software under the GPL version 2 and runs on Linux, Windows and Mac. If you do not want to code, it is the wrong tool, and it cannot help with organic shapes.

Who it is for

Makers and programmers who want parametric, code-defined parts for 3D printing.

Price

Free software under the GPL; no paid plan.

OpenSCAD is Free Software released under the General Public License version 2 .
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 10, 2026.

Key features

• Models defined in a script file and compiled into 3D
• Constructive solid geometry and extrusion of 2D outlines
• Reads DXF outlines and design parameters
• Reads and creates STL and OFF files
• Ready-made libraries and a browser playground prototype

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: Fully parametric: change one variable to resize a design
• Strength: Text files work well with version control
• Strength: Runs on Linux, Windows and Mac
• Weakness: Not an interactive modeler, so you must write code
• Weakness: Not suited to artistic or organic shapes
• Weakness: Fewer export formats than FreeCAD

Key facts

• Price: Free, GPL version 2
• Modeling type: Script-based CSG and extrusion
• Platforms: Linux, Windows, Mac
• File formats: STL, OFF, DXF

Where it ranks

OpenSCAD is No. 7 in our Best Free 3D Modeling Software verdict.