OpenSCAD: The Programmer's Solid 3D CAD Modeller

OpenSCAD is a specialized piece of free software designed for the construction of solid 3D CAD entities. Unlike traditional modellers, it is tailored specifically for those who prefer a programmatic approach to design.

🛠️ System Compatibility

OpenSCAD is cross-platform and can be installed on the following operating systems:

This is not a manual drawing tool. It is a code-driven engine.

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🌐 Community & Connection

If you want to engage with other users or stay updated, utilize these channels:

• Real-time Chat: Join the humans at #openscad via the libera.chat IRC network.
• Social Media: Follow the project on Mastodon.
• Design Hubs: Discover existing creations on:
  • Printables
  • Thingiverse
  • Makerworld

📚 Learning Path & Resources

Whether you are a novice or an expert, there are various ways to master the software:

• Get Started: Review the official Tutorial.
• Reference: Consult the Cheat Sheet for a quick overview of functions and modules.
• Deep Dive: Explore the Libraries for pre-made building blocks.
• Academic Study: Browse the comprehensive List of books.

Featured Literature:

• This is OpenSCAD — authored by Roberto Hamm.
• The OpenSCAD User Manual and Tutorial hosted on Wikibooks.

Latest News: Check out the fascinating article regarding the creation of a Braiding Machine from Code.

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💻 Interactive Prototyping

You don't need to install the software to try it out. You can use the OpenSCAD Playground directly within your WebBrowser.

Technical Logic

In OpenSCAD, an object is defined by its coordinates in 3D space, often represented as: $\text{Point } P = (x, y, z)$

The workflow follows a linear progression:

Example Syntax

To create a simple cube, you would use a module like this:

// This creates a 10mm cube
cube([10, 10, 10], center = true);

Quick Links: Download OpenSCAD | Other OSs and Versions