OpenSCAD vs SolveSpace

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

Its standout features include Parametric 2D sketching, 3D solid modeling, Assembly modeling, 2D drawing generation, Boolean operations, Dimensioning and constraints, STEP, IGES, and STL export, and it shines with pros like Free and open source, Intuitive and easy to use interface, Powerful CAD capabilities, Active development and community support.

To help you make an informed decision, we've compiled a comprehensive comparison of these two products, delving into their features, pros, cons, pricing, and more. Get ready to explore the nuances that set them apart and determine which one is the perfect fit for your requirements.

OpenSCAD

OpenSCAD

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.

Categories:
open-source free 3d-modeling cad scriptbased programming-language define-geometry

OpenSCAD Features

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

Pricing

  • Open Source

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


SolveSpace

SolveSpace

SolveSpace is a free, open source 2D and 3D CAD software for designing and analyzing mechanical designs and assemblies. It has an intuitive user interface with key features like constraint-based sketching, extruding, dimensioning, sectioning, and visualization.

Categories:
cad 3d-modeling mechanical-design

SolveSpace Features

  1. Parametric 2D sketching
  2. 3D solid modeling
  3. Assembly modeling
  4. 2D drawing generation
  5. Boolean operations
  6. Dimensioning and constraints
  7. STEP, IGES, and STL export

Pricing

  • Free
  • Open Source

Pros

Free and open source

Intuitive and easy to use interface

Powerful CAD capabilities

Active development and community support

Cons

Limited compared to paid CAD options

Lacks some advanced modeling tools

Minimal documentation and learning resources