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CadQuery

Free plan APILinuxMacSelf-hostedWindows

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CadQuery's own site

What CadQuery is

CadQuery is a free Python library for creating parametric 3D CAD models with scripts. Changing parameters in code lets users revise designs while retaining a structured model. It supports fillets, curvilinear extrudes, parametric curves, lofts, nested assemblies, assembly design, and surface modeling. CadQuery can run without a graphical interface, including in servers and scientific or engineering scripts. Visualization uses trame and vtk, and documentation covers CQ-editor and JupyterLab integration. Files can be imported from DXF, STEP, XML (XCAF), and XBF. Export formats include DXF, SVG, STEP, STL, AMF, TJS, VRML, VTP, 3MF, glTF, XML (XCAF), and XBF. Installation is documented through conda or pip on Linux, macOS, and Windows. Python 3.9 and newer are supported. The project uses Apache Public License 2.0.

Who it suits

CadQuery suits Python users who need script-based parametric CAD, including server, scientific, or engineering workflows. It also fits teams exchanging models across many file formats.

What it does well

  • Script-based parametric model customization
  • Supports assemblies and surface modeling
  • Runs without a graphical interface
  • Broad import and export format support
  • Works on Linux, macOS, and Windows

What to know first

  • Python dependency support may lag on bleeding-edge releases
  • Conda is described as better tested than pip
  • No free trial is offered

Plans

PlanBilled and limitsPrice
Free and open sourcePython CAD library · Apache Public License 2.0Free

As cadquery.readthedocs.io lists them, read 11 Oct 2026. The maker's own page has the final word.

Getting started

  1. Open the CadQuery documentation website
  2. Install CadQuery with conda or pip
  3. Use Python 3.9 or newer on Linux, macOS, or Windows
  4. Create models by writing CadQuery scripts
  5. Connect the workflow with CQ-editor or JupyterLab if needed

Verdict

CadQuery provides a free, script-first route to parametric CAD with assemblies, surfaces, visualization, and extensive file exchange. Its no-GUI operation makes it usable in automated and engineering environments.

Questions

Is CadQuery free?

Yes. The listed plan is Free and open source at no cost, and the project uses Apache Public License 2.0.

Which systems can run CadQuery?

CadQuery can be installed through pip on Linux, macOS, and Windows. It is also listed for API and self-hosted use.

What files can it import?

Import formats include DXF, STEP, XML (XCAF), and XBF.

What files can it export?

Exports include DXF, SVG, STEP, STL, AMF, TJS, VRML, VTP, 3MF, glTF, XML (XCAF), and XBF.

Can CadQuery run without a GUI?

Yes. It can be used as a Python library in servers and scientific or engineering scripts.

Where can users get help?

Users can ask general questions in GitHub Discussions or the CadQuery Google Group. Some core maintainers offer consulting, training, code reviews, integration, custom features, and CAD automation.

Facts from CadQuery's own pages

Assembly design
Yes · github.com, 23 Sept 2026
File formats
The project lists STEP, DXF, STL, VRML, AMF, and 3MF among its supported output formats. · github.com, 11 Oct 2026
Free plan
Yes · github.com, 23 Sept 2026
Install options
The documentation describes installation with conda or pip and says conda is the better tested and more mature option. · cadquery.readthedocs.io, 11 Oct 2026
Integrations
CadQuery can be used with CQ-editor and JupyterLab, and its documentation provides instructions for both. · github.com, 11 Oct 2026
Intended use
The project says CadQuery can be used as a Python library without a GUI, including in servers and scientific or engineering scripts. · github.com, 11 Oct 2026
License
The repository states that CadQuery is licensed under the Apache Public License, version 2.0. · github.com, 11 Oct 2026
Modeling features
It supports fillets, curvilinear extrudes, parametric curves, lofts, and nested assemblies. · github.com, 11 Oct 2026
Modeling method
parametric · github.com, 23 Sept 2026
Parametric design
Its models can be customized by changing parameters in a script. · github.com, 11 Oct 2026
Professional services
Some core maintainers offer consulting for integration, custom features, training, code reviews, and CAD automation. · github.com, 11 Oct 2026
Python compatibility
The installation page says Python 3.9 and newer are supported, while warning that bleeding-edge Python may be affected by dependency support lag. · cadquery.readthedocs.io, 11 Oct 2026
Support
Users can ask general questions in GitHub Discussions or the CadQuery Google Group. · github.com, 11 Oct 2026
Supported platforms
Linux, macOS, Windows · github.com, 23 Sept 2026
Supported systems
The documentation says CadQuery can be installed via pip on Linux, macOS, and Windows. · cadquery.readthedocs.io, 11 Oct 2026
Visualization
CadQuery includes visualization capabilities using trame and vtk. · github.com, 11 Oct 2026
What it does
CadQuery is a Python library for building parametric 3D CAD models with scripts. · cadquery.readthedocs.io, 11 Oct 2026

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