OpenSCAD vs Autodesk 123D Design

Struggling to choose between OpenSCAD and Autodesk 123D Design? Both products offer unique advantages, making it a tough decision.

OpenSCAD is a Development solution with tags like open-source, free, 3d-modeling, cad, scriptbased, programming-language, define-geometry.

It boasts features such as Script-based modeling using a C-like programming language, Support for constructive solid geometry, Parametric modeling capabilities, Ability to export 3D models in STL and CSG formats, Customizable user-defined modules and functions, Command line interface and preview window for iterative modeling, Open source and completely free to use and pros including Very powerful for programmatic and parametric modeling, No limit on complexity, resolution, or size of models, Full control over the modeling process through scripting, Great for algorithmic modeling and repeating/iterative designs, Actively developed and maintained open source project.

On the other hand, Autodesk 123D Design is a Photos & Graphics product tagged with 3d, cad, modeling, design, prototyping.

Its standout features include 3D modeling and CAD design, Intuitive and easy-to-use interface, Various 3D design and modeling tools, Ability to create complex 3D models and prototypes, Importing and editing STL files, Photo-based 3D scanning, 3D printing support, Collaboration tools, and it shines with pros like Free to use, Easy to learn and use, Powerful modeling capabilities, Supports 3D printing, Allows collaboration.

Feature	OpenSCAD	Autodesk 123D Design
Overall Score	N/A	N/A
Primary Category	Development	Photos & Graphics

Product Overview

OpenSCAD

Description: OpenSCAD is an open source, free 3D modeling software used for creating solid 3D CAD models. It is script-based and uses a programming language to define the geometry of models rather than an interactive graphical interface.

Autodesk 123D Design

Description: Autodesk 123D Design is a free 3D modeling and CAD software that allows users to create 3D models and prototypes. It has an easy-to-use interface and various 3D design and modeling tools for creating complex shapes and structures.

Key Features Comparison

OpenSCAD Features

• Script-based modeling using a C-like programming language
• Support for constructive solid geometry
• Parametric modeling capabilities
• Ability to export 3D models in STL and CSG formats
• Customizable user-defined modules and functions
• Command line interface and preview window for iterative modeling
• Open source and completely free to use

Autodesk 123D Design Features

• 3D modeling and CAD design
• Intuitive and easy-to-use interface
• Various 3D design and modeling tools
• Ability to create complex 3D models and prototypes
• Importing and editing STL files
• Photo-based 3D scanning
• 3D printing support
• Collaboration tools

Pros & Cons Analysis

OpenSCAD

Pros

• Very powerful for programmatic and parametric modeling
• No limit on complexity, resolution, or size of models
• Full control over the modeling process through scripting
• Great for algorithmic modeling and repeating/iterative designs
• Actively developed and maintained open source project

Cons

• Steep learning curve for new users
• Text-based interface is not intuitive for graphical modeling
• Lack of interactive direct modeling tools
• More difficult for organic and free-form shapes
• Limited community and resources compared to commercial CAD options

Autodesk 123D Design

Pros

• Free to use
• Easy to learn and use
• Powerful modeling capabilities
• Supports 3D printing
• Allows collaboration

Cons

• Limited compared to paid CAD software
• Occasional bugs and crashes
• Limited file export options
• No technical support

Pricing Comparison

OpenSCAD

• Open Source

Autodesk 123D Design

• Free