OpenSCAD vs SOLIDWORKS

Struggling to choose between OpenSCAD and SOLIDWORKS? 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, SOLIDWORKS is a Development product tagged with 3d-modeling, cad, design, simulation, manufacturing.

Its standout features include 3D CAD modeling, Assembly design, 2D drafting, Simulation and analysis, Data management, Manufacturing tools, and it shines with pros like User-friendly interface, Powerful modeling capabilities, Integrated design ecosystem, Wide range of add-ons and customizations, Large user community and resources.

Feature	OpenSCAD	SOLIDWORKS
Overall Score	N/A	N/A
Primary Category	Development	Development

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.

SOLIDWORKS

Description: SOLIDWORKS is a 3D CAD software used for modeling and designing products and parts. It provides tools for sketching, 3D part and assembly modeling, generating 2D drawings, simulation and analysis, data management, and manufacturing. SOLIDWORKS aims to increase productivity and easy of use.

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

SOLIDWORKS Features

• 3D CAD modeling
• Assembly design
• 2D drafting
• Simulation and analysis
• Data management
• Manufacturing 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

SOLIDWORKS

Pros

• User-friendly interface
• Powerful modeling capabilities
• Integrated design ecosystem
• Wide range of add-ons and customizations
• Large user community and resources

Cons

• Steep learning curve
• Expensive licensing
• Proprietary file format
• Hardware requirements can be demanding

Pricing Comparison

OpenSCAD

• Open Source

SOLIDWORKS

• Subscription
• Volume licensing
• Academic licensing