OpenSCAD 3D CAD Modeler

OpenSCAD is a free software application for creating solid 3D CAD objects designed specifically for programmers and engineers who prefer describing geometry through code rather than interactive modeling. Unlike most 3D modeling tools that provide visual manipulation of shapes, it uses a script-based approach where objects are defined through a domain-specific language combining 2D and 3D primitives, boolean operations, transformations, and mathematical functions. The software runs on Linux, Windows, and macOS and is particularly popular in the 3D printing community for creating parametric designs that can be easily customized by adjusting variables. Users define models using constructive solid geometry operations like union, difference, and intersection, combined with transformations such as translate, rotate, scale, mirror, and multmatrix. The language supports variables, functions, modules, list comprehensions, and conditional expressions, enabling complex procedural and parametric modeling. Models can be exported to STL and AMF formats for 3D printing, or to SVG for 2D cutting and laser engraving. The software provides a split-pane interface with a code editor on one side and a real-time 3D preview on the other, with automatic model updates as the script is modified. Advanced features include extrusion of 2D shapes into 3D, hull operations, minkowski sums, text generation, offset curves, and import of external 2D and 3D files. The project has participated in Google Summer of Code and maintains an active community across IRC, Mastodon, and Bluesky. Exported designs are widely shared on platforms like Printables, Thingiverse, and MakerWorld.